Mini-Reviews: Summerland, Ladies in Black, Mary, Queen of Scots

Accidentally, this set of mini-reviews has a period drama theme. What can I say, a girl likes what she likes!

variety.com

Summerland

Words can barely describe how perfect this film is. Honestly, it was just beautiful. I've been a fan of several of Gemma Arterton's works for quite a while now, and so I was excited to see this one even though I didn't know too much about it to start. Actually, I don't even believe I had watched the trailer for it! But after seeing it, I was moved by it in so many ways. It was a lovely story, beautifully filmed and acted, and it has stuck with me for months after. I would absolutely recommend it many times over.

netflix.com

Ladies in Black

This movie was...fine. I really loved Angourie Rice in Every Day, and I can't fault her on her performance here, nor that of Rachael Taylor. Overall though, I just didn't really attach to it much. If it's on, I wouldn't be against watching it again, but I wouldn't actively seek it out to view it.

theguardian.com

Mary, Queen of Scots

You might know that I'm a huge Tudor history lover, so I watched this rather cautiously. A lot of the films and shows that come out regarding this time period I avoid like the plague because I can get very hung-up on the lack of historical accuracy, and I instead prefer documentaries (if you know Lucy Worsley, know that I adore her). You know the saying "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all"? Let's just say that the music is gorgeous, and Saoirse Ronan does a decent job. Does that tell you enough? Shockingly I finished it...I must have been very strong that day.

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Have you seen any of these? What do you think? Are you a stickler for details in historical pieces, or are you fine with some creative license?

Period Drama: Gunpowder

nytimes.com

What It's About:

Remember, remember the fifth of November...

Guy Fawkes might be the name you think of when talking about the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, but its story starts with Robert Catesby. This three part mini-series details the circumstances, plotting and planning from lead architect Catesby, and how he puts together perhaps the most famous royal assassination attempt in British history. 

TV Shows - October 2020 - April 2021(Part 2)

Welcome to Part 2 of what I've been watching the past several months! I don't think I've forgotten anything, but you never know. I watched a bit of a mix of things, but as always, it is a bit period drama heavy (surprise, surprise, eh?). Problem is though, that now I'm not sure what to watch next! If you have any suggestions, please feel free to let me know! I have a few ideas, but nothing really has me excited yet.

tvfanatic.com

New Girl - Season 1, 2

I started casually watching this for the first time (I know, I know, super late to the party), and I definitely like it. I'm halfway or so through season 3, and I've slowed down on it a lot, but it's a nice time passer when you want something to watch during dinner or to unwind where you don't have to think too much. I'll probably continue watching it, but I'm also not stressed out if I don't.

wkno.org

The Forsyte Saga (2002) - Season 1

I DNF'd this one about halfway through the first season. It's not that it was bad, but I just found the content overall to be relentlessly depressing, and it really wasn't the best for my mental health. I might revisit it in a few years, but it wasn't great "pandemic watching" for me. I think I'd probably really enjoy the book though.

TV Shows - October 2020 - April 2021(Part 1)

It might have been a while since I've done an update on the shows I've been watching, but I have been experiencing a real mix of things on television. Since I was only really watching one thing at a time, I didn't really have enough to do monthly updates, and then after that I didn't really know where to start! So over the next while I'll give you some mini-reviews on what I've been viewing so that we can get all caught up.

radiotimes.com

Bridgerton - Season 1

I devoured Bridgerton. Did I like it? Absolutely. Do I think it was good? No, no I don't. But it was fun, and addictive, and I definitely recommend it if you need a distraction from real life for several hours. Just...don't have any expectations about historical accuracy or anything (think The CW's Reign), or you will instantly hate it.

tvacute.com

The Spanish Princess - Season 1

I loved this. I have an absolute obsession with Tudor history, and a particular adoration of Elizabeth I and Catherine of Aragon. So, a show diving right in on Catherine and the tumultuous time between her journey to England and marriage to Henry VIII? I was excited, but also feeling very cautious. I think they did a brilliant job with it - keeping both to her character and Henry's, and also keeping it feeling historically accurate. I'm really looking forward to watching the next season.

Mini-Reviews: Their Finest, Isn't It Romantic?, Penelope

theguardian.com

Their Finest

I think I need to rewatch this one going forwards. It has all of the makings of a film I would really enjoy, but I just didn't find it absorbing. It was good, to be sure, but I found it quite slow, and found myself zoning out a bit and not truly engaged. I love Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin, and Bill Nighy, and the plot is right up my alley, but it felt like something was missing for me. For now, I'm going to put this down to the fact that I was tired and the week I watched it was all over the place. If you've seen it, let me know what you thought! Oh, it's also based on a book, "Their Finest Hour and a Half" by Lissa Evans. I haven't read it though, so I don't know if the film is an accurate representation.

variety.com

Isn't It Romantic?

Okay, now colour me surprised by this one. Although I like romantic comedies to some extent (unless they are too goofy), I have shied away from many that have come out in the past several years unless they were the teen ones like To All the Boys I've Loved Before, and that sort of thing. However, I was in the mood for something light, and that wasn't going to be a long commitment, so, since the premise was interesting, I decided to give this one a go. And I actually quite enjoyed it! Quirky and humourous, but not overdone, I found this one to be a lovely time passer. Although it won't be an annual classic or anything for me, I would definitely watch it again, and would recommend it for sure if you are a fan of the genre. It's just different enough that you don't feel like you are watching a carbon copy of other films, pokes fun at them just the right amount, but still delivers in the way you want your romantic comedies to deliver.

nytimes.com

Penelope

This movie was exactly what I needed. I thought for a long time that it was going to be overdone and a total farce, but it wasn't. Definitely that cute and motivational modern-day fairytale we all need right now. Quite an interesting cast on this one, but it works. Not a lot to say here, but if you need something fun, light, and sweet (but less cheesy than a Hallmark movie - not to knock those, I watch them too from time to time!), then I think this is a great way to pass an afternoon.

Period Drama: The Queen's Gambit

 

denofgeek.com

I feel like I need to just write this at the beginning of half of my reviews, but, "I originally avoided this one." I really enjoy chess, and used to play it a lot in my youth, but haven't really had too many opportunities to pick it up again since I was a teenager. Although I was interested in the concept of this Netflix Original, it got a lot of hype, and quickly. I worried that it would be either: too glossy and not truly focused on chess at all, or too much of a stereotype. I am thrilled to report that I didn't find either of these things to be true.

Blog-Along: Little Women (2019)

There couldn't possibly be more spoilers in one of my posts than there are in this one! I've done this blog-along with a lot more detail than past ones. No, unfortunately it doesn't have time stamps (I watched it on my television DVD player rather than my computer), but as this is a story that many people are familiar with by now, I figured that would be okay.

sonypictures.com

Now, if you know anything about me, my opinions on Little Women are, well...pretty strong. I have watched so many adaptations of it, and it has always been a part of my life. So when a new version of it comes out, I am going to go over it with a fine tooth comb. Want to know my thoughts about the most recent adaptation (2019 - Saorise Ronan, Timothée Chalamet)? Read on! Don't want spoilers? Maybe wait until you've seen it.

Enjoy!

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February/March 2020 Update

The funny thing about being in isolation during a pandemic...you think you would blog more, right? Nope. It's been very hard to find motivation. So, here's me trying - it's just a little late!

Started Watching:

miraculousladybug.wikia.com

Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir - season 2 & 3, started and finished

I love this show. I would be lying if I said I didn't. They released the next seasons on Netflix, and I watched multiple a day every day until I finished it. I barely paced myself. Yes, I do regret that now...but it was also totally worth it. It's cute and it makes me happy.

netflix.com

Maid-Sama! - started and finished

This one was cute. It took a little bit to get into, but I ended up finding it really fun, and overall relaxing. It switches between two animation styles a lot throughout the whole thing (the regular style, and the chibi style), which is effective in certain areas, but felt a little overdone to me.There were a few episodes that were a bit disjointed (and I was watching those while also playing on my phone), but overall well done. I got through the whole thing in a few days. The best part are the random fourth wall breaks, haha.

screenertv.com

Outlander - season 5
I started the fifth season, but I really wasn't feeling it. I missed one episode and all of my motivation left. I have some of them recorded, so I will likely just have a day where I blast through these, but I'm not sure. I might also just wait until it comes out on DVD. There's nothing wrong with the season (from what I saw...although my friend is further than me, and would disagree!), but I haven't read the book this season is based on, and I don't really care about this period in American history, so it's a double "meh" from me.

netflix.com

Unrequited Love

The Chinese dramas are back! I'm about ten episodes into this, I think? So a little under halfway, and have really liked it. We're getting into rocky territory though, so if it gets too depressing, I'll need to take a break during quarantine! Overall, it's been good though (even if it has brought up some past feelings!)

January 2020 Update

I'm getting my groove back! I'm feeling a lot better in general now, and getting back into watching television and movies, and reading. Not to say that some days I don't want to do anything...but I'm definitely on the right track to being in a better place mentally and emotionally. So...what did I watch?

Started Watching:

pbs.org

Sanditon - season 1
This started airing in Canada a few weeks ago, and I started watching it right away. I had already been watching clips of it on YouTube because it had been out in the UK (so yes, I know spoilers). It's based on an unfinished Jane Austen story, and although I haven't read it yet, I knew I wanted to watch it. Apparently her writing only covers the first episode or two of the series, but I'm interested to see where the showrunners take it. I'm definitely enjoying it so far, and will probably read the original sooner than otherwise planned. If you need a selling point other than a period drama by PBS based on an Austen work, it also has Theo James in it (Four in Divergent, Mr. Pamuk in Downton Abbey).

ca.ign.com

Howard's End
Some people may be very shocked to hear I am watching this. Others will be confused why I wouldn't want to, considering I love period dramas and Hayley Atwell. Well, I remember watching the 1992 film with Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins...and I despised the ending so much that it ruined the whole thing for me (we can chat about this in the comments if you'd like, but I'm trying to avoid spoilers!). Seeing this fresh adaptation, I thought it might be worth giving it another try - perhaps I just found that version didn't work for me. I'm a good chunk of the way through it now - there's only an episode or two left - and although I am really enjoying parts of it, other aspects seem to be a bit, well, all over the place. Except, I don't get the feeling that that is any fault of the actors or director, and simply a fault of the original work (I haven't read it though). A few of the characters (especially Ms. Schlegel's brother) are absolutely insufferable, and I can't stand their scenes. Hayley is wonderful though, and I am enjoying Matthew McFadyen and Philippa Coulthard in their roles as well. We'll see how I react to the ending this time...

screenertv.com

Outlander - season 1 (rewatch)
I needed something swoon-worthy. Honestly, one day I just didn't feel overly motivated and wanted to watch something that would just make me happy, and I went for Outlander. I've watched about 3/4 of the first season, and I might finish it, or I might not. I'm not worried - I've seen it more than once, and read the book. But it is just as good this time around.

October to December 2019 Update

Although I watched several movies over the past few months, I didn't end up watching a lot of television! I decided to combine everything from October through December into one big post to share what I have been watching. Look out for some mini-reviews about the movies later on.

Started Watching:

kpbs.org

Poldark - season 2, 3, 4 (started and finished all)
I whipped through watching the series for a second time - watching most of three seasons in about a month. I continued watching season 5 as it aired each week. I really enjoyed this series, especially the first three seasons, and will absolutely be recommending it to people (you all included!)

whats-on-netflix.com

Frontier - season 3
I'm so glad this season is finally on Netflix! Basically, I watched the first two seasons on Netflix after being unable to catch them on television (I didn't know when they were airing). When I finished them, I had to wait a little while for season three to air. I ended up barely missing it...literally missed an episode or two, so I waited the whole time for it to show up on Netflix, and mildly lost my mind. BUT, I finally am getting to watch it. I'm about halfway through, so it shouldn't take me too long to finish it. It doesn't seem quite as good so far, but still enjoying it.

ccdiscovery.com

Anne with an E - randomly/season 3
Being rather a book purist, I find television adaptations of books are usually very difficult for me to get into. This show was no exception. Although I've never read Anne of Green Gables, I was always in love with the mini-series from the 1980s, and didn't handle very well anything that didn't invoke the same feelings. I didn't enjoy this at first. I watched random clips here and there, and couldn't really connect with it. Eventually I ended up watching random bits of season 2. It was, *shrug,* okay. Yet, I started watching clips of season 3 on YouTube...and then I started watching it on TV...and I got weirdly invested in it. Unfortunately it looks like they won't be returning for a fourth season...but at least I got the satisfaction from the last episode that I wanted - one positive!

Blog-Along: Pilgrimage

Blog-Alongs: my thoughts about a movie as they happen, with minimal editing. Yes, this is my opportunity to be snippy and sarcastic and tell you exactly what I think.
How Do I Read This Post?: However you'd like! You are more than welcome to just read it as is, or you can watch the movie and follow along. I've included rough timestamps so you can check back in when you're watching. There are usually a few mild spoilers in these, but honestly, I am super careful to not spoil anything crucial. Regardless, however you decide to participate in this post, I hope you enjoy it.

rogerebert.com

Mini-Reviews: On Chesil Beach, Juliet, Naked, Midnight Sun

If you could see the notes posted on my computer, you'd discover that I watch a lot of movies, and review...perhaps two thirds of them. What does that mean? Well, those notes contain all of the movies I've seen that I don't really want to write a full-length review for. I've been a bit lazy recently (i.e. too busy with other things that make blogging hard), so the list has been piling up, and up, and...up. Some of the movies on that list I watched back in the summer! Regardless, I will be starting to post a few mini-reviews again to get rid of the backlog...and to give you just a brief summary of what I thought. If you'd like a more in-depth review of any of these, please leave me a comment below or send me a message in the sidebar and let me know, and I will be more than happy to provide one. These ones are all recent ones first, and then I will be moving backwards to some older ones.

Here we go!

time.com

On Chesil Beach
I was going to do an in-depth review here, but then I realized I didn't have too much to say about it. I'm also planning on reading the book (by Ian McEwan), so I might do a Read vs. Reel post on that in the future. But, I digress. On Chesil Beach is sad. It's entirely about character development, and about two people who are unable to communicate properly, especially in the midst of a difficult situation, and this changes their relationship forever. It's told through present moments interspersed with flashbacks so you can fully understand where each person is coming from. I did think it was well done, but I'm not sure it's one that will appeal to a lot of people. If you want a lot of action, or a neat and tidy resolution with all of the answers, then this isn't really your type of film. If you like character-driven plots, where you get a resolution that comes full circle as an end but doesn't give you all the bits that happened in between, then you'll be good with this one. Saorise Ronan, Billy Howe and Anne-Marie Duff (whom I adore) are all great.

Period Drama: Colette

Keira Knightley stars in this biographical drama about french novelist and icon Colette during her burgeoning years as a writer.

chicagotribune.com

What It's About:

Before she was famed Parisian writer Colette, she was simply Sidonie-Gabrielle. Upon her marriage to famous author "Willy," she moves from her quiet country life to the big city, and helps her husband with his correspondence. Eventually, amidst financial troubles, in order to increase Willy's literary output, Colette becomes one of of his numerous ghost writers. Yet no one could have predicted the magnitude of her invisible success. But there comes a time when Colette is no longer content being invisible.

Favourite Five: Period Drama Shows

I think one of the most important things to know about my television and movie tastes is that I am wholly and utterly obsessed with period dramas. If there is a new one coming out on television, it is highly unlikely that you telling me about it will be new information. This is one genre that I just can't seem to get enough of.
So, in honour of my unending love and dedication to period dramas, I want to share five of my absolute favourites. I am limiting it specifically to television shows, however. So that means that movies are out, as are mini-series. So anything on this list either has lasted more than one season, or was created with the intention to last more than one season. That means that adaptations like Pride and Prejudice or North & South are out, no matter how much I adore them.
So, here are five favourites and why you should give them a go:

tvovermind.com

1) Poldark
I put off watching Poldark for a bit because, well, I knew I was going to be obsessed with it. I didn't have the time to devote to it, and then when I did try to pick it up was when I couldn't seem to get my hands on it from the library because everyone else wanted it too. Poldark is not only a stunning way to fall in love with Cornwall (or in my case, further in love than I already was), but it's got a little bit of everything. War, love, lust, jealousy, revenge, justice, questionable morality...it is just so, so good.

tv.bt.com

2) Victoria
I love anything to do with British royalty (not really...but kind of really), and Victoria is no exception. If you want an intense story right at the peak of a period of great change and progress for England, then this is a great one. Victoria is not without her faults, and you get to see them, but she still remains very likeable and utterly respected. Costumes and sets are gorgeous, you get to really watch Victoria grow and change in her role, and the cast is brilliant. It's still going strong in season 3.

pmcvariety.files.wordpress.com

March 2019 Update

Well, I can't say that too much has been going on for me again lately. I'm nearly done my semester (end of April), and then hopefully things will pick up. However, what I did watch was good stuff!

Started Watching:

gizmodo.com.au

3% - season 1
This is an awesome show about a group of people vying for the opportunity of a better life in The Offshore. Once civilians reach the age of 20, they are able to compete to be one of the 3% that have what it takes to make it out of the slums and into a beautiful land of prosperity and medicine. It really takes a look at what lengths people will go to when pushed into desperate situations, and is kind of like reality television except less cheesy. Never heard of this show? I'm not surprised - it's in Portuguese. It's on Netflix though, so it will be relatively accessible. I started watching it with the default settings, which was the English dub, and was having a hard time getting into the acting, but thought the plot had potential. Partway through episode 2 I switched it to the original Portuguese with English subtitles, and my enjoyment grew exponentially. So, if you can handle the subtitles, it works so much better for the show. I have one episode left to go and then I'm on to Season 2. (P.S. I just heard it described as the Brazilian Hunger Games, and I kind of loved that).

February 2019 Update

Life has been a bit nuts, but I'm trudging along! Apologies for the lateness of this post, but here it finally is! A very slow month for television, but not a bad one for movies.

Started Watching:

bbc.co.uk

Poldark - season 4
I definitely had to slow it down with this season, but I'm about halfway through it now. It's changed quite a bit in terms of mood, but I do still really like it. I'm curious to see where the final season will go.

January 2019 Update

A complete reverse from December - this has been a month for shows! I'm back in a new semester for school, so that means that I'm watching more shows than movies. An hour of television is a more reasonable study break than a 2.5 hour movie.

Started Watching:

pbs.org

Victoria - season 3

I really love this show. Honestly, I think everything about it has been done brilliantly. Jenna Coleman plays Victoria with strength, elegance and grace, but is not without her faults. Costumes are beautiful, and the cast are all lovely actors who have fantastic backstories to really get invested in.

bbc.co.uk

Poldark - season 1, 2, 3
Nah, I'm not obsessed with period dramas at all! I knew I was going to like this, but I kept having roadblocks to starting it, and then just delayed it for a bit. Wow! I sure wouldn't have been delayed if only I'd known what I was in for! I'm really loving it. I've slowed down on season 3 a bit because of school, but I should be able to finish up season 3 and start season 4 within the next few weeks.

Musicals: Yentl

One of my all-time favourite musicals, Yentl is a passion project of Barbra Streisand based off of the short story Yentl the Yeshiva Boy by Isaac Bashevis Singer.

tcm.com

What It's About:

In the early 1900s, women are forbidden from studying the Torah and Talmud - the Jewish religious scripture. But Yentl is bright, curious, and has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and her father teaches her in secret. When Yentl's father is no longer with her, she has but one choice - learn to become a housewife and get married, or be true to herself by studying, yet have to pose as a boy. Yentl's journey is equal parts humorous, heartbreaking, and inspirational.

December 2018 Update

It's the final day of the year, and time for an end-of -the-year update! Here's what I've been watching this month, and a little bit about what's going on with me.

Started Watching:

radiotimes.com

My Mother and Other Strangers - season 1 - started and finished

Wow. I almost want to do an entire review post on this show, because I was blown away. It absolutely isn't for everyone, but I couldn't get enough. Only 5 episodes, it watches more like a mini-series than a television show. Centered around the Coyne family in the small parish of Moybeg during WWII, it looks at childhood, growing up, family tensions, fidelity, and all manner of things. How can they handle this all in 5 episodes? Hah, just watch! Not only that, but the pacing actually feels slow (something that I particularly like, but many might find boring). I started watching this when it first aired, but was unable to continue it at the time and only got around to it again now. Okay, stop babbling, Shayna.

variety.com

Frontier - season 2 - started and finished
What a great month for me - this season of Frontier was just as fantastic as the first. Actually, I think it might have been even better. A bunch of dramatic situations reach a climax during this season, so there is quite a bit going on. And if the cliffhanger doesn't get you...well, I have no idea what will.

August 2018 Update

This August I have mostly been focusing on my reading, and haven't really been watching much in the way of television. So because of this, I'm including movies in here as well that I won't be reviewing in depth.

Started Watching:

cdn.pastemagazine.com

Medici : Masters of Florence - gave up on
I didn't give up on this series because it was bad. I simply just forgot about it. I got through the first episode (or was it two?), and intended to keep going, but I didn't remember I had even been watching it after about two days. The volume quality was poor, and the plot was rather slow to begin with. I don't necessarily recommend it or discourage watching it, but I don't plan on continuing it so far. If you've seen it and think I should give it a second chance, let me know.