What I Am Watching

This weekend, I am catching up on one of my favorite things to do.  That is to watch period piece (check out post) drama!  Currently it is all about Lark Rise To Candleford.  It is a BBC series that is now playing in England.  Here you can only see it on DVD.  I absolutely adore this series!  I highly recommend it.  I am up to season two now and looking forward already to season 3.  I have found them at Amazon.com.  Maybe this looks a little corny but trust me it is not.  You will get "happily" lost in these rich characters and the drama that ensues for each one of them.  I am truly enjoying it.  Nice to take a break at the end of a long day and get taken to another time period with great stories and talented acting. 

I hope you check it out.

Synopsis from Amazon (if you are interested).

The BBC's costume drama juggernaut struck gold once more when it decided to tackle the work of Flora Thompson. And in adapting her books in the form of the television production Lark Rise to Candleford, it has brought another compelling piece of drama to the screen.

Lark Rise to Candleford is set at the end of the 19th century, and it follows the story of two communities in the midst of a developing Oxfordshire. One is a fast-growing market town, the other a sleepier, quieter place that's holding more onto the past. Centered on Laura, the eldest daughter in the Timmins house, as she leaves the quieter life for work in the market town, the stage is then set for a quality drama series.

There's a lot to enjoy in the 10 episodes. The cast, for instance, is simply terrific, with Julia Sawalha, Dawn French, and Olivia Hallinan rightly taking plaudits. And the journey of their characters, along with those of the strong supporting cast, is simply wonderful television. Mixing in humor, drama and the production values we seem to take for granted from the BBC, Lark Rise to Candleford is really quite a treat. And what's more, it's proof positive that when it comes to television period drama, there really isn't anyone doing it better. Super stuff. --Jon Foster

Happy weekend and hope it is a restful one!

xoxojamilyn

*Images and info from amazon.com*

Time For My Drama Marathon!

Every once and awhile, I need a fix of drama.  If you are in the mood for movies that are pure period masterpieces filled with betrayal, seduction, love, fetching costumes and breathtaking locations — then look no further, you will not be able to tear yourself away.  Of course, I cannot leave out the incredible acting.  Speaking of the actors, if the pictures of these Gentlemen below don't get you to seek out these films ~ then watch these period pieces for their excellent portrayal of a different time...

Meet the handsome bad boy, Alec D'Urberville played by Hans Matheson in Tess of the D'Urbervilles...

*He also plays in Dr. Shivago with Kiera Knightly, The Tudors*

Tess Durbyfield played by Gemma Arterton

North and South

You are going to love the intense and passionate Mr. Thornton played by Richard Armitage.

North and South is an excellent period drama.  This is one of my all time favorites.

Pride and Prejudice

The dashing, devoted Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy played by Colin Firth (don't miss his wet shirt scene).  Lizzie played by Jennifer Ehle.  This is the best Pride and Prejudice version by far.  I enjoy watching this movie again and again.

Little Dorrit

Kind and generous Arthur Clennam played by Mathew Macfadyen

Little Dorrit played by Claire Foy

Lost in Austen

This is a great series that takes a different twist on the Mr. Darcy saga.  A modern version.  I enjoyed it very much.  

{Honorable mention}

I have to mention these two French subtitled movies.  Love, love, love them.

Oliver Martinez is beautiful in this movie.

I also recommend these excellent series:

I have watched all of these movies and more, I am sure I am leaving some out by accident or loss of memory capacity!  I have to warn you though, most of these are "series" and add up to many hours on the dvd's.  I usually sit down to watch one episode, and cannot stop and watch them all in one sitting.  Of course, this list has been compiled from many years!  This is not all I do!  However, I am obsessed with period drama's and it is one of my favorite things "to do".  So, clear some time, get out your favorite blanket, snuggle up with fresh popped pop corn, invite a friend over, and prepare to be dazzled by these talented actors and superb plots.

So happy to introduce these to you.

Enjoy! Let me know if you watch any of them.

~ jamilyn~

*images from BBC, Masterpiece Theatre,Amazon,Face book.  You can buy these series on Amazon.com*