hjmsia49 Review of The Forsyte Saga

The Forsyte Saga (2002–2003)

A Pale Imitation of the Original Classic Version

[2/10 · 10 December 2007]

I couldn't agree more with previous reviewers overseer 3 and housemouse. It is obvious that almost all the reviewers who raved about this production never saw the original 1967 classic. I urge them to watch the original (available at most libraries) and compare. Almost every member of the cast gave a far superior and convincing performance in the original. While Damien Lewis was excellent in "Band of Brothers," his rendition of Soames was awful when compared to the brilliant Soames of Eric Porter in the original version. Lewis' slicked down red hair was very distracting, did you notice any other Forsyte with red hair? He had a constant smirk on his face that was very annoying. Gina McKee as Irene projected none of the beauty, radiance and talent of Nyree Dawn Porter who was unforgettable and created an Irene that will never be bettered. While Rupert Graves was the best of the current cast, I still felt Kenneth More was more believable. The actors who portrayed old Jolyon, Winefred, Helene, Frances, Holly and June were also more convincing in the original 1967 version. Finally, the costumes worn by the ladies in the original, over 3,000, were stunning and truly representative of all the decades covered by the saga. I was surprised how abbreviated the second season of this series was compared to the original. It ended with the marriage of Fleur and Michael Mott. The original series dealt with their marriage at some length and also the marriage of Jon to an American girl. What I found unbelievable was Damien Lewis' pathetic smirks, tears and sulking depression when Irene left him. I don't think Eric Porter shed a single tear or showed any weakness in his lengthy portrayal of a more resolute Soames in the original. While Gillian Kearney gave a good performance of June, her excessive affection for Irene at the end, considering their history really strains credulity. I also found the costumes worn by Irene to be very unflatering and drab compared to those worn by Nyree Dawn Porter in the original. I would be remiss if I did not mention the aspects of this sequel that I thought were superior to the original. The color and music, sorely missed in the original, was a big plus. I also preferred Ioan Grufford's portrayal of Philip Bossiney and especially Beatrix Batarda's performance as Soame's second wife Annette. She was present for Fleur's wedding unlike Annette in the original version. Finally, I would urge all those who enjoyed this version to obtain a copy of the original 1967 version, now on DVD, at any library. It is far longer and more detailed and ends with the death of Soames. Sadly, Nyree Dawn Porter, the luminescent Irene of the original, was scheduled to play one of the elder three Forsyte sisters in this sequel but she suddenly died before filming began.