Scarlet and Black (1993) User Reviews

Elegant adaptation of `Rouge et Negre'

[khatcher-2 · 8/10 · 12 May 2002]

In the last decade or so I have begun to think that the BBC has lost its finer edge in making its own productions. However in `Scarlet and Black' the BBC has once again shown it can make some of the best TV material to be found anywhere in the world. And much credit, of course, must go to Ben Bolt.

With just about the best cinematography imaginable, this adaptation of Stendhal's wonderful novel `Rouge et Negre' almost beggars belief. The sets, costumes are perfect, sumptuous. Among TV productions, perhaps only `Queen' (qv) comes anywhere near rivalling this magnificent BBC period piece drama – I do not add `romantic' as that is too trite.

Excellent story-line is well backed up by an extraordinary cast which was evidently inspired for this production. Personally I might have chosen another actor instead of Ewan McGregor for the part of Julien Sorel, but perhaps this opinion is merely tainted by other viewings of this young Scotsman, for example in `Trainspotting'. However, having said that, by no means does he upset anything or anybody in the development of a very complicated story.

I thoroughly recommend this TV film, and also suggest you compare with `La Reine Margot' (qv) with Isabelle Adjani, Virna Lisi and Asia Argento (to put the ladies first) and Daniel Auteuil, Jean-Hugues Anglade, Vincent Perez and Claudio Amendola (The Mission, Nostromo).

Very Entertaining

[derek-duerden · 8/10 · 5 August 2022]

It's a long time since I saw this and cannot really believe that it was 1993...

However, it was very enjoyable and played as a classic romp - watch out for Ewan's ladder!

Recommended.

Entertaining period drama

[joeorewan · 2 May 2002]

I'm not usually attracted to BBC dramas. That tends to be something I find more suitable for my mother, but being a recent Ewan McGregor fan, I was intrigued by this series. I find it quite entertaining with excellent acting. The story is about Julien Sorel's journey through his young adulthood. He goes through his life imagining himself being mentored by Napoleon, and he "conquers" his love interests as the world presents challenges for Julien's love affairs. Alice Krige and McGregor have a wonderful chemistry together. I like the tension in Rachel Weisz's and McGregor's chemistry because it alarms the audience of the danger this woman could lead to. I enjoyed this love affair show more than most because it also makes aside comments on religion, politics, and upper class versus lower class. I would definitely recommend this movie even to people who don't believe they could enjoy a "costume drama."

It's great, I loved every minute of it !

[johannes2000-1 · 9/10 · 24 October 2012]

This is a wonderful production, I loved every minute of it. It has everything that you expect of a BBC historical series: an involving story based on a famous classic novel ("Le rouge et le noir" by Stendahl), a solid direction and a well-wrought script, lavish costumes and settings, and top-notch acting by virtually every character that comes along.

Now I have to admit that I never read the original book, so I do not know how scrupulous this rendition to the screen is. But for me it totally worked, this coming-of-age story of young Julien who works himself up from low-birth to the houses of the rich and famous by cunning opportunism, ambition, and last but definitely not least by using his personal charm and sexual appeal. Julien Sorel may not be the most sympathetic figure in literature, but you forgive him much on account of his drive, his enthusiasm and his buoyancy and you keep caring for him in spite of all his bad decisions and all the persons he hurts.

As I said, the acting is overall great, but some stand out even more. Juliens two love-interests are played by Rachel Weisz and Alice Krige. Weisz was still on the brink of her carrier but her talent totally shines through in her very convincing portrayal of the neurotic and eccentric daughter of Juliens master. And I absolutely loved Krige as the modest bourgeois house-wife who is totally swept of her feet by Julien and to her own amazement finds herself involved in a steamy love-affair, and as a result has to cope with all the mixed feelings of sinfulness and passion that afterwards torture her. Krige does a great job and she has a classic, almost serene and timeless beauty that totally explains her attraction to Julien.

But biggest surprise to me was Ewan McGregor as Julien. I know McGregor of course from big movies like Star Wars and Angels & Demons and he never was my favorite, he always impressed me as a bit formal and uninspiring. Whereas in "I love you Philip Morris" he even annoyed me for the triviality of his part. But here, in almost his first screen role, at age 22, he really rocks, he is the roaring engine of the whole production, he is wildly attractive and cute like a puppy, he's smart and desperate and clumsy and arrogant and conniving and lovable, all in one person and all played equally convincing and appealing. What a talent and what a potential this young actor already possessed!!

Are there no flaws? Well, just a few. I didn't like the constant presence of Napoleon as an incarnated figment of Juliens imagination, it got a bit tiresome in the end. And the political circumstances (the post-Napoleon period of the Restoration) are dealt with in a rather superficial way, probably to not scare away the viewers that give priority to romance over history, but to me it was too little to quite grasp the importance of some of the goings-on and the effects they had on Julien. The whole episode for instance of Juliens mission to the Duke of Wellington came a bit out-of the blue and couldn't be placed (by me at least) in the right context.

And then the end…!! I won't give it away (and here's of course Stendahl to blame, not the makers of this movie) but I sure had liked it to have turned out differently. Well, that's classic novels for you, where true romance is not restricted to happy endings. Just go and watch it for yourself, let Juliens tumultuous life sweep you away for some 4 hours, you won't be disappointed.

The Classic of Stendahl

[crocelover · 10/10 · 11 May 2015]

There is a great benefit to a story being filmed in the original language in which it was written. This is the case with the 1997 version, "The Red and the Black." I always thought it very strange when a film is about a town in France, full of...well French people, the actors in the film are Brits speaking English! But, in the case of the 1993, "The Scarlet and the Black," I make an exception. THIS is the CLASSIC version of Stendahl's story by which all others should be judged. The reason of course is young Ewan McGregor's portrayal of Julian Sorel. McGregor is able to communicate such passionate emotions-all the confusion, stubborn ignorance, fear and love of the young Julian Sorel. McGregor transfixes the viewer with his beautifully emotive eyes and face.

The chemistry between McGregor and Krige is palpable. Even though I knew it wouldn't end well, I was truly routing for these two! It's a story you will want to watch many times over and still find yourself crying at the end.

Great fun, great lesson for life...

[mayapan · 10/10 · 15 January 2005]

In my old COLLEGE days, reading this novel for my degree in French, WAS A MUST... but this TV SERIES IS SO MUCH EASIER AND FUN. Accurate enough to pass the test, but as usual, nothing beats the paper and ink thing.

Encourages any one to go buy the book and read it, and discover more about French culture, literature and way of life. It will also make a very good invitation for your next trip to Paris. Way out better that the Da Vinci thing so much in Fade now.

I recommend this for parents of young, quiet, but very intelligent men. It is inspiring, and teaches well: What goes around, comes around: Most of the Time with earnings!