All the Light We Cannot See (2023– ) User Reviews

Language ?

[srgymrat33 · 8/10 · 4 November 2023]

This was fantastic . I am a huge fan of the book - read it several times . This was a great ADAPTATION- here is the key. It is not exactly the same - it's not meant to be . The essence of the book was here, it felt true to the original to me .

It was filmed really well , it was cast incredibly . The casting of a blind actress really made the whole thing come together . I love love Hoffman - "Dark" being my favorite tv show of all time - and he was perfect as Werner .

The ending was different , but in many ways I would actually argue this ending was better . The feeling of liberation and sacrifice were displayed so well and so tragically . Everything didn't work out - you don't know what happens. It leaves you with hope - it leaves you looking for the light .

My issue with this was the language choice . It would have been exponentially better if it had been done in French and German . That is one of my biggest issues in media in general is veering away from true languages in order to put in English with accents . Language is culture , culture is story telling , story telling is history , history is how we feel connection and by using English it was a huge disservice to the story .

It would have been a 10- watch it , read the book , look for the light .

Enjoyable.

[mak_600 · 7/10 · 2 November 2023]

Engaging and watchable 4 part series telling the tale of a blind French girl, a German soldier/radio operator and, somewhat loosely, the French resistance during WW2 in occupied St Malo in France. Good cast, Hugh Laurie as ever excellent but not convinced Mark Ruffalo was right for his part, some slightly odd accents going on there! Along with the great cast, good cinematography, pacing and dialogue make the whole thing work well if not exactly standout. Just think maybe it could/should have had more of a European feel about it considering the subject matter. Still, it's far from the worst thing Netflix has put out...

Brought tears to my eyes in the end.

[fbianco-99862 · 9/10 · 6 November 2023]

Brilliant acting by the 2 teenagers. I rooted for them throughout the story. The set design made it look like they were really in those places, and not sets. Or, were they even sets? I think Mark Ruffalo is a great actor. He should have not even tried using an accent. Often the accent would come and go, kinda spoiling his performance a little bit. Same with Hugh Laurie. But Louis Hoffman was spot on with his dialog. Does he really have a German accent? The scenes of destruction were spectacular, how did they create those scenes so realistically? No spoilers here but I felt the ending was perfect. Nothing was left hanging for me to wonder what happened.

Beautiful adaption of one of the best books in recent years!

[patrios-56284 · 10/10 · 2 November 2023]

The book 'All the light we cannot see' has - for me personally - been one of the best within the last years. I was expecting that Netflix would ruin it. But after watching all 4 episodes I must say that didn't. A great cast with outstanding performances by Louis Hoffmann and especially Aria Loberti with Support of Mark Ruffalo and Hugh Laurie made it a worth watching adaption. From the very first minute you can feel a high budget production with stunning eye for details, great costume and requisit. Netflix produces a lot of garbage at times and productions like this are rare. But they can do it. Compelling!

A great tale

[ianlynn-19954 · 9/10 · 2 November 2023]

First thing I read when I sought reviews was all the arty critics slating this series.

These critics, as far as I'm concerned, have no idea!!!

I think it's a heartwarming story and thoroughly captivating.

Critics from the most well known establishments (yawn) are always keen to rip a good thing to shreds. They are always trying to sound extremely clever! They should not be listened to. You need to make your own mind up and believe me you will enjoy this story.

Mark Ruffalo is criticised but I think he plays a great part as Papa. And Hugh Laurie also plays a great part. How dare you tell me that these two brilliant actors warrant your ridicule!

The part played by blind actress's young Marie and older Marie are inspirational.

Could have been great....

[hhouser · 6/10 · 11 November 2023]

This is a fantastic story. Too bad the makers of it didn't invest in great writers. I know the cast is super talented, but I felt at moments that both Ruffalo and Laurie were miscast. But the dialogue at times was just plain bad. Things were said two or three times that should not have been said at all - like the audience was too stupid to understand unless they spelled things out explicitly. Still, it's worth a watch just because the story is excellent, and other than the occasionally bad writing, the rest of the film is enjoyable. Most viewers will like it - only snobs like me will find any issues with it.

Peace Of Art !

[Twi12 · 10/10 · 2 November 2023]

I think I'm glad I did not read the book, because what I watched was nothing short of wonderful in every "facet". Mark Ruffalo and the sparsely seen Hugh Laurie were fantastic, but still a notch or two below the magnificent Aria Mia Loberti in her premier performance. And as a huge fan of the German series "Dark", I grinned wide when Louis Hoffman was on the screen. Great screenplay (IMO), photography, music...it is all very memorable. With just four episodes, I imagine I will eventually watch again.

Advice : even if the adaptation deferent than the book , watch it and enjoy , it was very enjoyable.

For those who don't read 📖 but watch 🎥

[heenasafdar · 7/10 · 2 November 2023]

Loved Louis Hofmann in DARK so I have to watch it. It's a warm tale of courage and hope that's been told via a French blind girl & a German soldier in World War II days. It was surprising to see Nazi radio enthusiast, Werner talking in a non German accent & Ruffalo being British while in Paris.

The story gets tangled with flashbacks, cinematography was more focused than the emotional connect of protagonists. It could have been better, maybe it's just the timing when the world is at war again.

"Darkness lasts not even for one second when you turn on the light". The crux of the show perhaps...

The Mini-Series That Tells The Story Of Nazee Is Different And Truly Impressive.

[folk_egm · 9/10 · 2 November 2023]

In summary, this 4-episode series is a remarkable and highly-produced work that goes beyond the typical TV series. Created by renowned figures Steven Knight and Shawn Levy, it tells a unique perspective of the Nazi-occupied small town in France during a historical period. The plot primarily focuses on the search for a blind young woman who becomes a symbol of resistance during the war and a young Nazi who is forced to hunt her down. The series weaves two distinct life stories, the radio plays a central role in connecting both characters, serving as a bridge that links their lives and stories together. One set in the past with intricate subplots, leading up to the heart-wrenching war scenes in the present. What makes it exceptional is the fact that the lead actress is a real blind actress with no prior acting experience, and she delivers a natural and captivating performance. It's a series leaving a lasting impression and is definitely worth watching.

No English Please

[kunkell · 6/10 · 28 November 2023]

All The Light We Cannot See takes a lot of liberties compared to its source material. The most glaring of which is its choice of having everyone speak English. It's a jarring decision and incredibly inconsistent with its actors. You have German Actora portraying Germans speaking English in France with a German Accent, British Actors Portraying the French in France with English Accents, and an American Actor portraying a Frenchman in France with an English Accent.

The biggest thing missed out because if all that is how important the language barrier was there, both historically and in the source material but someone made an ill-advised decision to have everyone speak English instead of going with what would have been an excellent subtitled series with everyone speaking their character's native and/or learned tongues.

Aria (Marie) does an excellent job in her acting debut, along with her more seasoned German co-star Louis Hofman. Hugh Laurie is an absolute delight to watch in anything and the supporting cast does well. Now for the Elephant in the room, I have absolutely no idea why the hell they put Mark Ruffalo in this. He is neither French, nor German, and speaks with a terrible British accent. You could easily find a multi-lingual actor (Christoph Waltz as a popular example) who could easily take that same role and blow it out of the water. Instead we get a half-baked heartless performance from Ruffalo that probably cost them a large portion of their budget to bring on board.

This could've been an excellent series if they took the time to let it cook some more, had a few more episodes, and made some better casting decisions. Instead it sits, in my eyes, not nearing its full potential, despite some stellar performances from young actors and actresses, great cinematography, costuming, and location/environment shooting.

6/10 I lament what could've been an excellent unique period piece limited series.

We all really enjoyed it.

[andrewgillrachel · 9/10 · 3 November 2023]

I ended up watching this during a stormy afternoon and evening and so glad I did. I really enjoyed this and can't understand the negative reviews. The two young leads were excellent as were the supporting cast. I've not read the book but I found myself looking up the siege of St. Malo afterwards. My only slight criticism would be Mark Ruffalos occasionally dodgy accent. The war scenes were very realistic and not cheap. The story often told in flashbacks flowed well and I often felt the jeopardy of the two main characters. Sometimes Netflix seems full of so so stuff but this was excellent. The viewer reviews are much stronger than the critic reviews which says it all really.

Kind of like if Hallmark did a WWII movie about Nazis.

[chiefjournalist · 6/10 · 17 November 2023]

Some how I expected more out of this Netflix Series.

It's as if Hallmark wrote and directed this World War II film.

At the heart of this series is the central story of a young blind french girl who's father is the locksmith for a prestigious Paris Museum during the Nazi Rise to power.

Parallel stories involve fascination with Radios and mass communication, Post traumatic stress syndrome and safe guarding a national treasure that is a fortune in large format jewels.

Mark Ruffalo and Hugh Laurie bring credibility to to a predictable script that has a decent premise but becomes entirely too predictable in the latter half of the four episodes.

I'm told that the two actresses who played the blind girl Marie at the center of the story were actually blind.

BTW... I don't watch Hallmark Movies... But from what I know of them this would have been one of their better efforts.

Disappointing

[camstuart01 · 5/10 · 3 November 2023]

I read Anthony Doerr's novel a couple of years ago and loved it. When I heard it was to be adapted for the screen, I was excited, to say the least. Sadly, my patience was not rewarded.

The Netflix series strays from the source material in key areas which means the connection to the principal characters isn't made. It is difficult to feel the same way about Marie and Werner and their plight because so much is missing from their stories.

I have always had a strong feeling about casting English and American actors in foreign roles and the authenticity which could have been gained from accurate casting is a missed opportunity. Why, when there are so many talented foreign actors do studios continue not to use them.

The cinematography was good and the production values were decent. However, considering the scope of the novel, the series felt confined to a single small set.

I would watch the series if you want a palatable but flawed viewing experience but would not recommend it if you have read the novel. It will disappoint.

Louis Hoffman lights the screen, again!

[fayreynolds · 8/10 · 12 January 2024]

Firstly, I read the book, All the light we cannot see and found it to be a profoundly beautiful book. Doerr the writer described the events in such beautiful terms and moves the reader with his words, I just had to put the book down on occasions to close my eyes and be there, with them, for a minute to let the emotions and images wash over me. To be truthful I was a little bit worried when I heard Netflix was doing a series, but overjoyed when I read that Louis Hoffman, from the brilliant Dark, was playing Werner the main character. Aria Maria Loberti a legally blind new actress, was also very believable and strong. I think that the series tried very hard to encapsulate the concepts of the story. Nothing can ever be as good as the book. Very few series or films are as good as the original book, in which our own imagination draws the environment, the people and their natures and their characters. In this series the two young main characters were absolutely beautiful, and Lewis Hoffman is a stunning young actor and I have much regard for him and found it an absolute pleasure to watch. My only complaint about the whole series was Marie-Laurie walking without shoes with glass and debris everywhere go r so long towards the end, but that's a small complaint overall. I'm also rereading the book now.

Phenomenal

[rjsleigh · 10/10 · 7 November 2023]

I put this on as a bit of background TV this evening, whilst I tucked into the latest edition of Football Manager Mobile as Netflix are offering that free to subscribers.

Within 20 minutes I was intrigued.

Within an hour I was gripped.

4 hours later and I can state that this is nothing short of phenomenal and truly gripping.

It's heart warming, tragic, beautiful and above all, a true 10/10 series.

Please do not sleep on this, and don't judge a book by its cover. I thought the synopsis sounded as dull as dishwater but it downplays its greatness so much.

This is epic, this is great.

Please watch this.

Wartime Realism Meets Nostalgia in 'All the Light We Cannot See'

[mendymariamKE · 7/10 · 3 November 2023]

"Shawn Levy's Epic Series 'All the Light We Cannot See' premiered on Netflix on Nov. 2, 2023.

Based on Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the four-episode limited series unfolds in a besieged city, immersing viewers in the lives of Marie-Laure, a blind French teenager, and Werner, a German soldier. Their paths cross in occupied France as they navigate the challenges of World War II.

Marie-Laure's story begins in Paris, where her father works at the Museum of Natural History. With the Nazi occupation, they seek refuge in the fortress city of Saint-Malo, accompanied by a precious and perilous museum artifact.

Meanwhile, in a German mining town, orphan Werner and his sister find solace in a radio that brings them tales from distant lands. Werner's talent for building and repairing these radios leads him into the resistance.

While the narrative flirts with romantic and fairy tale elements, it occasionally grounds itself in realism, offering a unique blend of myth and reality.

The casting of visually impaired actors, such as Loberti and Nell Sutton, who portrays young Marie, adds authenticity to the characters, story. This casting choice enhances the representation and genuine portrayal of the story's protagonists.

'All the Light We Cannot See' may not be a typical comfort watch, it offers a glimpse into a simpler time, contrasting with its wartime setting."

Don't listen to the Haters

[mofs12 · 10/10 · 4 November 2023]

This is my all time favorite book and I loved the mini series! As the director, Shawn Levy said "The book is the mountain. The mountain will always exist. Long after us, the mountain will be here. We did a painting of that mountain. We're not trying to replace it. We're not trying to make a photograph or a Xerox. It's our impression of that mountain." He also says "the heart of the story in both its ideas and characters are faithful to Anthony Doerr's creation," he continued. "To have Anthony be as thrilled as he is with this finished product of the series, that is the most gratifying thing that's happened." I encourage you to read his interview on deadline.com. It will give you great insight into this amazing work! I particularly love how he selected the actresses who played Marie-Laure! I loved the book and the mini series!

Read the book.

[tscanlan · 6/10 · 5 November 2023]

The book is an amazing read. It is long and it is complex and it's a story you will not soon forget. The film vaguely resembles the book in places but too much has been changed, too much left out, and much has been added that was not in the book. This story could never told properly with fewer than 8 or 10 episodes. And so, the Nazi's are caricatures. The war is trivialized. Watch the series, A French Village. That's how it should have been done. And I agree with the critic who stated that the languages should have been German and French, with subtitles.

The book is a 10. The series is too short, too rushed, and too different. I give it a 6, because it holds your attention. Just don't expect it to be much like the book. And you will soon forget the series. Not so, the book.

Despite all critics

[irynamalacina · 10/10 · 8 November 2023]

Let's start with the fact. Yes, it is different from the book. But all series and movies are to some extent. To be honest, I was worried that this series will repeat the fate of the Goldfinch, likely producers did a much better job in translating the book into series and not doing everything exactly like there. I enjoyed the cast so so much! Everyone fit the role perfectly. The main actress being legally blind is absolutely amazing and I appreciate it so much! The Saint-Malo is absolutely stunning even during the attacks. I seems to me that now critiques choose to criticize just because someone in Times wrote a critical report. I believe I that this series should be accessed as series and not as a visual aid for the book readers.

Why did Netflix do this to such a great book?

[jodie-chilcoat · 6/10 · 3 November 2023]

Netflix took a Pulitzer-Prize winning novel and arrogantly thought they could somehow make it better by changing the story line and fates of the characters in so many ways. They absolutely did not make it better, or even do it justice. I absolutely loved the book and was so excited to watch this. I am so beyond disappointed in this adaptation. Why couldn't they have at least found actors who could pull off a French accent instead of sounding like some odd British-American combination? Did the script writers and casting agents ever even read the book all the way through? Please stop doing this to great books!

WHY ENGLISH? WHYYYY?

[AlonsoLioneth · 8/10 · 3 November 2023]

My only problem is that it wasn't made in German and French, and that takes a lot from this. Everyone spoke English which is ridiculous. It would have been a fantastic story if the language spoken had been the proper one. All of this review it's going to focus on that. I really like it and it made me cry and shed a tear a couple of times, I enjoyed everything from the settings to the actors and the acting but for it to be in English was just wrong. I won't get tired of saying it. I generalize went I say newer generations are far more open, interested and have less problems went it comes to seeing different cultures being portrayed so yes, I guess I considered a big mistake for this series to be in English. You should have dubbed and subtitled but made the original languages german and French. For that it's a 7 but I will give it and 8 because my heart enjoyed!

Lost in Translation?

[mselby-01342 · 7/10 · 14 January 2024]

Netflix's adaptation of 'All The Light We Cannot See' presents a mixed bag of elements, both appealing and underwhelming. The choice to have characters speak English, devoid of authentic accents, is a notable departure from historical accuracy. This choice, while perhaps intended to cater to a broader audience, undermines the story's rich cultural backdrop and dilutes the distinctiveness of the characters.

The series, condensed into a brief format, unfortunately omits significant portions of the original book. This truncation, while making for a more digestible viewing experience, sacrifices the depth and complexity of character development found in the source material. The audiobook's 18-hour narrative is rich in detail, whereas the series' 4-hour duration inevitably leaves out many nuances that contribute to a fuller understanding of the characters and their journeys.

Acting in the series is another area where it falls short. Performances lack the intensity and authenticity required to fully bring the characters to life, leaving the viewer somewhat detached from their experiences.

On a positive note, the series concludes on a more uplifting note compared to the book's more somber ending. While this may not sit well with purists, it offers a less bleak closure that could be more palatable for a general Netflix audience. Additionally, the adaptation does an admirable job of addressing certain ambiguities present in the book, providing clarity and resolution in some aspects.

In essence, 'All The Light We Cannot See' is a decent attempt at adapting a complex story into a series. However, its brevity, coupled with lackluster accents and performances, significantly hampers its potential. The series stands as a respectable adaptation, but not a faithful reproduction of the book's intricate narrative and emotional depth.

Stay away if you love the book...

[beweihn-49924 · 5/10 · 3 November 2023]

I never vote or review unless it's deserving of a 10 but as a huge fan of the book, I felt compelled. If this was a 10 part series, they really could have done a lot with it. They just missed the boat on every level. The girl who plays Marie is boring and is very hard to watch. The first two episodes are slow, third gets better and then the finale just fizzles out again. I can't believe the author allowed this to happen. It's a Pulitzer Prize winning novel for christs sake. Maybe the show is ok if you haven't read the book but if you have, please stay away. It will only leave you feeling empty!

Amazing Story telling and a reminder of what fascism is

[fredgd2004 · 10/10 · 18 November 2023]

The series is very powerful, the performances are flawless, engaging and emotionally charged. But the most amazing thing is the timing.. a reminder for our current times and direction where America is heading, if we don't change the heading.. The cruelty of the Nazis, the dehumanization of people, the brutality and savegery of an autocracy that should resonate forever in human memory, and never allowed to exist again is told through the eyes of a blind girl and a German soldier. One note goes to the perfomance of Mark Ruffalo - he is good, but his attempt to a British accent is atrocious 🤣🤣🤣 nevertheless the series is outstanding and I highly recommend watching.

I loved the book and the mini series!

[marthahouston · 10/10 · 3 November 2023]

This is my all time favorite book and I loved the mini series! As the director, Shawn Levy said "The book is the mountain. The mountain will always exist. Long after us, the mountain will be here. We did a painting of that mountain. We're not trying to replace it. We're not trying to make a photograph or a Xerox. It's our impression of that mountain." He also says "the heart of the story in both its ideas and characters are faithful to Anthony Doerr's creation," he continued. "To have Anthony be as thrilled as he is with this finished product of the series, that is the most gratifying thing that's happened." I encourage you to read his interview on deadline.com. It will give you great insight into this amazing work! I particularly love how he selected the actresses who played Marie-Laure!