Brideshead Revisited (DVD)

I am always a bit skeptical of period dramas because they have a tendency to be incredibly stuffy and frankly quite boring, but it's difficult to ignore the lineage surrounding the story of Brideshead Revisited. It is based on the 1945 novel of the same name by Evelyn Waugh, which itself had previously been adapted into a massively successful mini-series in 1981. Although I haven't seen the original series or read the novel, it's safe to say that this is a beloved narrative, and one that is accessible enough even to those such as myself who generally steer clear from this genre. The story revolves around Charles Ryder (Matthew Goode), a young man studying ...  Read the complete review

Charles Ryder has made it to Oxford and is happily studying History when he meets Lord Sebastien and the pair quickly become friends. Sebastien wants to take Charles to show him his home, Brideshead, although he is reluctant to introduce him to his devout Catholic mother Lady Marchmain and sister Julia. Eventually, Charles meets the family and begins to lust after Julia, even though he is having some relations with Sebastien. As the years pass, friendships fail, new relationships are borne and hearts are broken - but Brideshead remains the centre of it all, and is constantly a part of their lives. Will Charles ever be able to win the approval of Lady Marchmain, will ...  Read the complete review

Film Only Review ~~~~~~~~~~~ Historical English epics are usually set in vast luxurious country estates and portray class and good manners. Yes, there is a beautiful country estate in Brideshead Revisited but this film concerns itself more with sin, guilt, lust, redemption and more importantly - religion. Adapted from the novel written by Evelyn Waugh in 1945, Brideshead tells us the story of a young, naive painter from an unpretentious background studying history at Oxford University. A random meeting with Sebastian Flyte - a young man who spends most of his time cultivating a high sensitivity to beauty and of questionable ...  Read the complete review