Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Investigate This High Quality ITV Drama, 22 May 2008
This collection brings together all 19 episodes of Foyle's War. Each episode is around 100 minutes long and is, in effect, a movie feature. All the stories are set in and around Hastings from 1940-1945. The wartime setting is recreated with meticulous care and most of the stories have tightly constructed plots which interweave intrigue and wartime situations and concerns. The splendid cast is led by Michael Kitchen who gives a finely nuanced performance in all of the stories. The supporting cast of Anthony Howell and Honeysuckle Weeks add to the depth of characterisation.
My only criticism would be that one or two of the later stories bordered on being too cosy as a "family" feel started to creep into the proceedings. And too many characters were immediately in awe of Foyle instead of underestimating him which always has more dramatic potential. However, this is a minor quibble. Overall, these are lovingly crafted stories that show ITV - and British - television drama at its best.
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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Foyle's War, 24 Sep 2008
Without any doubt whatsoever, this is the most outstanding British mystery series that our family has ever viewed. We have always been devoted fans of British mysteries including Morse, Holmes, Poirot, Frost, Lewis, and more; however, this series excels above all others for several reasons. The basic murder mystery plots are very cleverly constructed and thus commendably unpredictable. The 4 main characters are realistic, endearing and beautifully performed with a touch of understatement and well crafted communication using subtle facial expressions or gestures to speak where words would be less effective. In short, they represent individuals whom we would very much like to know personally. One of the most intriguing aspects of the series for us is the fact that the World War II series setting provides a unique opportunity for the viewer to become better acquainted with certain features of war-time behavior which, for some viewers, will likely prompt a deeper reflection by the viewer of moral, ethical, human rights and fundamental freedom issues that are raised in each story; however, these issues do not dominate the shows - they are only introduced in a subtle fashion that allows those who wish to reflect upon them to do so and those who wish to focus on the murder mystery may do so as well.
This is an exceptional series that is well worth the investment and will resurface in your thoughts after the stories come to an end.
September 24, 2008
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
England's Best, 16 Nov 2008
England's Best, October 25, 2008
These DVD's encompass 1-5 of the series. Once you start viewing this marvelous English production, you will be hooked. England had many stressors during the war and some are portrayed the best I have seen in any production. If you love history, if you love England and if you love BBC productions, than this is the series for you!
'Foyle's War' is one of those marvelous BBC productions that tells the tales of England during World War II. It is set in Hastings, East Sussex, near the beaches of South East England, during 1942 and 1943. Foyle's War tells the story of Christopher Foyle, played by Michael Kitchen, Detective Chief Superintendent, whose job is to keep the peace on the home front during WWII. Helping Foyle is Detective Sergeant Paul Milner, played by Anthony Howell. He was a policeman before the war and lost a leg in a fierce battle and returned to the force by the urging of Foyle. Samantha Stewart, a beauty on her own, is played by Honeysuckle Weeks and is a member of the Mechanized Transport Corps. She is conscripted to drive for Foyle. She sticks her nose in police business and it turns out she is also quite good at helping in their investigations.
Foyle wants to join up but is talked into staying where he is most needed. And this war causes more crime and more stresses. The crimes are now involving the black market, illegal gambling, sabotage, and the day to day thefts and murder.
" Perhaps the most quiet, still, laconic detective you'll ever see on television, Foyle's M.O. never varies: quite observation, desert dry wit, zero reaction upon even the most extreme provocation, and carefully chosen, clipped, spare sentences that sum up much, much more than one first assumes. Nothing seems to ruffle Foyle, although it's clear he feels deeply about his colleagues and about his duty. That dedication to duty, and even more, his dedication, love, and utmost respect for the law, keeps Foyle constantly at odds with others who see the war as yet another excuse to flout the conventions of the legal systems - as well as a convenient bypass for committing morally questionable actions." Antony Severs
' Foyle's War' serves as a means for telling stories about the war, and how civilians coped with the pressures and circumstances with the coming changes. Foyle, is always even-handed and tolerant. As a professional reviewer has said " It is amazing what intelligence and talent can do on television without ever mugging or shouting."
'Foyle's War' is one of the more entertaining, realistic depictions of World War II. It is so well written and acted, I have recommended it to everyone I know. I was saddened to view the end of the series.
Highly Recommended. prisrob 10-25-08
The Real History of "Foyle's War"
Foyle's War: Sets 1-5 Bundle (Amazon.com Exclusive)
Foyle's War: Sets 1-5 Bundle (Amazon.com Exclusive)
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