- Actors: Sean Bean, Clive Owen, Polly Walker, Billie Whitelaw, Jane Gurnett
- Format: Colour, Full Screen, PAL
- Language English
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3 - 1.33:1
- Classification: PG
- Studio: Digital
- VHS Release Date: 6 May 2002
- Run Time: 87 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00004CQWP
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 4,030 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)
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Product Description
87 minutes
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I was lucky enough to buy a used VHS copy of this film some years ago, and am truly stunned by the current price of the DVD! This may seem affordable to fans of Sean Bean and Clive Owen who want to complete their collections; however, whoever loves the film in its own right, will think twice before spending such an amount of money on it.
For, no, it is not, by any means, a "pretty faithful adaptation of Blackmore's story". It's a low budget production. They cropped the story in every way they were able to -- dropping such essential characters as Uncle Reuben, Little Ruth, The Counsellor, Jeremy Stickles, Gwenny, and John's bookish sister Lizzie. Worst of all, and quite unforgivable, they decided to kill off poor Tom Faggus halfway through the movie -- Tom Faggus, who, in the book, gets his royal pardon, marries Annie, fathers a son, causes John's excursion to the battle of Sedgemoor, and lives on through the happy ending. There's no first attack on the Doone valley, no Monmouth Rebellion (of course), no Bloody Assizes, not even John's trip to London that inspired Franz Kafka's most celebrated story. And as for the ending, they changed Lorna's deaf uncle into an aunt, and gave the whole thing a twist that made it look like the novel had been written by Barbara Cartland!
Why then, will you ask, have I watched this thing so often as to use up my copy -- the more so, since I own the 2000 version, too (which is, if far from perfect, at least a bit more true to the book)? It's because the moment you forget to think about all the injustice done to Blackmore's novel, that film is quite delightful. Without all the details that make the novel's charm, it boils down to an olden times rural Romeo-and-Juliet plot, but they made a dense, convincing and sometimes very moving story out of the bits they chose to retain. Above all, the two main protagonists may look rather too old for the characters they play, but there is a lot of palpable chemistry going on between them...
(Whereas in the 2000 version, there is next to none! Note, please, that this is undoubtedly not Richard Coyle's fault. He's casting off sparkles in every direction, which makes it all the more frustrating that there is never the slightest sign of warmth from Amelia Walker, to show that she has caught fire.)
... and the scene where they confront old Sir Ensor, is splendidly done! And of course, Sean Bean's Carver Doone is exiting, stunning, overwhelming, even for people like me, who aren't into fandom of any kind. Really, that film is worth a look and a watch...
... just not, forgive me, at the current price.
For, no, it is not, by any means, a "pretty faithful adaptation of Blackmore's story". It's a low budget production. They cropped the story in every way they were able to -- dropping such essential characters as Uncle Reuben, Little Ruth, The Counsellor, Jeremy Stickles, Gwenny, and John's bookish sister Lizzie. Worst of all, and quite unforgivable, they decided to kill off poor Tom Faggus halfway through the movie -- Tom Faggus, who, in the book, gets his royal pardon, marries Annie, fathers a son, causes John's excursion to the battle of Sedgemoor, and lives on through the happy ending. There's no first attack on the Doone valley, no Monmouth Rebellion (of course), no Bloody Assizes, not even John's trip to London that inspired Franz Kafka's most celebrated story. And as for the ending, they changed Lorna's deaf uncle into an aunt, and gave the whole thing a twist that made it look like the novel had been written by Barbara Cartland!
Why then, will you ask, have I watched this thing so often as to use up my copy -- the more so, since I own the 2000 version, too (which is, if far from perfect, at least a bit more true to the book)? It's because the moment you forget to think about all the injustice done to Blackmore's novel, that film is quite delightful. Without all the details that make the novel's charm, it boils down to an olden times rural Romeo-and-Juliet plot, but they made a dense, convincing and sometimes very moving story out of the bits they chose to retain. Above all, the two main protagonists may look rather too old for the characters they play, but there is a lot of palpable chemistry going on between them...
(Whereas in the 2000 version, there is next to none! Note, please, that this is undoubtedly not Richard Coyle's fault. He's casting off sparkles in every direction, which makes it all the more frustrating that there is never the slightest sign of warmth from Amelia Walker, to show that she has caught fire.)
... and the scene where they confront old Sir Ensor, is splendidly done! And of course, Sean Bean's Carver Doone is exiting, stunning, overwhelming, even for people like me, who aren't into fandom of any kind. Really, that film is worth a look and a watch...
... just not, forgive me, at the current price.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Before I bought this DVD, I had no real familiarity with Sean Bean, and had never heard of Clive Owen. Now both are favorite actors of mine.
This is a pretty faithful adaptation of Blackmore story. Its bleak outdoor settings are nothing less than perfect for the story, the costumes and interiors are well-researched, and the whole atmosphere is wonderfully and darkly romantic.
Clive Owen as John Ridd brings a low-key intensity to the role of the stubborn, but emotionally vulnerable 'hero,' while the flamboyant 'villain,' Carver Doone, played by the amazing Sean Bean, manages to be both terrifying and sympathetic at the same time. Carver Doone's backstory is only hinted at, but mitigates against his wicked jealousy and makes him totally believable as a human being.
The only thing which lets this movie down a bit is the rather flat portrayal of Lorna herself, played by Polly Walker. I feel she's slightly too 'Danielle Steele' an actress for this role, and does not really seem comfortable in a period piece. However, she is not really bad in the role either, and she is a very tiny flaw in an otherwise mesmerising film.
If you like a scenically impressive costume drama, with charismatic, but realistically flawed characters, lots of action and a strong plot, you'll love Lorna Doone. I watch this film often, and still enjoy it every time.
Format:DVD
Yes this version takes liberties with the book, cutting away much of the historical detail. But it works (or I am a philistine) allowing dramatic licence to hold sway over historical accuracy (the book is overly long anyway, and would have benefitted from some serious editing). I remember watching this as a little girl one winter's afternoon and thinking how impossibly romantic. It really brings to life the story and the sense of wildness that surrounds Exmoor.
This is far superior to the recent BBC version--with its lacklustre protaganists and little chemistry between the leads. Here the romance sparks, we have a headstrong and wilful Lorna, willing to risk her very life to be with John-- far better than Amelia Warner's pitifully bland performance. Similarly Sean Bean is brilliant as the reckless and wild Carver Doone (if I'm honest I bought this just because he is in it-- gorgeous, gorgeous man) much more realistic and manly than the modern version's, Aidan Gillen, who simpers and smirks his way across the screen. (Perhaps its because he was so awesome in "Queer as Folk", but I can't help feeling he "minces" around as Carver Doone--- its really off putting!)
Then you have Clive Owen as John, another gorgeous addition and far more passionate a lead than Richard Coyle. Sorry-- this version may be lower budget, but its far superior in entertainment. Just don't look for literary or historical accuracy.
This is far superior to the recent BBC version--with its lacklustre protaganists and little chemistry between the leads. Here the romance sparks, we have a headstrong and wilful Lorna, willing to risk her very life to be with John-- far better than Amelia Warner's pitifully bland performance. Similarly Sean Bean is brilliant as the reckless and wild Carver Doone (if I'm honest I bought this just because he is in it-- gorgeous, gorgeous man) much more realistic and manly than the modern version's, Aidan Gillen, who simpers and smirks his way across the screen. (Perhaps its because he was so awesome in "Queer as Folk", but I can't help feeling he "minces" around as Carver Doone--- its really off putting!)
Then you have Clive Owen as John, another gorgeous addition and far more passionate a lead than Richard Coyle. Sorry-- this version may be lower budget, but its far superior in entertainment. Just don't look for literary or historical accuracy.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Dull and dreary
An exciting historical tale has been turned into something as exciting as watching paint dry. The story plods, no sense of history and you long for Carver to kill wretched John... Read more
Published on 16 Feb 2008 by Sharpshooter
He's right - it's not "Rob Roy"
The reviewer from Pakistan tells us that this film is not "Rob Roy". Well, thats the only thing he got right. Read more
Published on 14 Mar 2004
Truly Awful
My sensible wife gave up half way through and went to bed. I stayed till the end, but only because I felt I had to justify borrowing the thing in the first place. Read more
Published on 20 Mar 2000 by bennfuji
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