Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Audience Rating: Unrated
Binding: DVD
EAN: 9781569386750
Format: Anamorphic
ISBN: 1569386757
Label: Acorn Media
Languages: Array
Manufacturer: Acorn Media
MPN: 6757
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Acorn Media
Region Code: 1
Release Date: 2004-01-27
Running Time: 178
Studio: Acorn Media
Theatrical Release Date: 2002

Smitten by music hall life, and by the beautiful male impersonator Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes), Nan Astley (Rachael Stirling) leaves her family’s Whitstable oyster parlor and follows her heart to London. There she finds unimaginable joy—and misery—as she explores the secret side of fin de siècle life.

Based on the acclaimed novel by Sarah Waters and adapted by Andrew Davies (Bridget Jones’s Diary, Doctor Zhivago), this powerful BBC drama is both a frank depiction of lesbianism and a witty and moving account of a young woman who will win your heart while searching for her own. Also starring Anna Chancellor (Pride and Prejudice), Jodhi May (The Last of the Mohicans), Hugh Bonneville (Iris) and John Bowe (Poldark). "Provocative and uplifting" ––The Baltimore Sun. "Flat-out sublime" ––The Seattle Times.
"It's Pride and Prejudice with dirty bits." That's how screenwriter Andrew Davies (Bridget Jones' Diary), in an interview contained on this disc, describes his adaptation of Sarah Waters's acclaimed novel of lesbian love, betrayal, and redemption in Victorian England. This three-part BBC production chronicles with relish the story of Nan Astley (Rachael Stirling, the ravishing image of her mother, Diana Rigg), barely 18, and certain that life holds more for her than her oyster girl's existence. "You'll meet someone who'll have your head spinning and your legs turning to jelly," her sister promises. That someone surprisingly turns out to be "gay and bold" Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes), a music-hall entertainer, with whom Nan falls instantly, and swooningly, in love. Nan follows her to London, where, as a double act, they become the toast of London, until Kitty's "marriage of convenience" breaks up the act and Nan's heart. The outcast Nan, decked out in Victor/Victoria duds, becomes a streetwalker, and then "tart" to the aptly named Diana Leatherby (Anna Chancellor). This affair, too, comes to "a bad end" as a destitute Nan is deposited back on the streets, where she insinuates herself into the lives of Florence (Jodhi May), a social worker, and her socialist brother. Is Nan "too spoiled and stained for love?" Will she risk her blossoming relationship with Florence when Kitty inevitably returns to rekindle their affair? There is enough "backbiting and bitching" to fuel several seasons of The O.C. Nan's couplings, while tastefully done, do carry what Waters, in the co-interview with Davies, calls "a queer erotic charge." They are graphic by Cinemax standards, let alone the BBC. But the sterling writing and performances will captivate even the most sensitive viewers, making this groundbreaking miniseries, to quote one character, "a delightful evening... a rare treat." --Donald Liebenson

Customer Rating:
Summary: Brits know how to make em!
Comment: The British films seam to spead more money than the Americans on thier gay films. This is a totally rich film and really good story about love and betrayl....like a good novel.
J

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Customer Rating:
Summary: More than what I've expected
Comment: Wow, I didn't really interested in this title at all because of the actresses (yea, I'm kinda one of those damn people who judging a movie because of its actors/actresses XD). But anyway, I did ordered the DVD. It was good tho, I love nearly every single thing of the movie (yeah, just nearly), I also love its music, I think it's good, well, why not?
The dildo things turned me off though, it's disgusting, that thing and those sick people in there. I'm so obsessed with Kitty right now, I'm gonna watch it again for her, lol.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: One of the Best!
Comment: This is one of the best lesbian movies that I ever seen. The story, cast, scenery, clothing... everything is well done. It is filled with romance and adventure. As good as the book!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Girl love
Comment: A three part series from Sarah Waters novel, produced by BBC. Not as powerful as "Fingersmith", but still an interesting story. I must admit I am not a fan of musicals, so part 1 and 3 were more difficult for me to watch, because of all singing and dancing. Also, while "Fingersmith" lets us guessing about the nature of the relationship between the two girls, here, there is no mistake on what is going on between these girls. Very explicit storytelling, definitely not for young audiences. For audience who likes period pieces, this is an interesting presentation on lesbian love as it may have been a century ago.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Wow! Shocked!
Comment: I was captivated at the end - Kitty or her present lover...damn, I was like go Kitty, but then next second I'm like she slept with a man and broke your heart! I'm still happy with the ending though even though Kitty is sexy as hell and has that tom boy feature.

Lovely story even though it was a bit long. I loved every moment of it though and I was damn glad when Miss King stood up to her "owner". Just loved it, loved it, and loved it. I will definitely watch this movie again. I plan to pick up the book, but I couldn't help today to watch this film before it.

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