Foyle's War (TV Series) - Season 1

Foyle's War is a series that I've always thought I should watch because it seemed interesting, but until the other day I had only seen one or two episodes and been fairly bored by them. So since I was already bored the other day I tried watching it again from the beginning and finally got the story from the start and found myself rather enjoying the first season! 

The stories do move slower as each episode runs about 90 minutes and World War II isn't my most favorite time period but I do enjoy this series most times.

With lovely 1940's fashions, pretty music, gorgeous scenery, interesting mysteries and many recognizable actors throughout the series Foyle's War is a fun series and I'm looking forward to watching more of the episodes in future.

This is my third film review for the 2016 Period Drama Challenge I'm hosting. Check out all the details of the challenge at the official post.

Foyle: "I'm a policeman. I'm here to do a job. Simple as that. If I start bending the rules, I might as well pack it in."

Sam: "Yes, but she was a German." 

Foyle: "Well, it doesn't make any difference at all. She's a human being, She was murdered. Murder is murder. You stop believing that, and we might as well not be fighting a war, because you end up like the Nazis." 

--Season 1, Episode 1

A Bit About The Main Characters:

Michael Kitchen as DCS Christopher Foyle - The quote above is why I like Foyle. It doesn't matter the circumstances surrounding a victim's murder, murder is murder and must be punished, even in the middle of a war. I enjoy Foyle because he's very even tempered and thoughtful as a detective and keeps his emotions buried deep down. His interview style is interesting because most times all he has to do is ask one question and let the person he's interviewing talk themselves into trouble. He loves fly fishing, golfing and getting letters from his son Andrew who is in the RAFs. Michael Kitchen's other period dramas include: The Buccaneers (1995), Kidnapped (1995), Oliver Twist (1999) and Lorna Doone (2000). 

Honeysuckle Weeks as Samantha Stewart "Sam" - Sam is a rather plucky gal who is assigned to Foyle as his driver. He is impressed by her right away when she stops a criminal from running away. Over time she pushes a bit into Foyle's personal life and becomes a good friend him. Her stories of growing up as a minister's daughter are quite funny. Ms. Weeks' other period dramas include: Lorna Doone (2000) and Poirot: Cards On The Table.

Anthony Howell as Paul Milner - A disabled veteran who consults on Foyle's first case (well, in Episode 1) and later works on as his junior officer. His wife Jane has a hard time accepting the loss of his leg and isn't very supportive of him. He has a hard time in the first season figuring out where he stands on the war since he's been wounded, all part of figuring out who he is as a man.

Anthony Howell's other period dramas include: Roger Hamley in Wives & Daughters (1999). 

Julian Ovenden as Andrew Foyle - Andrew isn't in many of the episodes but I enjoy his character mostly because through his scenes and the letters he sends it shows the softer side of his father DCS Foyle. Julian Ovenden's other period dramas include: The Forsyte Saga (I don't recommend this), A Christmas Carol: The Musical (2004), Poirot: After The Funeral and Downton Abbey (Season 4 & 5).

Season One By Episode:

Episode 1: The German Woman

Story: The German wife of a rich and influential aristocrat exempted from wartime internment is found decapitated in the midst of anti-German feeling.

Content: Two Germans are handled rather roughly and taken to an interment camp, a bomb hits a pub with people inside, victim is beheaded while out ridding (bloody hand and face are shown but nothing else), another victim is run over by a car, a love affair is mentioned, some heavy kissing. 

Recognizable Actors: David Horovitch, Edward Fox, Robert Hardy, Joanna Kanska, Rosamund Pike, Dominic Mafham, Julian Ovenden, James McAvoy

Thoughts: Neat to meet all the characters. Moves fairly slowly but right up until the end it was hard to figure out who the murderer was and when Foyle did figure it out his true metal was tested (an that's where the quote comes is). 

Episode 2: The White Feather

Story: The arrest of a young girl on a sabotage charge brings Foyle into contact with a group of English Nazi sympathizers.The arrest of a young girl on a sabotage charge brings Foyle into contact with a group of English Nazi sympathizers.

Content: Nazi sympathizers make jokes and sing a degrading song about Jews, the victim is shot with a gun, another attempted murder victim is shown, wounded soldiers are shown being treated, a dead man's face is shown.

Recognizable Actors: Charles Dance, Michael Simkins, Maggie Steed, Tobias Menzies, Paul Brooke, Patrick Godfrey

Thoughts: I didn't really like Charles Dance's character at all but then he's a Nazi sympathizer in this and you're supposed to like her. The identity of the murderer wasn't very surprising but interesting nonetheless. 

Episode 3: A Lesson In Murder

Story: Foyle investigates the suicide of a pacifist and death threats to the judge who ruled against his conscientious objector status.

Content: A naked man is chatised by being hosed down with freezing cold water (his front and behind aren't shown), a victim is hanged in a police cell, a summerhouse is blown up by a grenade and one character tragically dies in the explosion, shots are heard and another victim is found dead, effects of war are talked about, when the the murder is explained the second victim is seen shot in the chest three times, a mod is seen blowing up a shop and there is a death talked about.  

Recognizable Actors: Oliver Ford Davies, Sophia Myles, David Tennant, Elliot Cowan, Cheryl Campbell, Allan Corduner.

Thoughts: The actors are awesome in this! David Tennant spouts poetry and Sophia Myles is secretly in love with Elliot Cowan and his Irish accent! This is the first time we get to see the lovely Sam out of uniform and she looks so pretty in a blue dress dancing with a handsome man! Nice to see Sergeant Milner getting around more but sad that his wife isn't more supportive. The murder in this is so very sad! Neat to see Foyle's friends, someone that knew his deceased wife even. Probably my favorite episode of this first season, very sad in some ways but has it's lovely parts too!

Episode 4: Eagle Day

Story: Foyle investigates a man found with a knife in his stomach in a bombed out building while son Andrew gets involved in a top secret radar program.

Content: A bomb falls on an apartment complex and a man is found dead in the wreckage with a knife in his stomach, Sam and her father talk about lack of morality with the war, Sam tries to get information out of an RAF officer at a pub and he pinches her, another victim is stabbed in the chest, a girl's suicide is talked about and the reason she killed herself (seduced and pregnant) are spoken of, bombs go off and characters must run for cover.

Recognizable Actors: Anthony Calf, Roger Allam and Anton Lesser. 

Thoughts: Neat to see Andrew getting his flying orders and talking to his father about flying. One scene even briefly touches on Foyle's wife and that she's been gone eight years. Anton Lesser make a wonderful museum curator and shares interesting tidbits about an art museum hiding their paintings in a cave in Wales! They even get to visit Wales and talk to a Welshman (love their accents!). Sam has to deal with her minister father disapproving about her job and almost has to leave! An interesting story of how two murders are tied together!

Recommendations: This show isn't rated but most of the episodes I'd give a PG-13 rating for mild cursing, violence and some more adult themes (such as war and love affairs). I quite enjoyed this series and I think it would appeal to those who enjoy other period dramas such as Poirot, Miss Marple, Granchester and Endeavour. 

Have you seen Foyle's War (TV series)? 

Do you have a favorite season, episode or character?

Valentine's Day Couples Game

Just in time for Valentine's Day I've put together a long-ish game with photos of some of our favorite period drama couples holding hands! These are all repeats from games I've done in years past but there's 18 to guess so I hope it's fun for you!

To Play: Look at the photos of hands below and try to guess the lady's name, the gentleman's name and which period drama they are from. Leave your guesses in a comment and I'll respond with your score. Answers will be posted next weekend.

Scoring: One point will be awarded for each correctly guessed lady's name, gentleman's name and period drama. A total of 54 points can be earned. 

Period Drama Couples Hands Clues:

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

#11

#12

#13

#14

#15

#16

#17

#18

Have fun guessing!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Period Film Quote Game {February 6th} - Answers

These are the answers to the Period Film Quote Game {February 6th}from last week. It was fun to see everyone's answers, you all did an excellent job at guessing! Thanks for playing!

Period Film Quotes

Quote #1

Bathsheba Everdene: It is difficult for a woman to define her feelings in a language chiefly made by men to express theirs.
Period Drama: Far From The Madding Crowd (2015)

Quote #2

Jane Eyre: I have lived a full life here. I have not been trampled on. I have not been petrified. I have not been excluded from every glimpse that is bright. I have known you, Mr. Rochester and it strikes me with anguish to be torn from you.

Period Drama: Jane Eyre (2011)

Quote #3

Narrator (Death): I have seen a great many things. I have attended all the world's worst disasters, and worked for the greatest of villains. And I've seen the greatest wonders. But it's still like I said it was: no one lives forever.

Period Drama: The Book Thief

Quote #4

Sherlock Holmes: Exceptional children are often the product of unremarkable parents.

Period Drama: Mr. Holmes (2015)

Quote #5

Sir Walter Elliot: I must say, though, the worst of Bath is the number of plain women. I frequently observe that one pretty face would be followed by five and thirty frights.

Period Drama: Persuasion (2009)

Quote #6

Mary Crawford: You think if you shake me hard enough something profound with come out, but I assure you, I am profoundly shallow.

Period Drama: Mansfield Park (2009)

Quote #7

Elinor Dashwood: Did he tell you that he loved you?

Marianne Dashwood: Yes. No. Never absolutely. It was everyday implied but never declared.

Period Drama: Sense and Sensibility (1995)

Quote #8

Mr. Knightley: It is not pleasant for me to say these things, but I must tell you the truth while I still can, proving myself your friend by the most faithful counsel, trusting that sometime you will do my faith in you greater justice that you do it now.

Period Drama: Emma (1996)

Quote #9

Mr. Dorrit: You talk easily of hours, sir. How long do you think an hour is to a man who is choking for want of air?

Period Drama: Little Dorrit (2009)

Quote #10

Mrs. Hannah Thornton: A mother's love holds fast and forever. A girl's love is like a puff of smoke - it changes with every wind.

Period Drama: North & South (2004)

~*~

Player Scores:
Miss Sneyd - 17 points
Kerry - 15 points
Faith - 11 points
Cordy - 10 points
Esther Romaine - 9 points
Rachel - 9 points
Rose - 9 points
Rae - 7 points
Sarah E. - 5 points
Naomi Bennet - 4 points

Period Film Quotes Game {February 6th}

It's been awhile since we've had a quote game and I had lots of fun choosing quotes for this game! Hopefully these aren't very difficult to guess. Have fun!

To Play: Read the quotes below and guess the period film and the names of the characters who said them in the films. I'll respond with your score. Answers will be posted next weekend.

Scoring: One point for every correctly guessed period film and character. A total of 21 points can be earned.

Period Film Quotes

Quote #1

Character 1: It is difficult for a woman to define her feelings in a language chiefly made by men to express theirs.

Quote #2

Character 1: I have lived a full life here. I have not been trampled on. I have not been petrified. I have not been excluded from every glimpse that is bright. I have known you, Mr. Rochester and it strikes me with anguish to be torn from you.

Quote #3

Character 1: I have seen a great many things. I have attended all the world's worst disasters, and worked for the greatest of villains. And I've seen the greatest wonders. But it's still like I said it was: no one lives forever.

Quote #4

Character 1: Exceptional children are often the product of unremarkable parents.

Quote #5

Character 1: I must say, though, the worst of Bath is the number of plain women. I frequently observe that one pretty face would be followed by five and thirty frights.

Quote #6

Character 1: You think if you shake me hard enough something profound with come out, but I assure you, I am profoundly shallow.

Quote #7

Character 1: Did he tell you that he loved you?

Character 2: Yes. No. Never absolutely. It was everyday implied but never declared.

Quote #8

Character 1: It is not pleasant for me to say these things, but I must tell you the truth while I still can, proving myself your friend by the most faithful counsel, trusting that sometime you will do my faith in you greater justice that you do it now.

Quote #9

Character 1: You talk easily of hours, sir. How long do you think an hour is to a man who is choking for want of air?

Quote #10

Character 1: A mother's love holds fast and forever. A girl's love is like a puff of smoke - it changes with every wind.

~*~

Happy guessing!

Far From The Madding Crowd (2015)

This is my second film review for the 2016 Period Drama Film Challenge that I'm hosting and is also a film that I've been meaning to review since I went to see it in the movie theater back in Spring 2015.
Thomas Hardy adaptations usually aren't on my list of "must see" period dramas but Far From The Madding Crowd (2015) was on that list mostly because of actress Carey Mulligan and the lovely trailers released that featured her singing a lovely old English ballad.
Watching it on the big screen was a wonderful feast for the senses and had me eating up every moment of this 119 minute film.
 I really enjoyed this film and with just a couple scenes skipped over it is a timeless tale appropriate for teens and adults.
Far From The Madding Crown (2015) is a new favorite of mine because of it's lovely music, incredible scenery, gorgeous costumes, wonderful actors, strong characters and engaging story.

Story: The story of independent, beautiful and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene, who attracts three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak, a sheep farmer, captivated by her fetching willfulness; Frank Troy, a handsome and reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood, a prosperous landowner and mature bachelor. This timeless story of Bathsheba's choices and passions explores the nature of relationships and love - as well as the human ability to overcome hardships through resilience and perseverance. - Written by Fox Searchlight

Costumes: At the beginning of the film it states that the events are supposed to happen in Dorset, England during the 1870's so I did some research on styles from that time period and discovered that particularly the ladies styles range from 1870-1890 sometimes using things that are a little bit before the time period. I really love the wardrobe designed for Bathsheba Everdene, all of her outfits and hairstyles are gorgeous and although her gowns are sometimes ahead of the fashions of the day and sometimes lean more towards the early 1900's I find that the lack of lace, bustles and off the shoulder gowns really suit the character's independent spirit and landowner status very well. It's interesting that Seargant Troy is also given a mustache and long sideburns, two very popular things (and I believe started to be a requirement) for soldiers during that time period. Overall the costumes may not be quite right for the time period but they suit each character perfectly!

Scenery: Scenes are shot on location mostly in Dorset, England but also in the counties of Somerset, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. There's a nice little list at IMDb that tells where most of the places in the film were shot. The scenery is gorgeous and really showcases the farming life at that time period, the ruggedness of the open country and how farmers live by the weather. I particularly like the Winter time and Harvest time scenes that are shown. The houses are lovely, particularly Mr. Boldwood's house is so grand inside and out! The cinematography is a feast for the eyes!

Music: Perfectly lovely background theme music, composed by Craig Armstrong, that captures the wildness of the heroine and the scenery. That is also mingled well with traditional sounding dances and country ballads. My favorite song in the film is the song sung by Bathsheba and Mr. Boldwood at a harvest dinner, their voices blend so well together! This song (Let No Man Steal Your Thyme) is also played at the end of the film and I not only had to stay and listen to the whole thing but sung it over to myself in the car while I was driving home! The tune is very catch and rather haunting in a way!

Questionable Content: This film is rated PG-13, mostly for some brief sexual content. Basically there are two scenes that are the culprits. Firstly when Sergeant Troy is on the screen there is a lot of sensual undertones. When Troy first kisses Bathsheba he touches her inappropriately through her clothes. Later when they are married it briefly shows the beginning of their wedding night and the next morning. At their wedding celebration Troy and some of the men that work for Bathsheba get a little drunk and rowdy and start singing a rather lewd song whereupon the ladies leave the room, this scene isn't bad since it's intertwined with Gabriel saving the freshly cut hay from a thunder storm. There is also a little violence at the end, not really very gory but it is completely unexpected (unless you know the story) so it could be a bit traumatic for some viewers.

Actors & Characters: There are one or two recognizable faces and some wonderful actors who I'd never seen before. The cast is so well chosen and perfect for this film!

• Carey Mulligan as Bathsheba Everdene - The bold and fiercely independent heroine of the story, she has good business sense and makes a success of the farm she inherits from her uncle. Although she is smart in the business realm, she makes many blunders in matters of the heart, but then it is difficult with three suitors after her hand. Even though she sometimes makes very hasty and wrong decisions, I found it easy to understand her and sympathize with her troubles. She's very human and flawed character, but does learn from her mistakes. You'll know actress Carey Mulligan from Pride & Prejudice (2005), Bleak House (2006), Northanger Abbey (2007), Doctor Who: Blink and The Great Gatsby (2013) and it's lovely to see her take the leading role in another period drama!  
• Matthias Schoenaerts as Gabriel Oak - Hardworking farmer, honest, gentlemanly and always does what is right, but is often unlucky in business. He knows what he wants and asks for Bathsheba's hard in marriage after not knowing her very long. Later when he falls on hard times he is employed as a shepherd on Bathsheba's farm and becomes her friends and adviser. Gabriel is an amazing character and sometimes you only hold out hope for Bathsheba because you know he loves her so much. It is nice that his love for her is constant but he's not going to spend his days pining for her when she doesn't love him back. Matthias is a Belgian actor who has been in some period set films but this is the first time I've seen him in a film, he does such an amazing job portraying the strong, silent type hero Gabriel Oak! 
• Tom Sturridge as Sergeant Francis Troy - What can I say about Sergeant Troy except errrr! and ugh! He is very much like George Wickham (P&P), John Willoughby (S&S) and Henry Crawford (Mansfield Park) all rolled into one with a little bit of Marius Pontmercy's (Les Miserables) youthful impetuous nature. From the moment he enters Bathsheba's world I found myself screaming (inwardly, I was in a movie theater after all!) "no, no, no!" at the both of them. He's a very smooth operator and you can tell that every flattering and blunt statement he says to Bathsheba have been used on other girls, she can even tell this and yet she falls for him hard and fast. And yet you can see that Sergeant Troy does have a heart in there somewhere because of the love that is shown for Fanny Robbin. Actor Tom Sturridge has been in a couple other period set films but nothing I'd recommend. He played the part of Troy perfectly making him a character viewers will love to hate!
• Michael Sheen as William Boldwood - At first he seems like a very reserved and prideful character, but you soon learn he's just protecting a very fragile heart that's been wounded before. He's an extremely sad character and a few of his scenes made me cry more than any other part of the film and make him one of my favorite parts of this story! He does give his heart completely and it's rather incredible the extent his love for Bathsheba is shown and the sacrifices he makes. On the other hand it is sad that he never really seems to truly understand what Bathsheba needs or wants, and maybe never really cherishes her independent spirit. As Bathsheba says "I hold that many's life in my hands, his sanity too perhaps." I've never seen actor Michael Sheen in anything else but he has been in a few other period set films. I really enjoyed his performance in this film and loved hearing his smooth Welsh voice singing along with Carey Mulligan on one of the main songs.  
• Juno Temple as Fanny Robbin - Sergeant Troy's young innocent sweetheart who was also a servant at Bathsheba's uncle's farm. Through a mistake they end up in different churches on the day they are to be married and she has a rather tragic end. Such a sad figure, common in Thomas Hardy stories. I've seen Juno Temple in a few period films and she was perfectly tragic in this one.
• Jessica Barden as Liddy - Bathsheba's mischievous young companion / ladies maid who she brings under her wing. Liddy is a very fun character because she is high spirited and enjoys teasing the young men but she sometimes get's Bathsheba into trouble by encouraging childish behavior. 

My Thoughts: I've never read the book so I'm not sure how this film measures up but I do know that it is quite condensed compared to the 1998 miniseries. This film reminds me of Jane Eyre (2012) in that it is on the shorter side presenting a more condensed and slightly romanticized version of the story with lovely music, scenery and costumes. I do pretty much love everything about this film, it's slightly odd because in general I prefer the more tight laced Jane Austen adaptations but this period drama just has so many feasts for the senses and a bittersweet tale that captured my heart right away. I've seen Far From The Madding Crowd (2015) about four times already and don't find myself getting tired of it yet so it's definitely going on my favorites list!

My Recommendations: Because this film is rated PG-13 for "some sexuality and violence" it's not recommended for younger kids but teens and adults will probably fine and the couple "bad" scenes can easily be skipped. I really enjoyed this film but those who prefer sweeter and more stayed period dramas such as Jane Austen or Elizabeth Gaskell adaptations might not like this very much. But if you enjoyed films such as Under The Greenwood Tree, Far From The Madding Crowd (1998), Jane Eyre (2012), Great Expectations (2011), Lark Rise To Candleford (TV series), Middlemarch (1994) or Daniel Deronda (2002) then you will probably enjoy Far From The Madding Crowd (2015).


Have you seen Far From The Madding Crowd (2015)? What did you think of it?

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