Sebastian Faulks’s novel, about one man’s intense experiences of the extremes of both love and war, has become a bona fide modern classic. A bestseller since its 1993 publication, it was also voted Britain’s 13th favourite book in the BBC’s Big Read poll.
This two-part adaptation by Abi Morgan, writer of 1950s-set drama The Hour and recent film The Iron Lady, therefore has a lot to live up to.
Sublimely shot and strongly performed, it’s directed by Philip Martin, whose CV includes the Mo Mowlam biopic, while the classy supporting cast includes Matthew Goode and Anthony Andrews.
The story begins in 1910, with Englishman Stephen Wraysford (rising star Eddie Redmayne) arriving to work at a textile factory in northern France.
He soon falls for his host’s wife Isabelle (Clémence Poésy, best known from the Harry Potter films), and the pair embark on a passionate affair.
Source: Telegraph
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