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Fortunes of War (1988) Reviews

Fortunes of War (1988)
Member Rating:  
Originally produced for the BBC, the seven-part Fortunes of War was adapted from Olivia Manning's "The Balkan Trilogy" and "The Levant Trilogy". Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson, who in 1987 were husband and wife, star as Guy and Harriet Pringle, a British couple who move to Rumania in 1939. As the war clouds gather, Guy becomes involved in political resistance activities, which tends to make him neglectful of Harriet, who'd just as soon remain aloof from world events. While Guy goes off on such missions as destroying the German supply lines along the Danube, Harriet attempts to maintain decorum in her home-a task rendered well nigh impossible when such "guests" as Prince Yakimov (Ronald Pickup) drop in. Separated in mid-war, the Pringles are reunited in Greece, where the lonely Harriet becomes involved with handsome army officer Jeremy Brudenell. Then it's off to further adventures in Alexandria, Cairo, and finally, Damascus. Fortunes of War was first telecast in America from January 17 to February 28, 1988, as part of PBS' Masterpiece Theatre series. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Director(s):
James Cellan Jones
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(13 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Barbara G.

Once again I have been amazed and wonderfully entertained by a BBC production. This production was full of really interesting characters and stunning locations. This was filmed in Bucharest, Athens, and Cairo which made incredible backdrops for this series. Emma Thompson should have won an oscar for this performance. I highly recommend "Fortunes of War" to anyone who loves a good historical drama. Nobody does it better than the BBC.

Yes   |   No


Elina B.

Loved it. Very deep and moving. Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson are great together.

Yes   |   No


Ann C.

Seeing this BBC movie reminded me of how riveting Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson were in the years they acted together. Here they play an English expatriate couple who move from Romania to Greece, Egypt and Syria during WW2. Great on-location scenes, especially in Greece and Egypt--where the actors are photographed walking around the Parthenon and climbing up a pyramid. The story bogs down somewhat at midpoint, but stick with it to the finish. You won't be sorry.

Yes   |   No


Judith H.

Pretty slow moving drama. Very little happens in 7 episodes. I wonder if they had comercials when this was broadcast initially? I might've turned it off if I was still awake. I still would like an answer as to why Guy didn't spend more time with Harriet. More battle scenes might've helped, providing more action. The last two episodes were interesting with the paralyzed soldier and Harriet's "death" but tooooo slow!

Yes   |   No


ROBERT W.

This is one of the great events made for TV. Right up there with "I, Claudius", "Deadwood", the new "Battlestar Galactica", etc. An absolute must-see for everyone.

Yes   |   No


Dolores R.

Love most BBC shows, I love Emma Thompson but this is too slow, its a double sided dvd, focus is mainly on her and her husband's relationship, how the more richer in society moved around during the war to other countries. Colditz is a better movie that moves along.

Yes   |   No


Linda W.

This movie has nice scenery,and the acting was good,however,I thought it was very slow and the storyline was boring.

Yes   |   No


Maitland A.

We didn't like it at first Branagh plays a doofus, and Emma, Mrs doofus: but we liked it after accepting that.

Yes   |   No


Ken G.

KInd of a "History the way I wish it was" movie, in which Kenneth Branagh plays a weasley, boring, wimpy, dishrag of a husband--who never becomes interesting in the entire movie. There is no spark between he and Emma Thompson. I think this is a case of dumb writing, along with some strange ideas about relationships and marriage. It doesn't seem the author had a very high view of marriage, and spends most of the movie making married relationships look just a tad more enjoyable than a root canal. I'm having trouble believing that the other reviewers REALLY watched this movie! I want my time back!!!!

Yes   |   No


Linda L.

Wow! Great characters in fabulous locations. What more can you ask for?

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (13)
     
    Barbara G.

    Once again I have been amazed and wonderfully entertained by a BBC production. This production was full of really interesting characters and stunning locations. This was filmed in Bucharest, Athens, and Cairo which made incredible backdrops for this series. Emma Thompson should have won an oscar for this performance. I highly recommend "Fortunes of War" to anyone who loves a good historical drama. Nobody does it better than the BBC.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Elina B.

    Loved it. Very deep and moving. Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson are great together.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Ann C.

    Seeing this BBC movie reminded me of how riveting Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson were in the years they acted together. Here they play an English expatriate couple who move from Romania to Greece, Egypt and Syria during WW2. Great on-location scenes, especially in Greece and Egypt--where the actors are photographed walking around the Parthenon and climbing up a pyramid. The story bogs down somewhat at midpoint, but stick with it to the finish. You won't be sorry.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 13 Reviews
       

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