VHS : The Buccaneers [1994]

Rating: - loved it!!!
i absolutly loved this when it was on tv and it was my first glimps into an adaptation and from then on i loved them all (p&p, s&s, emma, martin chuzzlewit, jane eyre, etc). i was always hoping they would put it on again and on DVD (hint, hint) i always wanted to own it on dvd, i see they have it in video and at a ridiculusly high price!!!
what can i say the gowns where beautiful, the storyline was gripping and will keep you on the edge of your seat and in my opinion it was perfectly adapted for tv. when the sad part came you couldn't help feeling terrible for her (won't give any away) but then a ray of hope and all was well again ready for a happy ending. i just adore this BBC adaptation and at the end you can't help sighing with sheer delight. i heartly suggest buying, but at a reasonable price.

---

Rating: - Why you have to watch this adaptation
I think this adaptation of the unfinished novel by Edith Wharton is wonderful. I first saw it 9 years ago when it was broadcast on the BBC. I instantly fell in love with the 4 New York beauties or should i say 'buccaneers'. Their wit, beauty, imagination and vivacity caught my imagination then (when i was a mere 14 years old) and still today when i watch it. Philip Saville has created a world of Victorian hypocritical values in keeping with Wharton's novel it is based upon. When in New York and London in the 1870's, being from the 'right' family and having the 'right' address is paramount in securing a 'good' husband. The story centres around the youngest of the 4, Nan St George played beautifully by Carla Gugino (Spy Kids, Spin City, etc) and her relationship with the penniless but handsome Guy Thwaite (played by the dreamy Greg Wise of 'Sense and Sensibility' fame). In the Film it is her naive decision to marry another suitor in the form of Julius, an English Duke (played by the ever reliable James Frain). This journey into the aristocratic Victorian society reveals a much darker trip then Nan expected (i.e. marital rape, suicide and homosexuality). Gripping stuff, even now taboo, fairly controversial subjects let alone placing them in a victorian context!
But what the audience wants to know is who will Nan choose; the penniless but gorgeous Guy Thwaite or Julius, the aristocratic Duke? Watch and find out!
I strongly recommend this adaptation to anyone who enjoys a gripping and emotional coming of age yarn. Which is played by the best actors and actresses, including an array of British acting stalwarts such as Cherie Lunghi, Connie Booth, Micheal Kitchen, Rosemary Leach, Sheila Hancock and Jenny Agutter.
And like all good films or T.V. series this one leaves us begging for more.
(I don't know about anyone else but I'm hooked!)

---

Rating: - Why you have to watch this adaptation
I think this adaptation of the unfinished novel by Edith Wharton is wonderful. I first saw it 9 years ago when it was broadcast on the BBC. I instantly fell in love with the 4 New York beauties or should i say 'buccaneers'. Their wit, beauty, imagination and vivacity caught my imagination then (when i was a mere 14 years old) and still today when i watch it i am drawn into the hyprocrisy of the New York and London society of the 1870s. Where being from the 'right' family and having the 'right' address is paramount in securing a 'good' husband. The story centres around the youngest of the 4, Nan St George played by Carla Guigino beautifully and her relationship with Guy Thwaite (played by the dreamy Greg Wise of 'Sense and Sensibility' fame). In the film it is her decision to marry another suitor in the form of Julius, Duke of Trevenick (James Frain) that makes this adaptation travel to the much darker depths of Victorian society (i.e. marital rape, suicide and homosexuality). All fairly taboo,controversial subjects now let alone placing them in this context. The rape scene is particularly brutal and shocking, which makes the audience root for the reunion of Nan and Guy all the more. When near the end of the film when they run off together and consumate their love. The feeling of deserved happiness and elation that these 2 'soul mates' are finally together is extremely satisfying for the audience. That their courageous journey to South Africa together is only the beginning of a new chapter as the film ends. The symbolic ending of leaving an England so 'deeply entrenched in tradition',a world of hyprocisy and constraint for a 'new world' full of possibilities and adventure.Is portrayed wonderfully by these 2 lovers carriage ride literally tetering on the edge of their 'beloved' England and now in charge of their own destinies. But it is the original 'buccaneer' Laura Testvalley (Nan's ' most favourite person in the whole world') with whom our sympathies lie. Just as the birth of a new life for Nan and Guy begins Laura's own dreams of finding 'that kind of love' diminishes because of their scandalous elopement. But like in all Wharton's novels someone has to pay for the achieved happiness. This lone Italian exile is paying the price of the 'outsider' at the expense of a great passion and the triumph of Nan and Guy's love.
I strongly reccommend this adaptation to anyone who enjoys a gripping and emotional story played by the best actors and actresses. That actually leaves the audience satisfied with the characters conclusions and like all good films or T.V. series leaves us begging for more.