The Hollow Crown

[shadowfireflame]

Just watched the long BBC Shakespearian series "The Hollow Crown," which covers the buildup to the War of the Roses period in British history

Comments

[mirabile_dictu]

I've been wanting to see the whole thing, too! Did you buy the DVDs or were you able to rent them? It really sounds terrific. I heard Ben Whishaw was just remarkable, but the whole cast looks amazing. Thank you for spurring me on!

[shadowfireflame]

Yes, they really build on each other, so when you see the last one you know how it all started and how history sometimes get re-written as well. So to have a full appreciation of Richard III, you really have to see the whole thing, I think.

I was lucky that my local library had the first three on DVD and the last three are on iPlayer!

Ben Whishaw was very good! He was perfectly cast in my opinion. But yes, the whole cast gives it their all. I'm glad you've been wanting to see them and hope you will enjoy!

[daasgrrl]

Wow, that's a LOT of Shakespeare. I've been meaning to watch Richard II, because Ben Whishaw, but seeing the line-up it looks like I might as well go the whole hog *g*

[shadowfireflame]

Yes, Ben Whishaw is yummy and gets whumped pretty badly here. The actor who plays King Henry VI, Tom Sturridge, is also very pretty indeed.

I have to say that my least favorite episodes were actually Tom Hiddleston's (the second and third). There wasn't as much going on in them, I guess. I'd be curious to know what you think. But they are very long, like 2+ hours each!

[daasgrrl]

I have to say that my least favorite episodes were actually Tom Hiddleston's (the second and third).

I was almost going to say earlier that I was worried most about Henry V because a) I am totally in love with the Branagh version which I saw twice in the cinema, and also because b) I love Hiddles but I don't think he does Shakespeare very well. So, um. But I'd still watch it, I guess *g*

[shadowfireflame]

Ooh, interesting, I didn't know Kenneth Branagh did that play. I'll have to check it out!

[dioscureantwins]

Thanks for the appreciation post. I prepared for round two this spring by watching the first series. Richard II definitely stood out for me, even though Henry IV featured Jeremy Irons whom I've been admiring and adoring ever since Brideshead Revisited. And Christ, that voice! Until BC started storming the heavens I'd never heard such a decidedly sexy, thoroughly beautiful voice

[shadowfireflame]

Yesss, the whole scene where he was beating his ring on the chessboard/table was fantastic and my favorite; his murderous anxiety and paranoia actually made up the soundtrack to more evil acts. I was so invested that by the end I felt sorry for him with his iconic "My kingdom for a horse" line, but I wasn't sure if it was BC's wonderful performance or just the Shakespearean script that was making me cheer for the murderous antihero.

And oh my goodness, that broody photograph in the mud was the best. It set a great tone for the whole series, as did the last scene with Sophie standing amongst the bodies: this crown has caused so much death and suffering.

[marta_bee]

It sounds great - wish I could figure out a way to access it in America. Benedict is just icing on a really very interesting cast.

[shadowfireflame]

I hope that it will come out on DVD soon! And the cast is truly excellent! :)

[smills47]

A belated thank-you for recommending this series! We finally checked out the first season DVD from the library. Wow. The Tudors and The Borgias were both good, but this was by Willie Himselvis.

I have to say I liked Tom H. better as Prince Hal than as Henry V.

We are on the waiting list for the second series!

[shadowfireflame]

Yay, I'm glad you liked it. I'd love to hear what you think once you see the second series! In my opinion, it's much better than the first, but they are best when all viewed together. :)