The story is set during the Restoration era where the lovely and independent Dona St. Columb, married to a much older man, decides to returns to her family Cornwall state with her children. Arriving there, she discovers that a group of French pirates settled down in her lands. Infuriated, at first, she soon meets Jean-Benoît Aubéry, the leader of the group and a very charismatic man.
I watched this TV movie and read the book for the first time in my late teens and while I kept a good memory about Donna and Jean's story, I do remember this being loosely based in the book.
The cast was very well chosen and everyone was quite good in their roles. I'll have to start talking about the very talented Tara Fitzgerald who is a wonderful Donna St Columb combining a provocative attitude with a vulnerability and intelligence that made her my favourite character of the movie (and book).
Now, I had some troubles with our Jean Aubéry, played by Anthony Delon. I couldn't watch some of the scenes without cringing a little, especially the ones with Tara Fitzgerald. In those moments his acting skills look weaker... In the end, he manages to deliver a satisfying performance and, I must say, he's a very agreeable eye candy.
I don't know many period dramas set during the Restoration, so it was nice to watch this movie again, admire the gorgeous costumes and learning more about the political intrigues of the time.
Finally, the real treasure of this movie: Cornwall (Padstow, Helston, St Clement and Charlestown). The images are absolutely breathtaking ! After watching the movie, I immediately wanted to buy a ticket and spend some weeks there walking on those beaches.
The Frenchman's Creek is quite the passionate and romantic story, the perfect movie for a rainy Sunday afternoon. Recommended to all period drama addicts, but maybe not to the Daphne Du Maurier die-hard fans.
Grade: 4/5
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THE FRENCHMAN'S CREEK GIVEAWAY
The rules:
- US only
- giveaway ends the 28 june at midnight GMT
- one entry per household
- don't forget to leave your email address
I've only recently begun reading du Maurier novels; I haven't seen any videos. Would love to win this DVD. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletelcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com
I've read several of her books but not this one. I'd love to watch it. Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletemittens0831 at aol dot com
I am a period drama addict and I would love to add this one to my collection. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletekarylip 98 at gmail dot com.
When I first saw this, it inspired me to read more of Daphne Du Maurier's books. I would love to see it again to see if the movie withstands the test of time.
ReplyDeleteTmrtini at gmail dot com
When I first saw this movie, it inspired me to read more of Daphne du Maurier's books. I would love to see it again to see if it withstood the test of time. Thanks for the great reviews - I am so enjoying The Daphne du Maurier Season!
ReplyDeletetmrtini at gmail dot com
I've read the book, but have never seen the movie. How exciting to get a chance to win it.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
sophiarose1816@gmail.com
Wow, I've loved the novel, but never bothered to look for a movie version. Please enter me in the giveaway,
ReplyDeleteTara Werkheiser
xellossgirl@hotmail.com