Lorna Doone (2000)
The 2000 movie version of Lorna Doone is one of those movies that my parents and my older siblings used to watch and quote and laugh about, back when I was still too young to see it, and when at last I did get to watch it a number of years ago, I wasn't quite sure what I thought of it. (I think I was about eleven or twelve then, though, and I was easily creeped out, so that might have had something to do with it.) I enjoyed it, but it also seriously disturbed me. NOW, I quite like it--probably love it. I don't watch it very often, because it is a haunting, not-easily-forgotten story, but whenever I do, I enjoy it.
However, as Miss Dashwood put it in her review (which is impossibly clever and scarily accurate, plus just an all-around great review of LD), "I really, really liked this movie. However, I can never resist poking fun when there's something around to poke fun at, so I may make a few jokes at the characters' expense. This does not in any way reflect upon my opinion of them--the hero in particular. He's a great guy but he's also easy to laugh at." And that's basically what I'll probably do, okie-day? :D
The story, for those of you who haven't watched/read about it, is basically Romeo and Juliet, at least at first, set in Exmoor, England, involving land and social disputes--except for the fact that this feud is understandable, since, ya know, the Doones (one Doone in particular *ahem*) are murderous sociopaths who have made it their business to raid, pillage, plunder, and otherwise pilfer their weasley black guts out. So, yes, the epic old tale of star-crossed lovers and dreadful fate and whatnot.
While the fact that Lorna and John's relationship is established in pretty much the course of one 24-hour period annoys the heck out of me if I think about it for too long, somehow they managed to do it well in this movie. The two are really very sweet, and if the beginning of their relationship is idyllic and cliched and unreasonable, do they ever have a lot to go through as it progresses. The makers didn't skimp on emotional tension (can I get an amen to that??), even as regards the starry-eyed lovers. They have their fights and their disagreements, which I appreciate. T'is a shame when movies don't portray the "real life" side of love, isn't it? On to characters!
John Ridd is…an interesting fellow *struggles valiantly not to laugh*. He's a terrific guy and I love him dearly but he can't sing is also just the leetlest bit silly. You guys who've watched the movie, you know what I mean. He's brave, open-minded, and for the most part, constant, but…he can be a bit goofy at times, too. And the hair, of course, doesn't help too much. (But then, knowing as we all do Richard Coyle's propensity for flamboyant hairstyles, we really can't be too surprised, can we?) Nonetheless, he's quite lovable, and his acting is great. "You break my heart and then accuse me of cruelty!" (I likes his accent muchly.)
I like Lorna a lot, and I'm not quite sure why. Maybe it's that she seems just a little bit more intelligent than John in terms of relationships and not wanting to rush into them *aHEM*. Maybe it's that she's generally a rather quiet lass, and I'm partial to quieter characters. (Is it just me, or is there a bit of a scarcity of introverted but graceful heroines?) Maybe it's the fact that she doesn't begrudge her captors, not even Carver. Anyway, I like her. Plus, ya know, she's gorgeous, as are her outfits and hairstyles.
 |
| *cue scary Lord of the Beans theme music* |
BA-BAM. Here's Carver. Pretty much as he looks: a creepy, booted, mohawked, pedophiliac, disagreeable stalker whom we all like a little, much to our chagrin. I mentioned him here, and that's about all I got on him at the moment.
The supporting cast boasts several period drama favorites, such as Barbara Flynn and Joanne Froggatt. They're all variously entertaining, especially Tom ("You should never have left her." "All things considered, I agree.") and what's-his-face-who's-played-by-James-McAvoy.
 |
| John's face. |
Hehehe;) While I'm not the biggest fan of Joanne Froggatt *ducks rotting vegetables*, I do like her in the second half of this movie (not the first half, 'cause she's just annoying in the first half), and her relationship with aforementioned-and-pictured James McAvoy-dude is vastly amusing.
This scene, though, when the army people are preparing to leave:
"You know I'm not much good with words, but, um…"
"You love me, and you think we should get married when you get back?"
*cocks head* "Wellll…"
"I accept. You can kiss me if you like."
:D Aren't they the cutest, though? When they come riding back and she comes running out to meet him and then at the end when they're walking through the wheat field (his hair in that last scene, though…)!
All in all, though it's not exactly a feel-good movie, it's powerful and sweet and difficult and one of the few movies that your whole family might actually enjoy watching together. And DAT ENDING THOUGH. Wow. Sheesh. Okay, stopping right there because, ya know, spoilers;)
*cue scary Lord of the Beans theme music* hahaha. This is a reference to The Lord of the Beans from Veggietales, right? Beacuse, I Iove Veggietales! My Dad bought the one with Madame Blueberry when I was a baby. I have grown up on Veggietales, in fact before I was allowed to watch LOTR I watched The Lord of the Beans. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, Mr. Tumnus! :D
Yes! I was hoping someone would catch that reference!:D Haha! I'm not a huge fan of Veggietales overall, but I watched LotB after watching LotR and I almost died the first time; it's so hilarious XD "It says, 'If you can read this, you're too close.' " "Other side."
DeleteI also like the Jonah one:D What are some of your favorites?
Yeah! He's such a wittle sing in this movie, it's adorable;)
Yes, it is funny. All of the different names though, Flobbits, Randalf, Grumpy, and Sporks! :D
DeleteI Like Jonah, too! And LotB, Celery Night Fever, Minnesota Cuke (like Indiana Jones), Beauty and the Beet, and Heroes of the Bible. :)
Hahaha, yes, and Ear-o-corn and Leg-o-lamb ;D
DeleteCool! I haven't seen very many, but I've heard they're pretty great:)
This is one movie I'd really, really love to see--I've only read part of the book and, while I really liked the overall storyline, I DIDN'T like John because he came across as awfully selfish and sort of petty, so I ended up putting it down. BUT the John in the movie sounds a lot better, by all accounts. And of course Lorna herself is always awesome :) So yeah . . . I'd love to watch it!
ReplyDeleteOh! Lack of introverted but graceful heroines--it is most certainly NOT just you! Rosie and I have noticed the same thing, and it really bugs us. I mean, a girl can be quiet without being awkward, can't she? CAN'T SHE? The other thing a lot of books and movies do that annoys me is that old "quiet/introverted = weak" stereotype. Quiet characters are not weak, thankyouveryverymuch.
I know what you mean about their relationship being rushed . . . It's not quite as bad in the book that way, because obviously the book is REALLY LONG and so they have more time to show everything . . . but yeah. I certainly wouldn't want to move that quickly in real life--although I do understand that "how quick is too quick" is different for different people. But still, 24 hours? NOPE.
I think you'd really like it, Jessica! And yeah, I've heard the book and the movie are very different. I'll be reading the book sometime in the not-too-distant future, so...*crosses fingers*
DeleteTHANK YOU! It's all about the fiery, independent, outspoken heroines in most fiction, and while I love some of them, for crying out loud have the decency to appreciate other types of heroines! Okay, rant over;)
I'm glad it's not as bad in the book! Yep, it annoys me in theory, but in most movies I don't really notice:P I know, right?? DA HECK. (Well, technically, they met as children, but then didn't see each other again for eight years.)
That's exactly how I feel--I mean, really, there's more than one kind of girl in this world! Isn't there? We're NOT all fiery and outspoken. We're just . . . not. And that's okay!!! I'm actually writing a super-quiet heroine right now for my WWII novel--I think because (at least subconsciously) I wanted to prove that quiet girls are cool, too :) You'd like her, I think :)
DeleteYeah. Although, I suppose one can argue that Lorna's circumstances made it difficult . . . I mean, they couldn't exactly have a REALLY long and involved courtship with him being in danger of getting shot every time he steps foot on her family's land. But still. Slow down just a leetle bit, peoples. (I think in the book she makes him wait till they've met three times, and then she says yes. So that's somewhat more reasonable.)
Yes! You and Rosie and I and whoever else agrees shall become pioneers for equal representation! Haha;) I want to read it! I think I'd probably like it, too:D
DeleteTrue, true. It's nice to know it's a wee bit more reasonable in the book.
I'd LOVE to have you read it, actually--I really like getting feedback and seeing people's reactions :)
DeleteIt's about halfway done right now (35000 words finished) so if you don't mind reading a half-finished story you COULD read it now if you wanted. Or you could wait 'til it's finished, and that would be fine also. Either way. I don't have very much time to write just now, since I'm in the middle of my college semester, but I try to do at least a little bit every weekend cause I don't want to get "rusty," haha.
Oh, thank you! I'd be honored:D Could I read it sometime over Christmas break? I'd have more time then, y'see:)
DeleteOf course you can read it over break! I'll be really excited to hear what you think! (And believe ME, I understand ALLLLLLL about not having enough time right now. I've got the exact same thing going on :) )
DeleteYay!! Sounds great, Jessica! And if I don't start talking about it closer to Christmas, just remind me, okay?
Delete24 hours? Wow. That's all I can say.
ReplyDeleteYes, Jessica, a girl can be quiet without being awkward!! Sometimes I think that most people who write books&movies with awkward, clumsy heroines never knew an introverted person. It makes me So Mad. Argh.
I KNOW. I guess it was 24 hours plus one meeting eight years ago, but STILL.
DeleteYes! Introverts can be just as poised--if not more so--than extroverts. *scowls*
Thanks for commenting, Rosie!:)
Mmmm - I don't know. In my opinion that is waaaay too fast. If I watched the movie that would probably be the one thing that would REALLY BUG me.
DeleteI totally agree! I wish there were more introverted heroines. I write introverted heroines as a rule in my stories, because it is so hard for me to visualize anything else. Probably because I am VERY introverted myself. But it will be a looooong time before any of MY books are published - so yeah :)
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteSorry, I realized afterwards that I had posted my above comment twice. Oops :)
DeleteI agree, it totally IS too fast! However, in the movie, you kind of just have to role with the silliness for a little while, and before long you're rather swept up into the drama and just general spine-tingliness of the story:)
DeleteI'm glad you write introverted heroines! Just keep writing! You got this, Rosie:)
(Oh, it's fine. No problem:D)
Oh, so that's how they got away with it :)
DeleteThank you for the encouragement! That helps a lot :D I try to write when I can - of course school is getting in the way right now, but I still get little slivers of time here and there :)
Whew. Glad you don't mind :D
Haha, indeed;)
DeleteOf course! I know how you feel; school keeps one so busy! But I believe in you!:)
*blushes* Thank you! :)
Delete*blushes* Thank you! :)
DeleteYou're so welcome, Rosie! :)
DeleteI remember seeing this movie in the VHS section of the library time and time again when I was a youngster, and each time I saw it I would pull it out to look at the cover closer because I was SURE that guy on the spine (do you call it a spine when it's a VHS case?) was Jamie Bamber. And each time -- "Oh, right, that's not him."
ReplyDeleteI've never actually seen it, though. I would like to, someday, as I love period dramas and would be interested in pretty much anything with a baby James McAvoy in it. ;-P
But -- oh, stop the violins! -- you don't like Joanne Froggatt???? WHY IS THIS??? *hurls rotten eggplant* But...but...everyone likes Joanne Froggatt! Haven't you ever seen Downton Abbey?
No really, why is it you don't like her? I'm curious to know.
Fun review! :-D
~Emma
Haha! Which guy was it on the spine?
DeleteI think you'd enjoy it ever so much, Emma. And yes, James McAvoy is such a wee lamb in it:D
*deep breath* Okay, I will tell you, but you may come away determined to have nothing more to do with me;P
So, first, I don't dislike her, per se. She's a talented actress! I think it's just that the only three roles in which I've seen her have been ones that kinda "clashed" with my personality. And yes, I have seen the first two or three seasons of DA, and...oh, you'll hate me for this, hehe...I wasn't the biggest Anna fan. There, I said it:P Anna is mainly very, VERY sweet, but she just wasn't my favorite, and then I didn't like it when she tried to convince Mr. Bates into adultery. Grr. But then there were parts that I absolutely loved her, such as when she hugs Thomas after Sybil died. OHHH MAH GASH THAT SCENE WAS SO HARD. Anywho, I loved how caring she was of everybody. So yes, I did like her, but she wasn't my favoritest, y'know.
Then I've seen her in this (LD), and as a character in the Robin Hood TV series (REALLY didn't like her in that). So...yep. That's about the gist of it:P I don't dislike her but I don't love her either.
Thank you!:D
It was John Ridd on the case. I don't know why, but EVERY SINGLE time I wanted it to be Jamie Bamber. Eventually I accepted the fact that it's not. ;-P
DeleteOkay....I see. Really, I do. I've only seen her as Anna, but I LOVE Anna's character -- always have -- and so I've come to like the actress a lot. I DO NOT like that part where Anna suggests Mr. Bates take her as his mistress, though, mainly because it doesn't fit with her character. Anna would never actually do that. (Usually the writers are pretty consistent with the characters, but that was just so OFF, in my opinion.) But really, I admire Anna so much. She's indefatigably cheerful, but she knows when to give people space. She's forgiving, but she doesn't let people tread all over her. I'm glad you liked her too. :-) I've never seen any of Robin Hood, so I can't comment there.
~Emma
Hehehe;)
DeleteWhew, glad I didn't offend you!:D I KNOW, wasn't that part so frustrating? Like, da heck. She's generally such a sweet, morally upright person and then...that. Badly done, writers. Badly done, indeed. But on the whole, yes, a great character:)
Hehe, I don't think you'd like her character on RH...then again, I don't really know of anyone who truly loves her role in that...she's one of the "good characters," but she is just ANNOYING AS HECK.
Yes, Yes, I agree wholeheartedly with everything you just said!!
ReplyDeleteI never really liked the beginning of their relationship - a bit too fast in my opinion, but it developed so beautifully later on.
Who is Joanne Froggat? *looks her up on IMDB* She was in this movie before we knew her? It always makes me so happy to recognise actors in small roles before they got famous. Loved spotting young James Mcavoy too. And yes, love their romance, especially the "proposal".
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteSo glad you agree, Rose!:D
DeleteExactly--I wish it had a bit of a surer foundation, but then again, it's nice how it started out as a bit of a shallow infatuation but then developed into a very deep love.
I know, right? It's so fun to see their "debut" movies:D
Hmm, me thinks I should really see this movie. And I loved the POtC quote thrown in there. ;)
ReplyDeleteI think you should, too, Laura!;) Oh! You caught it! Happies:D
DeleteI agree with the poking fun part! I love poking fun at movies! Actually, I probably enjoy it a bit too much! :) But, really, it's awfully hard not to sometimes...even with movies you really like!
ReplyDeleteI think you have a point about the lack of introverted heroines. It does seem like most heroines are renowned for their independence and never being afraid to say what they think. An introverted heroine would actually be a rather refreshing change.
Haha! You've seen The Lord of the Beans? I can't actually remember the scary theme music at the moment, but it makes me smile to think of ANY Veggitales music accompanying such a character as the one mentioned above. Haha! :D
Nice review, Olivia! I think I'd like to see this movie sometime. Overall, would you say this is a happy movie, or does it tend to be more depressing?
~Miss March
So true, Miss March! That was my reaction to Beyond the Mask, which I just watched: I really, really enjoyed it, but I also had a lot of laughs at its expense XD
DeleteYes! The hero is always all, "I've never met another girl like her, speaking her mind; I must needs love her 'til death do us part!" Okay, it's not usually that bad, but I'm getting worked up about this whole issue, hehe;)
Yes, I have, and you have too?! I'm so glad other people are catching the random reference:D Heehee, every time there's a "showdown" between John and Carver, this musical motif starts playing that legitimately sounds like the Spork theme music from LotB!
Thank you! I think you'd like it. Hmm, that's a toughie. Actually, I don't think I'd call it either--it's not exactly Cinderella '15, but it's not exactly Les Mis, either, hehe:P It's very dramatic, with lots of happy moments and sad moments, and scariness and bravery, and no mean amount of unpredictability. Sorry, that wasn't too helpful, was it? I don't exactly know how much to say or not to say (spoilers, dontcha know). ;D
Oh, you've seen Beyond the Mask? My brothers want to watch that movie. (You should do a review on that one. Because you need more ideas for movie reviews, right? Haha!) I've seen the trailer for Beyond the Mask and I have a feeling I'm going to have a couple laughs at its expense, too! :) Because I just DO that!
DeleteHeehee! Those heroes. Why ARE they are always so blown away by a girl who speaks her mind? Those kind of girls aren't scarce at all! Haven't we just established that fact?
Seriously? There's music in Lorna Doone that sounds like the Spork theme? That's just too funny! :)
Oh, I like Les Mis! If Lorna Doone is happier than that one then I'd probably enjoy it. I do like sad movies...I just don't like it when they end on a depressing or hopeless note. You know. :)
~Miss March
Yep! Just recently. Haha! Thanks; I'm actually considering doing it, so your suggestion was motivational;) I think you will--it's a good movie, but also a bit silly in parts.
DeleteI KNOW. Silly heroes.
Yes, seriously, there is! A little cooler than the Spork theme, but it DOES sound like it! And now it kind of cracks me up:D
Yeah! I totally know what you mean, and nope, it doesn't end on a depressing note, so I think you'll love it!:)
The. Ending.
ReplyDeleteWell I'm talking about the book but yeah..
I knoooooow, Evie!! Just...whew.
DeleteI love this movie! You know I never thought about it as a Romeo and Juliet like movie but now that you say that I do think you're probably right.... I hate Romeo and Juliet though! Obviously I need to rewatch this and think this over... any excuse to rewatch it. ;)
ReplyDeleteI never realized that was James McAvoy! I think him and Lizzie are so cute though!
Isn't it great?!:D I know, I'm starting to recognize Romeo and Juliet themes in a lot of movies lately, and I don't know whether it's cool or creepy;P
DeleteYes! Definitely any excuse to rewatch an old favorite, right?:D
I know! He's so little! Haha:)
Ah, I love this movie. John Ridd is slightly annoying (not to mention his hair!) and I am rather disappointed they didn't pick a....*cough* slightly better looking actor. :P I love Lorna too, although sometimes I am not quite sure what she sees in John....certainly something *I* don't see. ;P I suppose he was the first one who really, truly cared about her and loved her. Carver is a puzzling mess, but overall I don't like him. 'Nuff said. Yeah....Joanne Froggatt kind of annoys me too (and when she played Kate in RH, I didn't really like her that much either. Particularly what they did to her relationship with Robin - that is something I certainly DID NOT LIKE) but I don't think it's the actress, I think it's her characters. Lizzy was annoying in the book, too, so I really do think Joann's portrayal was a good one. :) James McAvoy is rather quirky. I am just so used to seeing him as other people it's bazaar to see him in that role! But I must admit, his relationship with Lizzy added some much needed humour. :D I love the ending. It's a good ending. :)
ReplyDelete~Miss Meg March
Yes!!! Haha, I understand what you mean, Miss Meg--he's not exactly "my type" either;)
DeleteDON'T MENTION HER "RELATIONSHIP" WITH ROBIN. Ugh ugh ugh. That whole thing just makes me ANGRY. Because 1) she should have been with Allan, worldwithoutendforeverandeveramen, and 2) Robin didn't even care about her "that way." I think he loved her as a sister, and then sort of just decided, "oh, what the heck, sure, I'll go along with it." And it makes me SO MAD. (Okay, RH rant over for the moment.) You've got a point there, though. I think it's mainly just her roles. She is a good actress, so maybe one of these days I'll see her in something I really like:D Awesome! I haven't read the book yet, but I'll be interested to see how it compares with the movie!
Haha, yes indeed;) Oh, I KNOW! It's very good. Very good indeed:)
Oh, I REALLY want to see this! I think I might soon, because we've borrowing the DVD from some friends, sooo. :-)
ReplyDeleteHaha, it's so weird to see such a YOUNG James McAvoy! AND YOU DON'T LIKE JOANNE FROGGATT?!! You obviously haven't seen Downton Abbey. Because she's a DARLING there. :-)
This movie looks really good, despite the AWFUL hairstyle. :-D
Thanks for the review!
~ Naomi
Ah, now I've read your reply to Emma's comment - I DO understand about Anna. I still LOVE Anna, though, but yes, that part has always annoyed me, too.
DeleteI think you'll really really like it, Naomi:D
DeleteIsn't it, though?! Hehehe, yes, well, you read the comment;P Yes, there are definitely things about her that I like, I just didn't like her as much as most of my family did, heh.
It really is! And aw, you're welcome, thank YOU for reading!:)
Yay! Your review!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree about John and Lorna. Even though the beginning of their relationship is very cliche and slightly annoying, I love everything that they go through later. It makes up for so much. :)
Oh my, you quoted one of my favorite lines! When you were talking about John. I just loved that line because usually the girl is the one that says "you broke my heart." It was so sad hearing him say it. :(
Lorna is just so elegant even whilst living among savages in Exmoor.
I hadn't seen this till after I had already watched Robin Hood and then I was like, "KATE." She always seems to play a character who can be slightly annoying. ha
Okay, you didn't mentioned one of my favorite characters in this-can we talk about RUTH? (who is also i RH) She is so sweet and adorable and kind and .....sob.....I hope she finds someone wonderful too. John belongs with Lorna, but I still feel so bad for darling Ruth.
Oh, I just had to quickly mention...YOUR NEW PROFILE PICTURE.
DeleteThere, I said it. :)
Exactly, Natalie! They're rather silly at first, but later their love has been tried and found true:)
DeleteI knoooooow…that scene. Sheesh.
Right?! I saw it before RH, but STILL. I kinda wish I could see her in a role that I wholeheartedly liked…
Oh my goodness! How on earth did I forget RUTH?! Ruth is such a hero. I just---wow. (Wait, when is she in RH?!?! Is she Annie? What'd I miss?!) Ruth is just that, a darling, and someday she WILL find happiness.
EEEEEKKKK THANK YOU. You inspired me, hehe;)
Yes!! Ruth is in S3 of the "Too Hot to Handle" episode. She plays a peasant with a baby son that she and her husband named "Robin". She is sooo sweet in that too and that one scene when Robin watches her and her husband is so sad because you know he's thinking of Marian.....-struggles not to cry-
DeleteYes, exactly! I like to imagine Ruth meeting an absolutely noble, steadfast man who loves her deeply and....mm....we need a sequel.
Ohhhhh, yes--I haven't watched that one in ages, but now that you mention it, I can totally see that! I know. Poor Robin *sniffles*
DeleteYes, we do! It could be called Ruth Huckabee instead of Lorna Doone, haha:D
Aw, great review! This sounds like the kind of movie I would enjoy. I already like Richard Coyle! I guess I need to start searching for it now!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah! Yes, I think you'd like it. It's a bit…different, and there are some things about which one could quibble, but overall 't'is excellent:)
DeleteOkay, so, I never thought I'd say this...but I kinda want to watch this movie now. And I want to have a sleepover and watch it with YOU. Along with probably a bajillion other movies that you like and no one else does, and that I might like if I had someone to watch it with.
ReplyDeleteI never knew what Lorna Doone IS, apparently, until I stumbled on it today! (And it eventually dawned on me that...that girl whose photo was in my mind when I wanted character references a few weeks ago, and couldn't find it again...it was HER.)
When I was a very young child, my mom tried to explain the plot of the book and movie to me. But she disliked it, so it came out with a lot of cringe and disgust. (rare for her!) So I permanently wrote it off. Now it looks really intriguing to me. If, that is, I'll like the guy MC better than his intentionally-pathetic role in Wives and Daughters.
Also... Congratulations, my very dear friend...you came up in a DuckDuckGo search for images from this movie! And I had already begun reading the review you linked to.
Ha! I'd be delighted to watch this movie with you someday, Mary. ;) We'd have a grand old time enjoying its finer points while also picking at its weaknesses. xD (And YES, we have so many other films to try together . . . )
DeleteOoh, nice! Yeah, she'd be a perfect character reference.
Haha, yep -- I can't say whether or not you would like it, but it'd be worth a try, I think? 'Cause it's not like it's one of my most beloved stories, either, so no harm and no foul if we decide we aren't feeling it. xD
Ahh, haha, thank you! Always fun when that kind of thing happens. Catch me contributing to the image searches for random obscure early 2000s movies. xD