‘Compelling’ BBC period drama with love triangle is perfect for Bridgerton fans
Period drama will be pleased to learn about this gem that seems to have slipped through the cracks of all the recent buzz, and yet it’s got all the romance and steaminess of Bridgerton
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It is based on a novel set during the second world war(Image: Pathe)
Period dramas are really having their moment on our screens, and this 2002 adaptation is one for the books, with an iconic British actress playing the lead role.
With the release of the Wuthering Heights adaptation this year and The Other Bennet Sister and Bridgerton being = binge-watched it’s safe to say that film and TV fans can’t get enough of the historic love stories.
Adding to that scene is a ‘powerful’ adaptation of Rosamond Lehmann’s 1953 novel The Echoing Grove, in the form of a film called The Heart of Me. Released in 2002, the British drama, directed by Thaddeus O’Sullivan, has made quite the impression on viewers.
Set in London during a tumultuous period of time, both before and after the Second World War, the story follows a marital affair. It reveals the consequences of a woman’s affair with her own sister’s husband and their forbidden love for one another.
At the very heart of this tricky love story is the beloved British actress Helena Bonham Carter, as well as Paul Bettany and Olivia Williams. Carter has been praised for her role in this film, despite its lower ratings, it seems it’s her performance that always shines through.
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Helena Bonham Carter plays the leading role(Image: https://ok.ru/video/265372043939)
A fan of the film shared on Rotten Tomatoes: “I love this movie to bits. I’m a major Helena Bonham Carter fan, and I’ve heard that this is one of her best movies.
“It’s so moving and powerful that I ended up crying throughout it, which I have never done before in my life with any other movies! The acting is brilliant!
“You couldn’t have got a better cast to play each role, and the script they go by is beautifully written. This is a must-have movie that’ll send shockwaves through you!”
Another review reads: “How did I miss this gem? Was it originally broadcast on television? Paul Bettany, in one of his strongest roles, makes adultery seem delicious in this period drama.
“The complicated love story involving sisters reminded me of Atonement, a universal favourite. The love triangle with Helena Bonham Carter also reminded me of Wings of the Dove, a Merchant/Ivory production and a personal favourite of mine.”
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The film is set before and after World War 2(Image: Unknown)
What makes the film feel all the more period drama-esque is all of the characters’ wealth and upper-class backgrounds, so you can expect characters speaking in the most eloquent of English.
Adding to the elegance is the beautiful setting of the Isle of Man, which plays a central role in the film.
Although, all these years on from its release, online reviews have garnered it a mere 50% overall score on the review site Rotten Tomatoes. Some dissatisfied viewers have dubbed it as “predictable” and “lame”, while others called it “heartbreaking” due to its tragic ending.
An impressed viewer chimed in to say: “I thought this movie was excellent and all that you’d expect from a BBC period production. The actors were marvellous and rendered all their characters very well.
“The story didn’t turn out as I wanted, but it was classy and compelling to the very end. Well worth watching.”
Watch The Heart of Me and decide for yourself, as it’s streaming now for free on BBC iPlayer.
SOURCE: WALESONLINE