On TV: Sunday 22nd/29th January 2012
Channel: BBC One
Episode Type: A two-part drama series
In 1 Sentence: An epic love story that, while sentimental, was captivating
BBC Summary: Epic love story set against the First World War, based on Sebastian Faulks' novel about a soldier who finds himself fighting in the area where he had an illicit affair before the war.
My Review: Birdsong was very promising. It was exquisitely shot and every shot looked beautiful; helped greatly by both the costumes and the actors -Eddie Redmayne and Clémence Poésy - who are so perfect it’s just not fair! This leads me nicely on to the chemistry which was maybe too subtle to begin with but that’s what made it so riveting to watch. When the two finally got together it was beautiful - but the happiness didn’t last long!
The story flicks in between (Redmayne’s character) Stephen in the midst of war and his memories of his life with Isabelle (played by Poésy). The contrasts between the two are heartbreaking and ever scene unfolds another twist in the story. The end of the first episode brought a tear to my eye as Stephen was saved from the brink of death after he had wrongly been thought dead. It is so desperately sad and just his triumph over death throughout is extraordinary. And of course those who know the story know the ending and how it is filled by mixed emotions!
Redmayne stood out to me the most, portraying a hardened soldier facing the realities of war clinging on to something to live for. Birdsong may be purely escapist wonder but it is passionate in both its despondency and poignancy.
Score: 8.5/10
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