cmcnaul I didn't even know this movie or series even existed and didn't see it until it aired on syfy Dec 23, 2015. Nothing else on TV but reruns! And I was quite satisfied with Labyrinth. Had a little trouble identifying some of the actors/actresses, but that was still a pleasant surprise. I thought Tom Felton did very well in his character, and that's saying a lot for me! I did have a little trouble following the plot. Not sure if it was my lack of historical knowledge, or the directing was lacking? Being an 'armchair' genealogist, I have come to really appreciate history so much more, so it could be just me. I do like period movies like these that are historically based. Meaning I recognize the d'vereux's, etc, beings I am a descendant. (Kg Edw I was my 21st GGF, and Mary Boleyn my 12th GGM). I also thought the clothing (not the exaggerated fluff and stuff), sets, and props were well done. I don't believe the fabrics of the day were so refined as most other movies portray. I would recommend this movie/series to others who enjoy such types. I didn't think the violence part was so bad, I've seen far worse on TWD! The woman who played Oriane.....I really don't get her..the actress? She seems to always play the same mean, spiteful creature ever since her first debut on Merlin (that I'm aware of, or was that even her debut?) She does appear to be improving on her acting skills, but I think she should really get a day job. After a quick read on the Cathars, I can see where the Catholic Church rose up against them. Being a person of faith, I wouldn't have agreed with the Cathar beliefs either. Yet, based on the Word, the Catholic Church is in direct conflict as well, and was and still is nothing more than a very well organized cult that uses death, hell, and the grave to control its members. But this would be a whole other subject...smile.

djh255 Oh dear. How sad. Never mind. Great book. Rubbish film. That just about sums it up for me. Having enjoyed the book so much I was really looking forward to this when I stumbled upon it in the Weekend TV Supplement, but where was the pre-publicity or trailers? Maybe the TV execs knew they had a turkey on their hands when they scheduled it on two consecutive nights over a long weekend when they knew that half the nation would be on holiday. It wasn't all bad - the screenplay was pretty close to the book, which is good, but at nearly 700 pages it is a big ask, and it has to be down to the screenwriter and director to put the story across in an accessible way, and on this occasion I think they have fallen short. The locations, lavish sets, costumes, and the star cast, were all great however. But something was lacking. I wish I could put my finger on it.It was all a bit clichéd. I know the body count was pretty high but there were far too many death-bed scenes when profound words are exchanged just before they croak and the eyes go north. I rarely criticise actors because they can only work with the material they are given but it would help if they could articulate a little more clearly. Without the help of subtitles (and having read the book) I would probably not have had a clue what was going on. Poor Jessica Findlay-Brown has an unfortunate speech defect that when she speaks quietly she breaks into a whisper every other syllable. Very distracting. And central casting please note - Tom Felton, fine actor though he is, does not have the physical presence or vocal gravitas to carry off the part of a warrior leader. And why was it necessary to cast Will as an American? This is a European story about European culture with European settings and characters. No need for a token American. This film will bomb in America anyway with their bite-size attention span. Can you imagine this complex storyline on American TV with adverts every five minutes? The audience will quickly lose the plot if not the will to live! Oh dear. How sad. Never mind. There, I've said it again.

Dain Slatton While much of the acting and production was skilled, the writing is self-indulgent, unrealistic, and reflects the severe mental issues of the creator in a very bad way. It seems as though the writer despises men, exists in a bizarre reality of their own creation, and yet has a peculiar lack of any original thought. It is a shame when so many talented people put so much effort into to script of an inferior storyteller, who's work is colored by their own madness and therefore creates characters who cannot be related to by those with a firmer grasp on reality. Every actor's performance was excellent with the exception of Vanessa Kirby, who made me wonder if she was aware she was supposed to be acting.

blendingcolours First of all, I think the story on Cathars is a brilliant topic for film - barely touched in films. I'm disappointed that not everything was filmed in location (Southern Africa? Why? Languedoc and around wasn't good enough?). The other thing, but it's a personal thing, the archaeological excavations were rubbish - nobody digs like that! (but I'm an archaeologist, so it's my thing). I didn't really enjoy the modern part of the story because of acting - actors and actresses were very stiff and unnatural. It looks like the modern story was directed and filmed by somebody else, but the Medieval part was much better in execution. I give 9 for the Medieval part and 3 for modern part, so it's 6 in general. My opinion is based on the first episode.