Colibel Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

SoTrumpBelieve Must See Movie...

Matrixiole Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

Quiet Muffin This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

broadway_melody_girl THe 1997 BBC adaption of the renowned romance/suspense novel REBECCA was an interesting take on the novel. But not a very good one. The lighting and photography do nothing to set the suspense and sense of dread in Manderley that is supposed to be the lingering spirit of Rebecca, very unlike the book and 1940 movie. This miniseries focused more on the romance. However, I think that the "spirit of Rebecca" that is supposed to be almost "haunting" Manderley did not come across very well. They did show Rebecca in some flashbacks, which was unique but I thought sort of ruined the "Rebecca mystique". The acting was pretty much all excellent and solid but Charles Dance as Maxim was VERY different. I don't think his portrayal of Maxim was deep enough, it didn't show enough (for total lack of a better word) angst about what was happening. Diana Rigg as Mrs. Danvers was also different, but it worked, she was a great Mrs. Danvers. Emilia Fox as "I" was good too.If you liked the book Rebecca see the Hitchcock version also and compare the two. I find the Hichcock version superior, it is more faithful to book even thought a vital part of the book's plot is slightly distorted.

classicera First of all, I enjoyed the old classic version of the 1940s REBECCA with Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine and I have seen it over 100 times in my lifetime. However, I find myself very captivated by this 1997 version by Masterpiece Theatre and with its great actors, the assemble cast, the music score, the filming location and the more detailed storyline, which is simply superb and very well done. I believe the 1997 version is the best version of Rebecca, second to the book. Further, I have seen ALL the versions of Rebecca and have read the book by Daphne Du Maurier and can actually comment in good faith that this is simply the best adaptation with more details about the characters that you don't see in the 1940s version. With this superb 1997 adaptation, you are able to see a more deeper version of both Max and the second Mrs. DeWinter's characters played by Charles Dance and Emilia Fox. You see that they are in love in this version whereas in the Hitchcock version, it's not so obvious. You also get a better sense of Mrs. Danvers' character who you almost feel sorry for in this adaptation. Additionally, you'll see a few glimpses of what the beautiful Rebecca might look like.I believe this 1997 version of Rebecca stands alone as a great love story and great mystery that will keep you captivated.

E. M. After reading the book I was interested in seeing the different versions of Rebecca. This version boasts a line of brilliant actors (although some of them were slightly oddley cast. Charles Dance is a brilliant actor but one is forced to wonder who on earth cast him as a romantic lead?)I was expecting a good film, but this movie was disappointing in every aspect.The characterisation was poor and the writing was dull. The original book was full of suspense and one felt so involved in the fate of the characters, but this film failed in both those respects. The film was not able to capture the warmth, romance or intrigue of other versions.

lathabonthala I read the book by Daphne Du Maurier, and after loving it so much, I decided to watch this latest adaptation. All I can say is that this is better than what I expected! It can captivate every possible type of viewer with its rich tapestry of ideas and emotions in the underlying plot. Charles Dance as Maxim de Winter surpasses all expectations one might have (and isn't too bad to look at either!). In this version, he portrays Max as more romantic (perhaps more so than other adaptations), something which adds a touch of realism and allows for a different perspective of his character. Emilia Fox as the second Mrs. de Winter is refreshing and plays her character with the perfect amount of insecurity over the haunting presence of Max's first wife, Rebecca. Fox also presents her character as nothing but loving and dedicated towards her much older husband, with passion and romance that helps justify many a scene in this version, presented very aesthetically and with realism. The romance and chemistry between the two lead actors is incredibly convincing and is also very appealing. Dame Diana Rigg as Mrs. Danvers is superb, as she almost shows Mrs. Danvers to be in love with Rebecca, but not in a socially acceptable manner for that era, as well as being a tragic, lost individual who is clearly struggling to let go. Remaining supporting cast of Faye Dunaway as the pleasantly extrovert Mrs. Van Hopper and Jonathan Cake as the wild living, slightly devilish cousin of Rebecca, Jack Favell, are perfectly suited to their respective characters. 'Rebecca' also highlights many social taboos and difficulties experienced by the upper classes of the late 1920's, something which is executed faultlessly in this adaptation, and is also something which helps you to justify why Maxim did what he did (you'll have to see this to understand what I mean!). All in all, it has everything that makes for compelling viewing: murder, social taboo, romance, tears... it is truly awesome!