Monsignor Renard [VHS] Reviews
Monsignor Renard [VHS] Reviews
29 of 29 people found the following review helpful "Monsignor Renard" Worthwhile Despite Missing First Episode, By This review is from: Monsignor Renard [VHS] (VHS Tape) The first and, alas, only series of "Monsignor Renard" was originally produced by Carlton TV in 1999. Several more series were originally planned but later scrapped due to the high cost of the first series. When the series was played on Carlton TV in Great Britain, there were four episodes, with a total running time of 295 minutes. Therefore, each episode lasts around 73.75 minutes. However, when Exxon Mobile Masterpiece Theatre presented the drama, it was decided to omit the first episode. In this initial one, Monsignor Renard returns to his boyhood home, the fictitious town of St Josse-des-Bois, to get reacquainted with the townspeople, coping with the first stages of Nazi occupation. Apparently, the first episode was regarded as too slow and boring for American tastes, even those Americans who watch Masterpiece Theatre on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the American video version (NCTS) for sale is the one presented by Masterpiece Theatre, which omits... Read more 14 of 15 people found the following review helpful Dominic Monaghan's cut scenes - US version, By "veille" (CA United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: Monsignor Renard (Box Set) [VHS] (VHS Tape) I also bought this miniseries to satisfy a Dom-sweet-tooth, and am absolutely in awe of his stunning performance. Be warned that it is far more intense, of course, than Hetty Wainthropp, and much more disturbing than LOTR. It is also sublimely scripted and full of nuance - a brilliant piece of writing and performance. However, the entire first episode was cut from the US version, and it is really crucial to understand the journey of Dom's character, Etienne. I cannot recommend highly enough going to BrandyHall.net and downloading two pivotal cut scenes there in The Gallery. I promise it'll change your entire understanding of Etienne Pierre Rollinger. 6 of 6 people found the following review helpful Courage vs. Self-pity, By This review is from: Monsignor Renard (Box Set) [VHS] (VHS Tape) John Thaw ("Inspector Morse") does a creditable job of portraying "Msgr. Renard," recently assigned as the parish priest of his tiny home village in the north of France. The Germans have just won the Battle of France, and German occupation troops are everywhere. The conquerors are arrogant and condescending, the defeated are resentful and angry. Adding difficulty to Renard's mission to uphold Christian values and somehow keep the peace between the villagers and the Germans is his own past. It seems he left the village years ago to accept a political posting for the Vatican. Did he abandon his family and neighbors? Is he back now because he failed as a diplomat? Everyone has an opinion, but Renard wisely realizes that the only way he can redeem himself to his parish is to act.The script is very good, and all of the characters are well drawn. No cartoon Nazis here, no sniveling cowardly sympathizers. Renard's pastoral concerns are realistic, and his relationship with the... Read more |
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