The series "Downton Abbey", the reviews of which are given in this article, is a popular British serial film, which was staged according to the script of Julian Fellows. The atmosphere of Great Britain at the beginning of the 20th century is recreated in detail and very believably in the picture. The series touches on many issues and problems of that time. For example, technological progress, the First World War, the emancipation of the fairer sex, the epidemic of the Spanish flu, the appearance in the use of telephones, electricity.
Series Features
The series "Downton Abbey", reviews of which can be read in this article, was awarded the entry in the Guinness Book of Records. Experts considered him the most talked about television series among critics.
At the moment, six seasons of the series have already been released. According to British media, it was the final one. The last episode of this serial film was aired on December 25, 2015.
In early 2016, it became known that the creators plan to make a full-length film. He will not repeat the plot of the series. Actions in it will unfold 10 years after the events of the sixth season.
In Russia, the show of the Downton Abbey series, reviews of which are collected in this article, started in 2011 on the Domashny television channel. In October 2017, it began to be broadcast on Culture.
The plot of the series
The events of the series unfold in England in 1912. Just on the day when it becomes known about the death of the Titanic. One of his passengers was the heir to the title of Earl of Grantham, who lived with his family on the Downton estate in Yorkshire. After the family no longer has male heirs, it is expected that all the possessions and savings will be transferred to his eldest daughter. This is the provision of the contract, which was signed by the father of the count.
True, not everyone agrees with this. So, Count Robert is deeply convinced that young Mary should not get so much, because it was he who gave almost his entire life to the estate. Therefore, the son of the cousin of the count, who is practically unknown to anyone, should become the real heir.
An interesting feature of the series "Downton Abbey", reviews of which you can read in this article, is that it tells in detail not only about the life of the nobility, but also about the intrigues that unfold among their servants. Between housekeepers and butlers, as it turns out, a lot of strange and mysterious things are happening too.
Episode 1 of season 1 of the Downton Abbey series was released on September 26, 2010.
Second season
The second season of this series falls on the First World War. Spectators witness the battle on the Somme that took place in 1916. This is a battle in France. She remained in history as one of the most bloody and cruel in world history. According to various estimates, about one million people died in this battle. The greatest damage was just suffered by the British army, which lost more than 600 thousand people killed and missing.
One of the key characters in the series, Lord Grantham, did not get to the front. He was not called up because of his age. But the participants in the First World War were Matthew Crowley and footman William.
In season 2 of Downton Abbey, Tom Branson is tormented by inner feelings. He strongly doubts that he wants and is ready to fight for England. It is worth noting the example that Lady Sybil sets around. Despite her high aristocratic origin, she goes to the most advanced as a sister of mercy.
Third season
The third season tells about the fate of the main characters in the series "Downton Abbey", all the seasons of which are described in this article. In the courtyard of 1920. Earl Grantham, the owner of the estate, made unsuccessful investments, after which the future of the whole family is in jeopardy.
At the same time, Matthew Crowley is getting married, but he does not dare to spend the inheritance of his first bride on saving the abbey.
Fourth season
In the fourth season of this fascinating series, which already has millions of fans around the world, Lady Mary, the wife of Matthew, is mourning for her husband. She has a newborn son, George, to whom she shows little interest.
At the same time, Lord Grantham and Brenson were animatedly arguing about how to manage the estate in order to restore its former glory and greatness. The problem is that Matthew did not leave a will, and this greatly complicates the process of sharing the inheritance.
Lady Cora needs a new maid, as her previous maid leaves for work in India. In a hurry, she hires Edna, who was able to provide letters of recommendation from Mrs. Hughes.
It is hard for Matthew and Mr. Mosley to die. He lost his valet position; he is unable to find a new job even with the help of the countess. In the first series of the fourth season, almost all the servants are excited by the news about the upcoming Valentine's Day celebration.
The series is full of funny episodes. Many of them are associated with the advent of technical innovations in the lives of characters. For example, Mrs. Patmore masters the mixer.
Fifth season
The fifth season was released in 2014. The first episode takes viewers to February 1924. Among the residents of Downton Abbey and nearby settlements, the installation of a monument dedicated to compatriots who died on the fronts of the First World War is actively being discussed. The committee, which will raise funds and discuss the draft memorial, is chaired by Carson.
A difficult period begins in the life of Edith. She does not receive any news from Gregson, nor can she see her daughter. She is brought up in a farmer's family.
Intrigue prevails in the world of English servants. Jimmy is actively pursued by his former mistress by the name of Lady Antrater. At the same time, Thomas was asking Miss Baxter to connect Bates with Green's death. Baxter is blackmailing her with a dark past. She is afraid that the countess might find out many unpleasant facts about her.
But happiness reigns in the family of Cora and Robert. They have been celebrating the 34th anniversary of their life together. The first episode ends with the fact that Tony urges Mary to become his constant mistress, Edith inadvertently causes the fire that breaks out in her room. In the resulting confusion, Robert rushes into Lady Anstraer's bedroom, catching her in a piquant position - in bed with Jimmy. Now he has compromising evidence on his mistress. Such an exciting start to the season gives viewers hope that the rest of the series will be no less interesting.
Sixth season
The events of the final sixth season in the first episode unfold in April 1925. The Downton family is on the verge of a big change. Robert reduces the staff, as in financial matters he is faced with serious problems.
Personality concerns concern Mrs. Hughes. She is worried about fulfilling marital duties. Therefore, she asks Mrs. Patmore to find out from Carson if he wants to live in a real marriage with all the ensuing circumstances or is he ready to be content with the so-called friendly cohabitation.
At the same time, it is becoming known that changes are coming in the local hospital. They are going to combine it with a large hospital, which reports directly to the district. At the same time, Violet and Isabelle are fiercely arguing over whether this merger will benefit. Each begins to actively attract employees to its side.
He is very worried about her future Mary. A maid is blackmailing her, threatening to publicly publicize her connection with Tony Gillingham. She cannot allow this.
The last season brings a lot of interesting impressions to the fans of the series. Now many of them are eagerly awaiting the release of a full-length film, the events in which will be postponed to 1935.
Series creator
The creator of the series "Downton Abbey" deserves special mention. Many fans of Victorian England rightfully consider him the best. This is an English writer and screenwriter Julian Fellows. He is an aristocrat himself, so he thoroughly knows the topic to which the film is dedicated.
It is interesting that he himself was born in Cairo, but received his education in an English private school. Fellows is the author of several popular novels. From his pen came the work of "Snobs" and "Imperfect past." He has created scripts for the television series Little Lord Fountleroy, The Prince and the Pauper, Vanity Fair, and Young Victoria.
In 2002, he wrote the script for Robert Altman ’s drama Gosford Park, for which he received the Academy Award. Spectators plunge in 1932, on the estate of the titled Englishman William McCordle. A large company of famous and wealthy guests, along with his maid, comes to visit him. It is planned that they will spend a fascinating and leisurely weekend. But everything does not happen at all as it was originally planned.
Cast
A considerable merit of the success of the series is the cast. In the reviews of the film "Downton Abbey" (series), this is noted by both viewers and critics.
The role of Earl of Grantham is played by Hugh Bonneville. This is a British actor, on whose account more than 80 works in feature films and television series. He is famous far beyond England. Bonneville played in the drama by Giacomo Campiotti "Doctor Zhivago" (he got the image of Andrei Zhivago), in the comedy Paddy Bretnack "The English Barber", the detective drama Rosalinda Hicks "Poirot Agatha Christie", the science fiction series "Doctor Who".
For his role in the series "Downton Abbey," he was nominated for a BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Emmy Award.
Actors from the series "Downton Abbey" reviews have earned the most favorable. This fully applies to Jessica Brown Findlay, who played Lady Sybil. This image brought her popularity. Before that, she could be seen in the dystopian TV series Black Mirror, the drama by Paul McGuigan, Victor Frankenstein, and Simon Ebaud’s melodramatic comedy Fantastic Love and Where to Find It.
The role of Lady Elite in the series was played by Laura Carmichael. Like Brown Findlay, working on this project was her first major success. She has only a few roles in the movie. First of all, this is the dramatic detective Anne Friel "Marcella" and the detective thriller Thomas Alfredson "Spy, get out!".
Viewers reviews
On the site "Kinopoisk" the rating of the series is very high - 8.3. The fact that the film is high-quality and really worthy of attention is confirmed by reviews and reviews of the series "Downton Abbey."
Viewers note that the creators managed to create realistic pictures of English life of the early XX century, which are simply mesmerizing. Certainly, the acting game and the fascinating script are highly appreciated. In addition to the intrigues that are interesting to watch, the series "Downton Abbey", reviews, reviews of which are collected in this article, is full of philosophical reflections and historical pomp.
Critic reviews
Critics' reviews of the series "Downton Abbey" boil down to the fact that the film very attractively depicts "good old England." This image attracts many Anglophiles.
Many critics admit in their reviews - having seen at least one episode, it becomes almost impossible to break away from the screen.