The Forsyte Saga (2002– )

Chronicles the lives of three generations of the upper-middle-class British family, the Forsytes, from the 1870s to 1920.

Stars:

Damian Lewis, Gina McKee, Alistair Petrie

2 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Damian Lewis	...	Soames Forsyte (10 episodes, 2002-2003)
Gina McKee	...	Irene Forsyte (10 episodes, 2002-2003)
Alistair Petrie	...	George (10 episodes, 2002-2003)
Amanda Root	...	Winifred Dartie née Forsyte (10 episodes, 2002-2003)
Rupert Graves	...	Jolyon Forsyte Jr. (9 episodes, 2002-2003)
Gillian Kearney	...	June (9 episodes, 2002-2003)
Ben Miles	...	Montague Dartie (8 episodes, 2002-2003)
Ann Bell	...	Aunt Hester (7 episodes, 2002-2003)
Malcolm Raeburn	...	Parfitt (7 episodes, 2002-2003)
Beatriz Batarda	...	Annette Forsyte née Lamotte (6 episodes, 2002-2003)
Maggie Fox	...	Bilson (6 episodes, 2002-2003)
Julian Ovenden	...	Val Dartie (6 episodes, 2002-2003)
Amanda Ryan	...	Holly (6 episodes, 2002-2003)
John Carlisle	...	James Forsyte (6 episodes, 2002)
Barbara Flynn	...	Emily (6 episodes, 2002)
Jowanna Rose	...	Smither (5 episodes, 2002-2003)
Wendy Craig	...	Aunt Juley (5 episodes, 2002)

Storyline

The extended Forsyte family live a more than pleasant upper middle class life in Victorian and later Edwardian England. The two central characters are Soames Forsyte and his cousin Jolyon Forsyte. Soames is a solicitor, all proper and straight-laced. His love for the beautiful Irene is his only weakness as is his beautiful daughter Fleur. Jolyon is the opposite, a free-thinking artist who abandons his wife to live with his children's nanny. Their lives and their children's lives will intersect over 30 years bringing happiness to some and tragedy to others.

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Plot Keywords:

period piece | country house | upper class | tv mini series | male nudity | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Details

Official Sites:

PBS - Forsyte family tree, links, bibliographies

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 October 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Forsyte Saga

Filming Locations:

Croxteth Hall, Croxteth, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Granada Television, WGBH

Technical Specs

Runtime:

423 min 423 min (6 parts)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

June: There is something ironic, isn't there, that all the people I love, REALLY love, all gravitate to her in the end. And they always love Irene more.

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Connections

Followed by The Forsyte Saga, Series II (2003)

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Soundtracks

"Irene's Song"
(End titles music)
Music by Geoffrey Burgon
Lyrics by Jacqueline Kroft
Performed by Bryn Terfel

User Reviews

Damian Lewis shines as Soames

I have not seen the original film or read the book, so I have a fresh perspective on this version of The Forsyte Saga. It is a brilliantly acted, emotionally stirring film. Damian Lewis is outstanding. He brings such intense emotions to the character of Soames. I don't know if it's the character but I like to think it's his acting that makes you almost feel sorry for this man. How can you feel sorry for someone who, on the surface can be so cruel? Well, that is the genius of Damian Lewis! He brings such passion to the complex character of Soames that you can't stop watching it! He expresses so realistically the repressed emotions of the character. I feel that is what makes this film so moving, it's so human. The film displays w/such heartache(thanks to the acting) the struggles and human complexities of individuals forced to stay within the expectations of their repressed society. The actors effectively display how the characters desperately need & want love and acceptance, but don't have a clue how to obtain it, although some do find love eventually. I definitely recommend this film to anyone who likes period type/costume dramas which showcases brilliant acting. And if you don't know Damian Lewis, this is an excellent introduction to his work!