All the Light We Cannot See

Brilliant acting by the 2 teenagers. I rooted for them throughout the story. The set design made it look like they were really in those places, and not sets. Or, were they even sets? I think Mark Ruffalo is a great actor. He should have not even tried using an accent. Often the accent would come and go, kinda spoiling his performance a little bit. Same with Hugh Laurie. But Louis Hoffman was spot on with his dialog. Does he really have a German accent? The scenes of destruction were spectacular, how did they create those scenes so realistically? No spoilers here but I felt the ending was perfect. Nothing was left hanging for me to wonder what happened.

This was fantastic . I am a huge fan of the book - read it several times . This was a great ADAPTATION- here is the key. It is not exactly the same - it's not meant to be . The essence of the book was here, it felt true to the original to me .

It was filmed really well , it was cast incredibly . The casting of a blind actress really made the whole thing come together . I love love Hoffman - "Dark" being my favorite tv show of all time - and he was perfect as Werner .

The ending was different , but in many ways I would actually argue this ending was better . The feeling of liberation and sacrifice were displayed so well and so tragically . Everything didn't work out - you don't know what happens. It leaves you with hope - it leaves you looking for the light .

My issue with this was the language choice . It would have been exponentially better if it had been done in French and German . That is one of my biggest issues in media in general is veering away from true languages in order to put in English with accents . Language is culture , culture is story telling , story telling is history , history is how we feel connection and by using English it was a huge disservice to the story .

It would have been a 10- watch it , read the book , look for the light .

"Shawn Levy's Epic Series 'All the Light We Cannot See' premiered on Netflix on Nov. 2, 2023.

Based on Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the four-episode limited series unfolds in a besieged city, immersing viewers in the lives of Marie-Laure, a blind French teenager, and Werner, a German soldier. Their paths cross in occupied France as they navigate the challenges of World War II.

Marie-Laure's story begins in Paris, where her father works at the Museum of Natural History. With the Nazi occupation, they seek refuge in the fortress city of Saint-Malo, accompanied by a precious and perilous museum artifact.

Meanwhile, in a German mining town, orphan Werner and his sister find solace in a radio that brings them tales from distant lands. Werner's talent for building and repairing these radios leads him into the resistance.

While the narrative flirts with romantic and fairy tale elements, it occasionally grounds itself in realism, offering a unique blend of myth and reality.

The casting of visually impaired actors, such as Loberti and Nell Sutton, who portrays young Marie, adds authenticity to the characters, story. This casting choice enhances the representation and genuine portrayal of the story's protagonists.

'All the Light We Cannot See' may not be a typical comfort watch, it offers a glimpse into a simpler time, contrasting with its wartime setting."

First thing I read when I sought reviews was all the arty critics slating this series.

These critics, as far as I'm concerned, have no idea!!!

I think it's a heartwarming story and thoroughly captivating.

Critics from the most well known establishments (yawn) are always keen to rip a good thing to shreds. They are always trying to sound extremely clever! They should not be listened to. You need to make your own mind up and believe me you will enjoy this story.

Mark Ruffalo is criticised but I think he plays a great part as Papa. And Hugh Laurie also plays a great part. How dare you tell me that these two brilliant actors warrant your ridicule!

The part played by blind actress's young Marie and older Marie are inspirational.

Firstly, I read the book, All the light we cannot see and found it to be a profoundly beautiful book. Doerr the writer described the events in such beautiful terms and moves the reader with his words, I just had to put the book down on occasions to close my eyes and be there, with them, for a minute to let the emotions and images wash over me. To be truthful I was a little bit worried when I heard Netflix was doing a series, but overjoyed when I read that Louis Hoffman, from the brilliant Dark, was playing Werner the main character. Aria Maria Loberti a legally blind new actress, was also very believable and strong. I think that the series tried very hard to encapsulate the concepts of the story. Nothing can ever be as good as the book. Very few series or films are as good as the original book, in which our own imagination draws the environment, the people and their natures and their characters. In this series the two young main characters were absolutely beautiful, and Lewis Hoffman is a stunning young actor and I have much regard for him and found it an absolute pleasure to watch. My only complaint about the whole series was Marie-Laurie walking without shoes with glass and debris everywhere go r so long towards the end, but that's a small complaint overall. I'm also rereading the book now.