In an almost quasi-Victorian style, and most certainly with a true Victorian setting, H.E.Bates' novel has been turned into a fine cinematographic production. Excellent interpretations by all concerned, not only the leading actors, lushly backed up by some truly splendid photography, this is a film which appeals to the senses of perceptive viewers.Unfortunately the music score is not up to much, or perhaps I should say that you should not see this film expecting great orchestral and vocal music as Zbigniew Preisner has already given us in the trilogy `Trois Couleurs' or especially in the previous film `La Double Vie de Véronique' (1991).H.E.Bates was first a serious novelist, giving us such splendid titles as `The Jacaranda Tree' and `The Purple Plain', both based on his wartime experiences in Burma (now called something like Myaungyi), and evidently `Feast of July' falls into this category. Unfortunately he then turned his hand to light frivolous reading with would-be attempts at hilarity, and he simply fell out of any serious reading list. Thoroughly recommend these two novels as they paint an authentic picture of people with real feelings and genuine jealousies and mistrust. Perhaps it is this characterisation that has been soundly transformed into a visual experience that makes `Feast of July' a thoroughly recommendable film. Near 7 out of 10.

"Feast..." is a well crafted, somewhat staged and romanticized drama about a woman, Bella (Davidtz), who wanders into the lives of a 19th century agrarian English family with 3 adult sons changing their lives forever. The film offers good performances by all, represents rural life of the time well, is artfully presented, and avoids extreme excursions giving the film a sort of perfect Disney-esque feel. Davidtz graces the screen throughout though Chaplin offers perhaps the best performance. A good watch for those in need of some easy-going romantic period drama.

Sunday afternoon, I was flipping channels...looking for something new to watch...since I'd watched Wyatt Earp about 3 times that day. I stumble across this nice story. This girl is living with a family of three brothers and she seems to have a secret to hide. I recognize Ben Chaplin from The Truth About Cats and Dogs and I say let me watch the rest of this. He's kind of quiet and sweet and slow. Next, he's going to marry this girl after it seemed like she might end up with one of the other brothers...since Con (Ben C.) is so, well, interesting. Before they get married, he's slamming a rock into the head of a guy Bella (the girl) used to know way back in another town. I thought this was going to be a sweet story with a guy who probably wouldn't get the girl nowadays...getting the girl!!!! I was really p.o.'ed when he turned into a killer!!!!!!!! But I suppose throughout the film, we did get a glimpse of his violent tendency developing into a semi-insanity. Overall, I liked this movie because it was really intriguing and held my interest..which isn't necessarily difficult to do. Later on I watched it from the beginning to the end and decided that I do like the movie. Ben Chaplin is an excellent stutterer!!!!!

Beautiful scenery and details, authentic costumes and language. After six viewings, Ben Chaplin still lights up the screen.