"Sparkhouse" is not a straight adaptation of "Wuthering Heights". It is as if the characters had read Brontë's novel (like ill-fated lovers Carol and Andrew do at the beginning) and the plot and events kept reappearing uncannily in their own lives. I watched this TV-series as part of my PhD research some years ago and I must confess I was not enjoying it at first. I thought that the depiction of Carol as a 21st century female Heathcliff was brilliant (and wonderfully played by Sarah Smart). However, I was feeling let down by the two male roles, played by two actors I had never seen before. Andrew (Joe MacFadden, doing his best with a thankless role) was not convincing as modern male Cathy. While one could sympathise with the lack of options of Brontë's heroine (a 19th century woman), Andrew (a 21st century man) came across as an insufferably weak mummy's boy. Shy farmhand John was nicer but... what a clumsy scruff! I rolled my eyes at every one of his stammering attempts to woo Carol. That, until the scene where John got the haircut. Then, my jaw literally fell to the floor. I pictured myself kicking Andrew's back and shouting "Move over!". It was then when I discovered that John was played by a certain Mr. Richard Armitage (already stealing the show in his debut), on whom I have had a crush ever since. I immediately felt bad about myself. While now I could not get enough of him (I desperately wanted Carol to love him), I had not thought he deserved a second look till he became handsome. I realised how easy it was to become Isabella Linton while thinking you were Cathy all along, how easy it was to judge by appearances instead of looking inside the soul. I feel better by thinking Cathy daughter made the same mistake in Brontë's novel. Her anger did not let her see the wonderful guy she had in front (Hareton, a character with whom John has been compared). Praises to Sally Wainwright for writing the all the roles so well and praises to Richard Armitage for playing John so well. He is one of those actors who use all the body in their performances, even the most insignificant detail: the way Carol pulls him by the hand while he drags his feet, head down, perfectly defines their relation. It seems incredible that he is the same person who went to play smouldering John Thornton and villain Guy of Gisborne (attention to a cute scene in "Sparkhouse" with then twelve year-old Holliday Grainger, years later his love interest in "Robin Hood"). Let's hope "The Hobbit" makes him the star he deserves to be.

I really enjoyed this movie. I found it riveting and had to watch the 3 episodes in a row: Sarah Smart (Carol) is particularly excellent, the pace is fast, the dialogues are well written, the whole cast is really good, including the two young actresses who play Lisa as a child and then as a teenager - Carol's father (Alun Armstrong) is particularly convincing.I only have this reserve which prevents me from rating it as 10/10 that,to me, Joe MacFadden (Andrew) seems less convincing towards the end, when he starts breaking down. I found him more annoying than heart-breaking and I think it's a pity that the script didn't have his character be more honest with his wife about his past (and present) relationship with Carol. Maybe it is "The Wuthering Heights" influence. Maybe "Sparkhouse" might have been even better without this inspiration.As for Richard Armitage as John Standring, it was difficult to recognise him at first. He gives a very good performance. This character is so far from his other roles. I loved seeing his transformation in the 3rd episode! This DVD is certainly worth buying.

Raw, emotional, superbly written and acted love story. I thought that the two leads really shone, particularly Joe McFadden. He was totally believable as a decent man who falls apart and whose world is in constant emotional turmoil. The ending was bleak and harsh, but as it's a story inspired by Wuthering Heights, it was never going to end happily. After seeing this, I couldn't get it off my mind for days - made a maximum impact.

Feel a bit guilty about not watching this properly - was tired after a hard day of landscape gardening and got some beers in, sat down next to the box, put it on indiscriminately and thought "this'll do" and then watched it like a vegetable. Didn't know anything about the show and hadn't seen the write ups, but watched both the episodes shown together thinking it was very realistically put together (the fight sequences in 'real time' for instance, and the was he/wasn't he really there images in the ruined old house. Yes, love CAN send you nuts!) Genuine tension and emotion, went to bed and woke up thinking I'd dreamt it! Thought it was a dream about Wuthering Heights, read the book 20 years ago. Haven't stopped thinking about it now for about 3 days so in my opinion at least it's good if it leaves a thoughtful/lasting impression on you. Which is a lot more than can be said about some of the complete rubbish that comes out of Hollywood! Well done, gave it 9/10.