I think the negative reviews are all from people after a genuine biography - not a humorous, clever, dramatisation of a mans life - which this was - clever, sad and brilliantly written. Casanova was witty, gentle, sexy as sin and ugh made me go weak at the knees! This was what it was, and I for one really enjoyed it - I found Henriette and Casanova's impossible love heart wrenching, and the dreary English court very funny. Seeing the fabulous colours and music from the other court made me want to go there.(however inaccurate it may be!) Rocco as the enduring friend and Jack as the silent son who eventually does just what Casanova does, but so very differently, without the care and love and time that made Casanova "the greatest lover that ever lived"

Giacomo Casanova (1725-1798) was a Venetian adventurer and author.In this British mini series we see the older Casanova telling his story to a young maid.He tells about his cool jailbreak but a big part of his stories contain sexual experiences with several women.There was something in this man women just couldn't resist.But there was only one woman he truly loved.Her name was Henriette.I saw Casanova (2005) in two parts.This is a modernized version of this 18th century adventurer.It works awfully good.David Tennant is absolutely fantastic as the protagonist.He's often comical, sometimes moving.It's a real treat to see Peter O'Toole as the older Casanova.He gives a touching performance as the elderly librarian.Other actors do also a good job.Laura Fraser plays Henriette, the number one girl in Casanova's life.Rosa Byrne is Edith, the maid.They're both pretty and talented.Shaun Parkes is very good as Rocco, Casanova's servant.I had good times watching the story of Casanova.So why don't you just tune in.

A disappointing, low-farce approach to the subject at hand, contradictorily fettered with maudlin high melodrama in the latter-day scenes with O'Toole.As biography it's a mess, full of deliberate modern-day anachronisms and tacky music-video flashiness, completely lacking in credibility (and a disgrace to the name of Masterpiece Theatre) -- but as low-brow British comedy, in the tradition of the CARRY ON films, it's great fun and mostly successful (thanks to Tennant's charming performance as young Casanova). It would have worked much better as a normal-length film, with the entire of the old Casanova scenes with O'Toole left out of the picture.Apparently ran 10 minutes longer on the BBC than it did here in the US on PBS (censorship?).

I watched this when it was first shown on BBC3 and I loved it then, and I still love it now! As a long standing David Tennant fan i was bound to love this, but even if i wasn't then i would still have loved it! He oozes sex appeal from every pour, he's perfectly cheeky, has a killer smile, and you can't help but wish you were the one in the bed with him! Russell T Davis outdoes himself once again, the writing is excellent, the plot is excellent and everything is just excellent! Casting Peter O'Toole as the elderly but still cheeky Casanova was pure genius, he may be old and wrinkly but there is a slight resemblance to David Tennant, and they both share a twinkle in their eye, which makes you think....well maybe. Go buy the DVD people, its well worth the money!!!