María Antonieta

I was somewhat surprised by this series. Initially I was expecting something a lot more fanciful, but it worked for me. I will admit that I haven't taken time to find out how historically accurate the drama is, but other reviewers seem to suggest that isn't that fantastical. The early episodes did need a pinch of make believe magic, as the actors were clearly a not the prepubescents they were playing, but by episode 4 it became more plausible. Their young love blossomed. The filming is excellent, as is the editing, the writing, and the acting. As an entertainment, I can't fault it! I sure I'm now going to take some time to explore all of this history in greater detail.

For the sake of Austria, Marie Antoinette is sent to marry The Dauphin, and faces the prospect of becoming The Queen of France, she faces many obstacles in her way.

A truly captivating series from start to finish, I've not enjoyed The BBC's historicals quite as much in recent years, the focus hasn't always been where it should, this however is magnificent.

Visually jaw dropping, it's a lavish production, with incredible visuals, sets, costumes and locations are all flawless.

Every episode has something to offer, you really do see Marie's journey, sadly we all know how this one ends.

Emilia Schüle and Louis Cunningham are equally captivating in their respective roles, she is dazzling, alluring and provocative, he is reserved and subtle, yet strong, the pair combine superbly. James Purefoy is terrific as King Louis.

If you were going to be a little picky, you could say that maybe some of the dialogue was a little ... unexpected let's say, Joseph for example, wonderful, but I'm not sure the script was fitting, it's a minor quo blue though, and perhaps the only criticism I can make.

Roll on Series 2.

9/10.

I binge watched this series and it was entertaining enough, the acting was good, the plots against Marie Antoinette were fun. I did feel as though the last episode didn't really need to be made, the series could have ended on episode seven and I would have looked forward to a season two far more. I started watching it thinking it would end with her demise (as in real life) but this series does not go anywhere near as far. If it is real history you're after, then this isn't it and you're better off getting the history books out. So I'm not sure I will be bothering with series two now, it appears that is going to focus more on relationships between MA and different men or women that are close to her which I think will be quite boring. Should have stopped at 7 episodes.

This is the best period drama I've come across in a long time. A lot of effort has gone into the hair, makeup and costumes and it shows. Even the quality of cinematography is super high.

Marie Antoinette is likeable in this series and comes across as vulnerable at many times which makes her a lot more relatable. I couldn't care about the historical inaccuracies. The storytelling is what's brought me and kept me here.

I've watched many shows with a horridly slower pace. This isn't one of them. It's at a perfect pace that isn't too chaotic or too slow to make you lose interest.

If I wanted it to be 100% factual, I'd watch a documentary.

Period dramas aren't usually our thing but we loved this series. It's interesting at the beginning but gets so good as it goes a long and the characters age up.

The sets were impressive - they just kept going and going during some of the longer tracking shots. The way the show is filmed is really effective.

The characters were brilliant, whether we were loving them or loved to hate them. Some interesting coincidences with the brother drama in the royal family atm. The whole series actually felt like a commentary on the current british monarchy.

I would like to have seen more of what was going on in France at the time, to contrast all the excess and frivolity of the court. But we really enjoyed this look into Marie Antoinette's life and her gilded cage, and will be hooked for more.