HBO's Parade's End

First published as PARADE'S END Review on Seat42F.

Grade: 91%

HBO will take its turn presenting the miniseries PARADE’S END this week, its partner in the endeavor, the BBC, having already broadcast it last fall. Perhaps HBO saved it so it would have a rich period piece this winter, just as it had Mildred Pierce last year, or perhaps they wish to attract those in the early stages of Downton Abbey-withdrawal. Whatever the reason, now seems an opportune time to air it.

The title PARADE’S END refers to the excising of the British upper-class way of life, the manner in which the elite of society put on certain airs, stay true to traditions, and worry about the way they are perceived. There is a strict social structure in place in the early twentieth century, mostly destroyed during World War I, and this miniseries tells that tale.

Well, it tells a personal take on characters who make that transition. Yes, the piece is somewhat sweeping, and does have a large-ish cast. But there are really three main players in the story who stand about above everyone else, and who are the case study made an example of here.

Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, Star Trek Into Darkness) plays Christopher Tietjens, a noble Englishman who sticks with the way he is brought up, no matter what. This means he goes through with his marriage to the wicked, manipulative Sylvia (Rebecca Hall, The Town, Frost/Nixon), even though he knows she’s been sleeping around on him, and it’s very likely her pregnancy isn’t a result of his actions.

Their union is predictable unhappy, and Sylvia doesn’t even try to stay faithful, spending much time apart from her groom in the company of other men. Christopher, though, keeps up appearances, even as he begins falling for the sweet, strong-willed Valentine Wannop (Adelaide Clemens, Rectify, Vampire).

Looked at through the modern eye, it’s very hard to understand why Christopher doesn’t just leave Sylvia for Valentine, a topic discussed in the series. Why should he show any loyalty to someone who is so nasty to him? But that’s Christopher’s way of life, so I’m not sure it even occurs to him to end his own suffering, at least not for awhile. Part of the beauty of the piece is the illustration of the type of man Christopher represents, a specific guy from a specific period in time in a specific place.

In fact, PARADE’S END succeeds very well artistically. The sets and costumes are made expertly, and the details that set an authentic tone are present. The writing is smart, and the characters are well defined. Presenting World War I as a catalyst is a good idea, executed with much success.

The cast is fantastic, of course, especially the three leads. For those who are familiar with Cumberbatch’s work, this should come as no surprise. The girls’ talent matches hiw, but this is Cumberbatch’s showcase, and he owns every moment he is on screen, conveying much in his sad eyes.

The supporting players also lend both a fuller picture, and some levity to the proceedings. They include Roger Allam (The Thick Of It, The Queen), Rupert Everett (My Best Friend’s Wedding), Miranda Richardson (Rubicon), Janet McTeer (Damages), Clare Higgins (Homefront), Stephen Graham (Boardwalk Empire), and Rufus Sewell (The Pillars of the Earth), each of whom adds a positive element.

My problem with it is that it’s slow and a bit boring. Like Mildred Pierce, it meanders for quite awhile, and there isn’t a lot of movement. Does it really take five hours for a trio to work out their romantic arrangements? Especially when we, the viewer, know right away the decision that Christopher should make. His struggle is interesting, to be sure, but the running time will likely drive some potential watchers away.

PARADE’S END is strongly British, and not completely accessible. One must pay attention to follow the story, and it isn’t very light-hearted. I enjoyed what I’ve watched of it (I haven’t finished it yet), but it’s a miniseries I’d have to be in a certain mood to really appreciate, for sure.

PARADE’S END airs this Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday on HBO.

The Far Pavilions gets new DVD release

     The Far Pavilions will be released on DVD Tuesday, June 28th by Acorn Media. Set mostly in India, though a portion happens in Afghanistan, this was HBO's very first miniseries, originally airing in 1984. It tells the story of M.M. Kaye's bestselling novel, unfolding in the late 19th century. Ashton "Ash" Pelham-Martyn (Ben Cross, Star Trek, 2009; Chariots of Fire) is white British boy raised by Indians. Sent back to the Britain at age 11, he returns to India at 19 as a member of the Guides (basically, the British occupying army). Ash reconnects with his childhood love, Princess Anjuli (Amy Irving, Alias, Carrie), who is set to marry someone else. Later, when Anjuli's husband dies, Ash sets off to rescue her from being burned alive in tribute.

     The Far Pavilions is a sweeping love story spanning many years. Ash and Anjuli are meant for each other, and the only reason the Indian girl defers their connection is out of duty to her bratty, selfish sister, Shushila (Sneh Gupta). Shushila doesn't deserve this, but it demonstrates Anjuli's warm nature. Ash encounters with other women, most notably Belinda (Felicity Dean, Persuasion), at the beginning of the miniseries, but no one has the history with him that Anjuli does, and no one is more perfectly matched. The two share sensibilities, as well as deep emotional attachment.

     But The Far Pavilions is not just a love story. There are plenty of battles as the British move into Afghanistan, and Ash is often torn between his career and his woman. Ash tries to do the best job he can, but when he doesn't always agree with the decisions the leadership makes, it isn't easy. His best friend in the Guides is gung-ho Wally (Benedict Taylor), who doesn't have the same qualms, but also likes Ash a lot. Their campaigns have the backdrop of history to authenticate them.

     At more than five hours in length, The Far Pavilions moves along at a surprisingly spry pace. There are slow points, mostly when Anjuli and Ash are apart, but the actors are convincing, the scenery is lavish, and the story has so much cultural intrigue, especially as Ash is torn between the British and Indian worlds, that attention is easy to keep. In fact, Ash's internal struggle, beautifully displayed on Cross's face, is as much the main focus of the story as the romantic plot.

     Besides the cast mentioned above, other well-respected actors are involved in smaller parts, including Christopher Lee (Lord of the Rings, the new Star Wars movies), Rupert Everett (My Best Friend's Wedding, A Midsummer Night's Dream), and Omar Sharif (Doctor Zhivago, Lawrence of Arabia) as Ash's loving adopted father, Koda Dad. The whole thing feels like a movie made decades ago, that has held up remarkably well, and deserves to be remembered.

     The Far Pavilions was previously released on DVD in 2000, but that edition did not include subtitles. The picture has been restored to a much higher quality for this release. While the special features are text only, and can be viewed in less than 10 minutes, seeing a restored, wonderful television event like this is worth the price of the DVD.

     Please click here to pre-order the new DVD release of The Far Pavilions.

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Article first published as DVD Review: The Far Pavilions on Blogcritics.