birdienl | Impressions of Agora, John Carter and The Making of a Lady

Agora (2009)

Adaptation of: no adaptation
Length: 126 min

Summary: In the 4th century AC, the female philosopher Hypatia is a teacher in the city of Alexandria. Social unrest challenges the peace of the city and Hypatia's lifestyle, when Christians and pagans come into conflict and riots break out.

Familiar faces (from period drama): Rachel Weisz (Swept from the sea, The mummy returns), Rupert Evans (Emma, North and South)

Watch this if
- You are interested in a movie about the Ancient Era which does not only revolve around Roman soldiers fighting
- You want to be challenged in thinking about what 'freedom of speech' and 'freedom of religion' really mean

Don't watch this if:
- You're in the mood for something simple

Best part: The portrayal of Rachel Weisz as the wise and graceful Hypatia.

John Carter (2012)

Adaptation of: the novel A princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Length: 132 min

Summary: John Carter, a veteran of the Civil War, has withdrawn himself to mine gold after the death of his family. One day he finds himself in a mysterious cave and is suddenly transported to Mars. He learns that a war rages here, which threatens to destroy the planet and is reluctantly drawn into the conflict.

Familiar faces (from period drama): Mark Strong (Emma, The Young Victoria), Ciarán Hinds (Persuasion, Amazing Grace), Dominic West (Nicholas Nickleby, From Time to Time), James Purefoy (Mansfield Park, Vanity Fair)

Watch this if:
- You like a sweeping epic adventure in an old-fashioned style
- You want to see a rendition of one of the very first science-fiction novels, which 100 years later still feels fresh and original

Don't watch this if:
- You don't want to watch Mark Strong in yet another villain role...

Best part: The CGI-rendition of the different Martian races, animals, landscape and cities. This was an expensive movie and it shows!

The making of a lady (2012)

Adapted from: the novel The making of a marchioness by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Length: 90 min

Summary: Empoverished ladies companion Emilia Fox Seaton unexpectedly receives a marriage proposal of the wealthy widower Lord Walderhurst. Upon arriving at his family estate, they find themselves liking each other and looking forward to a marriage which might be more than just an arrangement. But then Lord Walderhurst is called back to his regiment in India, while pregnant Emilia is left alone in the large and secluded house.

Familiar faces (from period drama): James D'Arcy (Nicholas Nickleby, Master and Commander), Linus Roache (Titanic)

Watch this if:
- You're interested in something new and different to spice up your period drama viewing

Don't watch this if:
- You are looking for a sweet and cosy story in the style of Burnett's The Secret Garden or A little princess. The making of a lady is closer to a Wilky Collins adaptation, for want of a better comparison.

Best part: Emilia and Lord Walderhurst cautiously getting to know and like each other in the early months of their marriage. It is an unconventional, but sweet love story.