10 fictional darlings

SO!

Olivia tagged me with the '10 favourite Screen Characters Tag'! Thank you, old sport. I'm one of those delightful little creatures that has tons and tons of favourite fictional characters, so, as other people have done before me, I won't pick my ten favourite characters - I'll pick ten of (mark the of) my favourite characters. It'll be fun.

By the way, the first five will be male and the last five will be female. Just, in case you can't see the difference between the two. Or just in case you scroll down and meet only men for awhile and don't understand why there aren't any females - they will come.

#1. Lionel Logue

(Geoffrey Rush, The Kings Speech)

Lionel Logue is Awesome. I just love him. If I had a pick a father of the Period Drama world, I'd pick this one, without a doubt. He's childish. He's funny. He's serious. He's smart. He loves people and he has flaws. He's definitely one of my all-time favourite screen peeps. I want to spend an afternoon with him and give him a big bear hug. I basically want him to exist.

#2. Bertram Wooster

(Hugh Laurie, Jeeves and Wooster)

Ah, Bertie. I have devoted an entire post or more to him, but I had to add him. Because, to be frank, he's that one character that cheers me up and I can never have enough of. He must be so much fun to doodle around with. Just imagine going for a walk with Bertie Wooster at your side - I really want to do that.

#3. Tevye

(Chaim Topol, The Fiddler on the Roof)

What even is Tevye's last name? Or is that it? What is his first name then? It'll always be a misty unknown-ness to me, it seems. Anyway, about him. He's just AMAZINGLY funny and awesome. I just love him. I even love how he shouts and loses his patience after five seconds of waiting and how he mumbles and kicks the chickens. He's just hilarious and one of the best characters, ever.

#4. Roger Hamley

(Anthony Howell, Wives and Daughters)

Roger Hamley is one of my favourite heroes and, to be naomi (well, my name isn't Frank, is it?), I don't understand why more people share my love for him. He did fall for Cynthia, yes. But he felt sorry for it afterwards and he's super kind and sweet and handsome. He can even pull of a beard.

#5. Mr Knightley

(Johnny Lee Miller, Emma)

I did think of adding Mr Palmer in Sense and Sensibilty or Sparkler in Little Dorrit but then I remembered Mr Knightley and all thoughts about the grumpy hilarious Hugh-Laurie-role and the Sparkler-ideas vanished. I LOVE Mr Knightley. Yes, love as in love. He's the kind of man I want to marry one day, if you see what I mean. He's just SO kind and good and wise and so handsome-especially-when-he's-super-angry. He'd also make a really good father, don't you think? He's my favourite hero, period.

#6. Beatrice Potter

(Renee Zellweger, Miss Potter)

I love Miss Potter. Aside from she being a huge animal-lover and me not that huge, I relate to her a lot. We both love to write, we both love to paint and have a super artsy bedroom. She's quirky and special and does things. 

#7. Elizabeth Bennet

(Jennifer Ehle, Pride and Prejudice)

BECAUSE SHE'S AMAZING. How can you not love her? She's just the nicest character. Quick tongue, pretty starry eyes, sweet smile, witty one-liners, kind kind heart. She could be my friend, please. I will never tire of her. Indeed, there is not a tiry bone in her body - one can be entertained by her for hours in succession. Lovely heroine.

#8. The Dowager Countess

(Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey)

Oh my goodness, how can she not be everyone's favourite Downton character? She definitely is mine. She just SUCH a character. I want her to be my Grandma so bad. Is it possible to have three Grandmothers? I want her to be my third. (Want, want.) She's HILARIOUS. Everything she says - every little syllable that whisps out of her body - is hilarious. Her facial expressions are hilarious. And what makes it even more hilarious is the fact that she's the most serious character at the same time.

#9. Melanie Wilkes

(Olivia de Havilland, GONE WITH THE WIND)

She deserves more friends. She loves everyone. She never sees wrong. She's almost soppy. But yet I love this beautiful darling doll. She's so sweet. Olivia de Havilland did her so well. What does annoy me about Melanie is the fact that she so adores that witch-Scarlett. But still, I can't dislike Melanie. She's just a pot of shining gold. I always cry when I read her death scene.

#10. Maria von Trapp

(Julie Andrews, The Sound of Music)

Starting off as a wild, getting-into-trouble, big-hearted, challenge-accepting, problem-solving tomboy. Ending as a mature wife, darling mother, beautiful-smile-owner. I just love Maria von Trapp. She's a lovely nanny and a lovely mother. Exactly what Geog and the children needed, I should say. And she's funny too, isn't she?

Have you seen these movies?

Do you enjoy the same characters as I?

My favourite Period Drama Fathers

I haven't done a Period Drama post like this one since last year! *gasp* Anyway, I thought I'd take you through some of my favourite Period Drama Fathers. (And no, it isn't Father's Day here where I live- I just felt like writing this post and therefore I wrote it. My body works that way.)

I know. I like Mr Banks the whole way through, but of course he isn't a good father in the beginning. But in the end... ohmyword, I LURVE how he's such a lovely father in the end. When he goes and flies a kite with a hole in his hat, singing on the street with no ashamedness whatsoever.

Dear Mr Bennet. How you amuse me continuously! Of course, Mr Bennet is Benjamin Whitrow; (I don't need the huge-toothed-pirate from not-P&P, thanks.) Mr Bennet in P&P is hilarious. Honestly, hands down, my favourite character in Pride and Prejudice. And that - you must be aware of - says SO much, because P&P has loads and loads of darling complex characters with interesting personalities. So firstly, let's talk about his character.

He is DRY. (No, of course not in the nappy-sense. Ahhem. Vulgarity is no substitute for wit, Naomi Bennet.) His sense of humour, I mean, is SO ridiculously, hilariously, DRY. Sarcastic, I suppose, that is. Sardonic, sarcastic, humorous, teasing. And he always knows what to say - his Lizzy inherited it from him. This makes practically every syllable he utters part of a one-liner which makes and re-makes people laugh when ever the watch and re-watch him calmly say them. His quotes are therefore Hilarious. My favourite will always be the 'an un-happy alternative' one. If you don't know what I mean about 'the un-happy alternative' one, RE-WATCH P&P. Or you can ask me in the comments and I'll write down the whole quote for you. I know, I'm in a good mood today because it's Saturday.

Also, I know it ain't important, but I love how Mr Bennet looks like. I believe Jane Austen pictured him exactly like Mr Whitrow - twinkly amused eyes, kind of messy hair and a tiny smile always lankering around his thin lips.

Of course, we all know that Mr Bennet isn't the best father in the world - he's kind of not-interested-in-his-children (if her name isn't Lizzy, haha.) But still, I just can't help but love Mr Bennet. He's just an adorable teddy-bear dad. Not at all perfect, takes delight in nerving his wife (is that a verb?) but still, I LOVE HIM. Mr Bennet is definitely one of my favourite Period Drama daddies. (why does blogger put a red squiggly line underneath 'Bennet'? No, blogger. You won't make me spell it with two T's. YOU WILL NEVER CONVINCE ME.)

Poor Nels Oleson.

He has a snickery, bickery, peckery annoying wife who domineers him like a dog, and two children (Nellie and Willie) who never listen to a word he says because his wife spoils them like mad. He's continually embarrassed in front of strangers, as you might imagine. Most of the time, he stays kind and calm -- people know he's 'the good Oleson'. I just love him... he's so sweet and I feel so sorry for him.

He's a good dad --- or would be if it weren't for his wife.

Continuing in Little House on the Prairie, Mr Edwards as a dad... is priceless. In the beginning, one never expects he could be a father, ever, but then he marries, adopts three children, and does SUCH a good job.

Captain von Trapp, when he changes, is such a lovely dad. Of course, always a bit on the strict side, haha, but still - I like him as a father. I love how he mostly remains serious, but sometimes goes and does something funny with the children. Like when he tickles Kurt, and carries Marta. Oh, and in the scene where the children tell him they've been berry-picking... PRICELESS.

The Lionel Logue character is the best character there ever is. You probably won't believe me, but Lionel Logue is one my favourite characters of all.time. He is just such a lovely, kind person. At first people think he's rude, weird, childish, very weird. But he has such a heart of gold. HE IS SUCH A LOVELY CHARACTER. Honestly, how can a worldly character get any better? And of course, Geoffrey Rush acted him so well.

But anyway, talking about him as a father -- he's an amazing dad. The family Logue scenes in the Kings Speech are my personal favourite ones in the movie. His wife is acted by ELIZABETH BENNET (I shall never get over that, I really shan't. It's quite pathetic the way I'm still so excited about that) and his three sons and their relationship with him is quite priceless. For example, how he performs some play for his youngest son and how his middle son, Valentine, behaves more grown up than he. I can't explain how I love the son-father relationship Lionel has. Because you see, he's so childish in some ways, it's like his two oldest sons are more sensible than he. In a sense.

Whatever. I'm brabbling. (I didn't use the word 'rambling.' ;-p) Just watch the video. It's so sweet. I'm sorry about the Spanish subtitles -- but then, you might learn something because of it so I'm not sorry. :-)

So there you have Lionel Logue - probably my favourite Period Drama dad of all time.

What's one of your favourite Period Drama fathers?

Is it on this list?

The Kings Speech ~ Review

I've seen 'The Kings Speech' three times and it's definitely in my top-ten list. It's one of those movies that you want to watch every year. I absolutely love this movie. Not as much as P&P and Emma and Downton, but really, surprisingly close. It's made me cry and laugh... a lot. As you know, I like finding myself crying a little during movies and (especially) laugh.

The only major negative issue in this movie was the swearing. Seriously - there was too much swearing. I don't know what you think, but I'd say that, because of all the bad words, this movie would not be suitable for younger people. It's rated 12 - because of that. There's one really, exceptionally bad scene, which we skipped. We skipped two scenes, actually, because of the swearing. It's a pity, that. :(

 

Basically, the story is based on the real story of King George VI, the father of our current Queen Elizabeth. As he (King George) had an older brother he never expected to be king, but, because his brother married a divorced woman and abdicated, the throne was handed over to the shy, stammering Albert (crowned "George", nicknamed "Bertie"). Prince/King Albert hates making speeches, or talking in general, as he suffers greatly from speech-problems. His dear, loving wife, Elizabeth, takes him to an Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue. Lionel and Bertie become great friends, and together they manage to find a spark of hope between a hard life. (Okay, that sounded sentimental.) 

 

I understand some of the movie is invented, or exaggerated (isn't that always the case in movies?), but it's no way as bad as 'Becoming Jane' - and rather well done. Queen Elizabeth, the daughter of the king, watched it and said it was very moving. One thing I know they really overdid was the way the speech therapist talked to the Prince. In real life, he would have never called him Bertie and said those cheeky things he did in the movie.

 

But I love the way they portrayed Lionel Logue. He's my favourite character in the movie, without doubt.

 

See what I mean? He's hilarious and kind and just plain fun. I'm jolly glad they exaggerated him. Lionel Logue is the sort of person I wouldn't mind as a father. He speaks his mind, plays boyishly with his sons, jokes a lot, but has a soft, tender spot in his heart. And he has a very nice family. His wife, to start with, is acted by Jennifer Ehle (more about her later) and he has three boys. There aren't very many Logue-family-scenes but the few they did show were probably my favourites. Yep. I like Lionel Logue and I'm glad they portrayed him how they did. :D

Anyway, moving on.

Colin Firth did an excellent job portraying Prince Albert - an emotional, almost sweet role with occasional (ahem- lots) of angry bursts. He was brilliant. I am not a person who fangirls over actors - I fangirl over the characters they play but not over  the actors - but I un-shamefully say that, again, Colin Firth did superbly in his role. He doesn't look exactly like the real Prince Albert, but it doesn't matter. They did really well and I can't complain. At all. Colin Firth did splendidly!

I must add that I think they should have given Geoffrey Rush the Oscar thing as well as Colin Firth. I think they both did as well. Yes, I know - I really loved Geoffrey Rush in this movie. He was amazing.

 

Queen Elizabeth was Adorable with a capital A. She was the perfect support, help and encouragement to her husband (who needs a lot of it) and she was absolutely sweet. Plus, she wears some darling outfits - lots of furs and chic hats with netting things. I loved her- she was brilliant. This was, believe it or not, my first Helena-Bonham-Carter movie. It was funny, because I heard how she always played weird roles and Queen Elizabeth is not a weird role at all.

 

And plus, she resembles the real Elizabeth. A little.

 

 

 Oh, and the princesses were sweet. They never seemed to grow up during the movie, which is 'longer' than we seem to realise, but for the rest Naomi does not complain. :-P Princess Margaret was hilarious, while Elizabeth was more sensible and earnest. They remind me a bit of how Elinor and Marianne Dashwood would be when they were little girls.

Haha. Their conversations were priceless. I loved the family scenes. I also really like the reactions of the princesses after their father finally does is final bit speech. Elizabeth, with a lovely serene smile: "It went better as you went on." (I can't remember her exact words, but it was something like that.) And Margaret, with an adorable serious look on her face: SPLENDID, father. Suuuweet.

Which brings me to the best bit.

The last speech. THE Kings Speech. It. Was. Epic. He does it. He finally succeeds in making a speech with the speech therapist "directing" in front of him in a little room. He talks in the microphone. Cello's dimly start to play. We see people waiting, holding their breaths, for the king to start the emotional speech announcing the Second World War. We see his wife and daughters, clasping hands, praying for all to go fine. We see the radio-people wondering why it doesn't start immediately.
Then- he starts. Hesitates at first, but he's guided by Lionel, his good friend, who stays as calm and as cool as can be. The music becomes more powerful as he strides on doing what he hates-  making speeches. We see soldiers in the rain, crowing around a radio, catching bits of the encouraging speech. We see the Queen closing her eyes and still holding her breath, the Princesses silent, other famous Brits solemn. We see Myrtle Logue (more about her later) and the Logue boys in their simple living room with the nice walls, cosily and emotionally listing to the radio. Oh... and I'm crying now. This is just too epic and too emotional. I love that last, triumphant speech. It's amazing.

 

So, what else to say? This movie is amazing. The scenery was good, the costumes were sweet, the interior designs were darling (especially the famous wall in Lionel Logue's room (for the ones who don't know what I'm talking about: Look at the picture at the top of this post)) the music is fantastic and it was a very "quotable" movie, which a movie should be when it can afford to :-D. As I said, there's a lot of swearing, so this movie is not for younger viewers. For those who are old enough, however, I'd definitely, definitely recommend it!

Ahem.

We're not quite done yet. I've kept the best bit for last. This bit about Jennifer Ehle. Myrtle Longue. Elizabeth Bennet. Meets. Mr Darcy.

You can watch the scene here. Please do it- because it's the best scene in the movie, after the last epic kings speech, that is.

This is how it goes:
Myrtle, who never knew her husband taught the king, suddenly comes home, and sees that the QUEEN of all people is having tea at her table. Yes, in her hat and furs. Lionel, scared, confesses to the King that he's never told his wife about them. This is good stuff, people. Love this.

Queen Elizabeth: I understand that your husband calls my husband Bertie. And my husband calls your husband Lionel. I trust you won't call me Liz?
Myrtle *aghast/shocked/does not understand*: You may call me Mrs Logue, ma'am *curtsies*
Queen Elizabeth: Very nice to meet you.
In the next room:
King George: Logue, we can't stay here all day.
Lionel *whispers*: Yes we can. Look, I need to wait for the right moment.
King George: Logue, you're being a coward.
Lionel: You're right.
King George *opens door*: Get out there now!
Lionel walks out, kisses Myrtle: Hello Myrtle, darling. You're early. I believe you two have met, but I don't think you know - King George the Sixth.
King George *holds out hand*: It's very nice to meet you.
Myrtle shakes it, without words, not understanding, completely taken back in surprise
Myrtle: Will their Majesties be staying for dinner?

E-e-e-picness.

"I don't believe you know..." Lionel says. BUT THEY DO. They are LIZZY AND DARCY!!! They are REUNITED!!! *Naomi does a happy dance*

 

Top ten Movies

1. Pride and Prejudice (1995)

As most of you probably know, Pride and Prejudice 1995 is my all-time favourite movie ever. It will always be, you just wait and see! I hardly have anything bad to say about this movie. The actors are brilliant, the costumes and scenery are brilliant, the music is beautiful and everything else is perfect as well. Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle are perfect in their famous roles as Elizabeth and Darcy. I am very proud to be one of the many P&P95 fans.

If you haven't seen this movie, you are definitely missing something out! This witty and charming movie is a must see for everyone. You can read my enthusiastic review here.

 

2. Emma (2009)

The 2009 adaption of Jane Austen's Emma starring the talented Romola Garai and the handsome Johnny Lee Miller is bright, lively and extremely diverting. The costumes are to die for, and scenery is simply delightful. I fell in love with Mr Knightley from the first moment I watched it- therefore my fandom!

3. Downton Abbey
Filled this an endless amount of lovely characters, witty cast, amazing scenery and the beautifullest clothes in the world, the Downton Abbey series is and will stay one of my all-time favourites. Seriously, one can find all we want in Downton. Romantic heroes (Matthew Crawley :-), beautiful heroines, dances, music- everything!
Emma, Sadie and I have recently started up a blog for our shared Downton Abbey fandom. You can visit it here.

4. The Kings Speech
Upon recently re-watching this gripping and moving true story, I suddenly realised how much I loved the Kings Speech. Sadly, there are a lot of bad words in this movie, but for the rest I cannot find anything wrong with it. It makes me cry, it makes me laugh.
And, better still, both Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle act in it! Although not a couple in this movie, it was so nice to see Darcy and Elizabeth together again!

 5. Wives and Daughters (1999)
I have watched Wives and Daughters several times, and each time again I love it dearly! Molly is as sweet as a heroine can be, the costumes are amazing and the scenery is breath-taking. This is my favourite Elizabeth Gaskell movie and book!

6. Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet are perfect in their roles as Eleanor and Marianne. Sense and Sensibility is another lovely Jane Austen story, with another very witty script (by Emma Thompson) and very good actors.
The costumes are very nice, although not brilliantly outspoken. The music is beautiful, and the in the whole, this movie is a delight to watch.

7. Cranford
Cranford will always delight me. It's many characters, story plots, twists and turns, never fail to charm its viewers. When I watched this movie first, I remember being so annoyed whenever an episode ended, because I always wanted to know what was coming next!!!
I have (sadly) not yet been able to watch Cranford's almost-as-famous sequel 'Return to Cranford', but I look forward to it with great anticipation!

8. Pollyanna (2003)
This charming adaption of Pollyanna, the cheerful girl who finds that ever cloud has a silver lining, is beautiful, moving and absolutely perfect. It's a great favourite in our family.
What I especially like in the version is firstly that David Bamber plays in it, and that there's a romantic story between Nancy, the lovely maid, and Tom, the servant. It's such a sweet romance. Of course, Pollyanna and the story in general is beautiful as well. It's a must-see!

9. Anne of Green Gables
Of course. No list is complete without this lovely classic. AnnE of Green Gables, is a beautiful movie, a wonderful story. Enchanted by Anne's world since I was very young, this story has inspired me in many ways in my life. It will definitely continue to do so!

10. Lark Rise to Candleford
Upon recently viewing the first season of this delightful series for the first time, I have become quite a fan. My beloved Julia Sawalha acts in it, and many other known actors act in this as well. I am very much looking forward to watching the next series!

 

Other Movies I enjoyed:

Amazing Grace

The Sound of Music

Mary Poppins

The Fiddler on the Roof

North and South

Jeeves and Wooster

Northanger Abbey

Martin Chuzzlewit

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Little House on the Prairie

Gone with the Wind

My Fair Lady

Pickwick Papers

The Secret Garden

The Borrowers

Heidi

The Railway Children

 

Movies I want to see:

Too much.