A Tale of Two Cities

What this film did was capture what is so wonderful about Dickens' novels -- the alternation between the humor and the darkness at the center of much human experience. The scenes were knit together flawlessly, so that a rather complicated plot taking part in two different places came together without confusion or awkward transitions. The pacing was artfully done, and the last 40 minutes or so were very suspenseful.

It's too bad the movie received so many bad reviews because it didn't follow the book. I've read the book and found it, like many of Dickens' works, to be wonderful, but also probably inaccessible to many readers. This film takes a good story and opens it up to those who may never open the book.


Loved It   June 14, 2004
Mitzie Carvel (Olympia, WA)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

This is my favorite version of A Tale of Two Cities. I do not agree with the review that said it was "flat". I have seen other versions and think Chris Sarandon did an outstanding job. Dickens would be proud


Excellent   November 10, 1999
16 out of 19 found this review helpful

I have recently watched this movie in High School and I loved it. I thought that it was very detailed and real. The actors were incredible and the movie really made me think. The characters were so incredible and I fell in love with the plot. I would recommend this movie to everyone. I think that people of all ages should see this movie. It was a great learning experience and it held my interest.


Extremely Moving   October 13, 2004
Anony Mous (Los Angeles)
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

Unlike some of the other reviewers, I thought this presentation was far superior to the Ronald Coleman version. I believe that Chris Sarandon showed a much wider range of emotion and feeling in the Carton role than did Coleman. Moreover, the person in the Coleman version playing Charles Darney hardly resembled Carton, which was essential for one to believe that such an ending could occur. Further, in this version, I could actually believe that Carton had found some semblence of peace and joy in the sacrifice he had made--dying--so that the person he loved would be happy. Up to then his life was a mess--dissipation, cynicism, and recklessness. It shows how genuine love can sometimes turn a person's life completely around.


Spirited production of a classic tale   December 13, 2007
R.L. Holly (Austin, TX USA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is a very welcome release to DVD at last, Hallmark's sterling production of A Tale of Two Cities, with a standout cast, stellar costumes and sets, a vivid adaptation of the original novel, and fast-paced direction. Interest never lags as this rich drama unfolds, set against the sweeping backdrop of the French Revolution. Sarandon convincingly carries off his double role as both the noble Darnay and the dissipated Carton and Billie Whitelaw gives a bravura performance as the ferocious revolutionary leader Madame DeFarge, poisoned by her hatred of aristocrats. There isn't a bad performance anywhere, although Alice Krige is perhaps a bit *too* pale and wan, even for a sweet-natured "English rose" character. Peter Cushing produces genuine pathos as Dr. Manet and the final sequence in the tumbril, where Carton redeems a life misspent, is quietly poignant. There's even some humor amid the blood and thunder and treachery. History teachers would find much in here to use in the classroom. A marvelous retelling of a great epic.