A BBC period drama based on a literary classic, featuring some of Britain's most celebrated acting talent, is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and is being hailed as essential viewing for fans of costume dramas. This follows viewers discovering other acclaimed series, including a period crime classic, a popular mafia show, and a top Netflix offering, as reported by the Express.
Russell T. Davies' Beloved Adaptation
Russell T. Davies, the acclaimed showrunner behind Doctor Who and creator of Queer as Folk, crafted this 2005 adaptation of Casanova, which remains a cherished gem in the period drama genre. The series draws inspiration from Histoire de ma vie, or The Story of My Life, the 12-volume autobiography penned by the real 18th-century Venetian adventurer Giacomo Casanova.
Star-Studded Cast and Plot
The BBC's three-part drama chronicles the title character's numerous adventures and romantic conquests during his youth. Legendary screen icon Peter O'Toole, known for roles in Lawrence of Arabia and Goodbye, Mr Chips, portrays the elderly Casanova. Meanwhile, David Tennant, star of Doctor Who, Rivals, and Good Omens, plays the younger version of Casanova in this limited series.
The ensemble cast also includes Australian actress Rose Byrne, known for Bridesmaids and Platonic, as Edith, Laura Fraser of Breaking Bad fame as Henriette, and Rupert Penry-Jones from Whitechapel as Grimani. Additional notable actors feature Nina Sosanya from Last Tango in Halifax as Bellino, Shaun Parkes of Line of Duty as Rocco, Freddie Jones from The Elephant Man and Emmerdale as Bragadi, Bridgerton's Lucinda Raikes as Marta Tosello, and Tom Burke from Strike as Giac. Comedians such as Matt Lucas, Mark Heap, Simon Day, and Matthew Holness also make appearances.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Praise
Interestingly, the TV series was released in the same year as the Hollywood film Casanova, starring Heath Ledger, Sienna Miller, and Jeremy Irons. However, the film did not fare as well, scoring a disappointing 44 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and only 6.5/10 on IMDb. In contrast, the BBC series boasts an impressive 7.8/10 rating from IMDb users.
The series has garnered high praise on IMDb, with one user giving it a perfect 10/10 review titled "Dazzling Spectacle", calling the show "another triumph for Davies". The reviewer noted: "The writing is fresh and witty, and extremely well delivered by the irrevocably charming David Tennant, who passes well for the infamous 17th century cad. The best part of the series is the costumes and sets absolutely over the top and fabulously colorful outfits with modern twists coupled with dazzling, spectacularly lavish sets. It really is a welcome eye-ful."
Another viewer awarded it 9/10, writing: "I was hooked immediately. It is so funny and unusual." They continued: "He is goofy, low-born, and self-effacing, as opposed to Heath Ledger's smug, overly confident Casanova in the film recently in theaters (which I found very boring.) This CASANOVA is definitely worth my time and yours."
Oscar-Worthy Performances
A further glowing review hailed it as "absolutely amazing" and enthused: "Peter O'Toole as the older Casanova deserves the Oscar he never received, for this role alone! Such emotion, such tension, such comedy, such tragedy...a true British masterpiece. Which brings me on to my favourite subject...David Tennant...could a better Casanova have been cast?"
Impact on David Tennant's Career
The role of Casanova proved to be a springboard for Tennant, leading him to portray the 10th Time Lord in Doctor Who, making his first appearance on Christmas Day that same year. His legendary performance in the beloved British sci-fi series solidified his status as one of the finest Doctors in the show's history, whilst simultaneously establishing him as a national treasure with devoted fans across the UK and America.
Casanova is available to stream on Prime Video now, offering viewers a chance to experience this acclaimed period drama with its stellar cast and captivating storytelling.
