'Masterpiece' BBC period drama so captivating it makes you 'forget Downton Abbey'
This BBC period drama has been widely praised by fans, with many claiming it is better than Downton Abbey. Wolf Hall is a British TV series based on two of Hilary Mantel's acclaimed novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies.
This fictionalised biography follows the life of Thomas Cromwell - the influential advisor to King Henry VIII. The six-part series first aired on the BBC in 2015, directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Peter Kosminsky and was adapted for the screen by acclaimed screenwriter Peter Straughan.
The official synopsis reads: "Starring Damian Lewis, Mark Rylance and Claire Foy, this series is a six-part adaptation of Hilary Mantel's novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies. The historical drama follows the story of Thomas Cromwell through his rise in social hierarchy."
"From his humble beginnings as a blacksmith's son, Cromwell became King Henry VIII's chief minister. The episodes chronicle his life as he deals with the power struggles of the Tudor Court and a king who has difficulty producing a male heir," it concludes.
The series stars Mark Rylance, known for Bridge of Spies, as Thomas Cromwell and Damian Lewis, best known for his role in Homeland, who plays the infamous King Henry VIII in the series. The cast has seen widespread critical acclaim for their roles.
Wolf Hall has been described as a critical success, earning eight Emmy Award nominations as well as receiving three Golden Globe nominations, ultimately winning the award for Best Miniseries or Television Film.
The series earned an impressive 98 per cent rating from critics and fans on Rotten Tomatoes. According to the site's summary, Wolf Hall is praised as "Beautifully filmed and brilliantly acted, Wolf Hall masterfully brings Hilary Mantel's award-winning novels to life."
Julia Raeside of The Guardian, said: "Forget Downton Abbey. The adaptation of Hilary Mantel's Tudor novels, broadcast in the US starting Sunday, is among the best British TV shows in years."
While one viewer described the series as a "masterpiece" with another calling it "horrifying and also exhilarating."
A top critic stated: "Subtle, brutal, elegant - Wolf Hall embodied in one moment. This was simply brilliant television." Another critic added: "Simply put, Wolf Hall is delicious. Smartly put together and exquisitely acted, it's a character study of sorts, much like The Godfather, Part II."
"You almost expect Cromwell to whisper to whatever courtier he's just destroyed, 'It's just business," they concluded.
A fan of the show praised the drama, penning: "This is one of the best period pieces I've ever seen. It masterfully captured the lives of the characters at the time, and I was glued to the screen for every second of it. I definitely recommend it for drama and history fans!"
Wolf Hall is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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