Gunpowder, Treason & Plot

Barrels of gunpowder, assassinations (or attempted assassinations), and one family lineage are what connect the two parts of this miniseries. Otherwise they are completely different and unfortunately they clash rather than complement each other and give a cohesive impression. That's also why I can't rate it as one long film, although I could watch it for three hours without a break.___I would give the first part of the film three stars, because it doesn't really have the same quality as the 1971 film Mary, Queen of Scots (I was most disappointed that the role of Lord Bothwell was not played by someone truly charismatic). The lead actress Clémence Poésy was, of course, magical.___I give the second part four stars, mainly for the amazing and perfect Robert Carlyle. The dusty plot itself, performed by Catesby, Percy, Fawkes (an unrecognizable Michael Fassbender) and co. was also successful, and as far as I can judge, the authors stuck to the historical documents as much as possible. The result? Three and a half stars. (07/03/2012)