Interesting twist on love at a young age and between different classes and religious beliefs. Each character wants out of their own place in life. Its a great period type movie with great acting by all the characters. Long but definitely worth the price of a ticket

stunning scenery, wonderful cast

It's fitting that this movie was released on the eve of the 2008 Summer Olympics, because the cast of Brideshead Revisited were forced to sprint at world record speed through a movie that sweeps over the 20-year lovelorn entanglements of an aspiring artist with a decaying British aristocratic family. Based on the classic Evelyn Waugh novel, the story has been compressed, hokied up and dumbed down for general [read American] theater audiences. The only way to understand the plot of this movie is if you have already read the book. And if you read the book and loved it, you will hate this movie. This 100-minute movie suffers from the inevitable comparisons with the brilliant 13-hour Brideshead Revisited miniseries released in 1981 that starred Jeremy Irons, Claire Bloom, Laurence Olivier and John Gielgud. In this newly released movie Emma Thompson is the only star who adds any real spark. Forget the movie. Rent the 1981 miniseries.

I don't want to deter anyone from seeing this movie, and with that being said, here is my review: The actors are all top notch, but Matthew Goode, who is a ravishing English man, does not take his character (the main character of the movie) where it needs to go. From other characters reactions and words, we are supposed to believe he is somewhat ruthless, using others to climb socially. But Matthew Goode delivers a performance of a man who just gets swept up in the tide and can't help his rise. So it's hard to believe the movie. I would definitely go if you are a period drama fan as I am and you love the clothing, jewels and pretentions of early 1900 England. On the whole the movie is interesting and beautiful, but somewhat of a bore... Thanks for reading.

A must see for those who like British drama. Emma could well end up with an Oscar nod for supporting actress with this one.