Netflix’s ‘Simply Fantastic’ Period Drama, Starring a Hollywood Icon, Has Fans Obsessed
Netflix fans have been raving over a ‘simply fantastic’ hidden gem series featuring huge Hollywood stars.
All The Light We Cannot See, an adaptation of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Anthony Doerr, was initially blasted by critics when it landed on the streamer in 2023.
But the series received a very different response from viewers, with some even deeming it ‘perfection’.
The novel, written by American author Anthony Doerr, however was a hit with critics, who applauded his lyrical writing style.
All the Light We Cannot See was also a massive commercial success, leading to dozens of reprints after the initial print run sold out. As of late 2021, the book has sold more than 15 million copies.
It was subsequently awarded the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, as well as that year’s Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, and it also was one of the shortlist selections vying for the National Book Award.
Netflix fans have been raving over a ‘simply fantastic’ hidden gem series featuring huge Hollywood stars
All The Light We Cannot See, an adaptation of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Anthony Doerr, was initially blasted by critics when it landed on the streamer in 2023
The story follows two opposing characters, a blind French girl and a German youth who becomes a soldier due to his skill with radio technology.
This tender tale, set between 1934 and 1944, interweaves the stories of the two children who find ways to hold on to their humanity amidst the horrors of World War Two.
The first is Marie-Laure, who flees Paris with her widowed father, Daniel LeBlanc (Mark Ruffalo), for St Malo in Brittany to live with reclusive uncle Etienne (Hugh Laurie).
Daniel, a museum curator, is hiding a precious jewel from the Nazis. Meanwhile Etienne, who is suffering from trauma, transmits secret radio broadcasts for the Resistance.
The second strand follows German teenager Werner (Louis Hofmann), who has a gift for radio mechanics and is forced by the Nazis to hunt down pirate broadcasters.
This leads him to the cobblestoned streets of St Malo in pursuit of Marie-Laure and her family.
Taking to Rotten Tomatoes to share their love for the four-part series, fans wrote: ‘A beautiful piece of storytelling. I was lost in this movie. The characters in the actors who played them are wonderful. I have no idea why the rating is so low because it’s simply fantastic!’;
‘Even after all the war she’s been through she’s still standing�� . . . this made me sob like a child deep inside my soul, just wow it’s perfection (watched this specially because of Louis Hofmann and he never disappoint I love me some him Please be my Husband nowww),’;
But the series received a very different response from viewers, with some even deeming it ‘perfection’
Marie-Laure, flees Paris with her widowed father, Daniel LeBlanc (Mark Ruffalo), for St Malo in Brittany to live with reclusive uncle Etienne (Hugh Laurie)
This tender tale, set between 1934 and 1944, interweaves the stories of the two children who find ways to hold on to their humanity amidst the horrors of World War Two
The second strand follows German teenager Werner (Louis Hofmann), who has a gift for radio mechanics and is forced by the Nazis to hunt down pirate broadcasters
‘One of the most amazing war related TV shows out there. I wish more people knew of it. It has a beautiful, moving storyline, wonderful actors portraying strong and thoughtful characters. The atmosphere of war, the dressing, the music set the right mood for the viewer to enjoy. And it’s got deep messages, love, care, light in it. I highly recommend,’;
‘It was so good to see a show with substance and depth! Was it perfect? No. Was it totally realistic? Probably not. Were there clichés in it? Yes. And in spite of that it was moving and beautiful and a testament to the best of the human soul. It’s imperfections almost made it more touching. I would totally recommend this to any of my friends. It is a must see,’;
‘Moving storylines, underlying statements about class, intelligence, and education. Excellent sets. A series with all the emotions,’;
‘I’m so thankful I watched this before I saw the critics’ reviews. What a beautiful, emotional & intense miniseries. I really enjoyed it very much,’;
‘A wonderful war drama, with heroism, romanticism and courageousness. Truly inspirational movie. Loving the readings from 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and the classical music. Beautifully casted. Lovely cinematography, directorship and production and storyline. Thoroughly enjoyable short series,’;
‘A beautiful story albeit told without compromise. The terrible and futile violence of the second world war runs under the surface but it is an ulifting story of hope and promise. You should watch….’
The novel, written by American author Anthony Doerr, was a hit with critics, who applauded his lyrical writing style
However on its release, unimpressed critics branded the historical drama a ‘ghastly failure’.
The stark comparison sees the show’s critic score on Rotten Tomatoes at just 28%, while the audience rated it a whopping 81%.
The Guardian‘s Lucy Mangan said the show had ‘all the subtlety of ‘Allo, ‘Allo!’ whereas Michael Hogan hit out at the ‘sanitised’ adaptation for The Telegraph.
Elsewhere, The Independent‘s Nick Hilton slammed the viewing for its ‘tweeification of horror’.