Review by Library Journal Review
Birdsong is a story of love and a story of war, and the contrast between the two compelling and complementary themes makes it a captivating addition to the "Masterpiece Classic" library. Based on the 1993 novel by Sebastian Faulks, the plot alternates between the grim reality of the war on the Western Front in 1916 and the romantic affair between young Stephen Wraysford (Eddie Redmayne) and the enchanting Isabelle (Clemence Poesy), who is trapped in a loveless marriage. The two fall hopelessly in love, and Isabelle eventually escapes with Stephen. Yet, in time she returns to her familial duties, and Stephen sinks into the gloom of war, working in the tunnels dug under the German lines. Isabelle and Stephen eventually meet again, but their romance is over. Stephen's discovery that he has fathered Isabelle's child motivates him to survive and return to his daughter. With three bonus featurettes. VERDICT A first-class production makes this moving story a great choice for public library adult film collections.-Joan Greenberg, Warminster, PA (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.