Game of Thrones

 Game of Thrones 

Was over-time on a gradual binge of watching 'Game of Thrones' from the first episode (gradual because of being so busy), having heard nothing but amazing things about it from friends, family and IMDb reviewers. Plus with such a great cast of talent and a brilliant book series, how could it possibly go wrong?

The good news is that 'Game of Thrones' didn't go wrong. Quite the opposite. Not only is it a rare television show that does its original source material justice and treats it with respect but it is on its own merits one of the finest, most addictive and consistently compelling shows in recent years. A television show so brilliant that one has to actually check that it was made for television when everything is done to such a high level that it puts many films made today to shame. This is one of the strongest examples of an acclaimed show that deserves every ounce of the praise it's garnered.

Visually, 'Game of Thrones' looks amazing. The scenery is throughout spectacular, the sets are hugely atmospheric and beautiful on the eyes with a real meticulous eye for detail and the costumes suit the characters to a tee. Then there are the special effects that are some of the best of any television programme and are not overused or abused, the scale, the detail and how they actually have character and soul are better than those in a lot of the big-budget blockbusters. As well the cinematography and editing, which are cinematic quality as well.

One cannot talk about 'Game of Thrones' without mentioning the thematically, orchestrally and atmospherically multi-layered music scoring and the unforgettable main theme. Again, worthy of a high-budget fantasy/action/drama film.

It is hard not to be bowled over by the quality of the writing, outstanding isn't a strong enough adjective to describe how good the writing is. It always has a natural flow, is layered and thought-provoking and demonstrates a wide range of emotions such as suspenseful tension, poignant pathos and witty humour. The story-lines are paced so beautifully, structured with such nuance and attention to coherence, a high emotional level and touch upon complex and sensitive themes with intelligence and tact.

Whenever there's a set-piece or more action-oriented scene there's always a reason, never there for the sake of it. Not only are the set-pieces done with a lot epic scale, superb staging, excitement and dramatic tension but underneath all the scale and flashy attention to detail there is a lot of heart and a multi-layered one. They're not overlong, nor are there out of place elements.

Characters are a huge part of the appeal too. 'Game of Thrones' has characters that are so well developed and as close to real life as one can get despite being in a fantasy world. These characters are not hero and villain archetypes (Joffrey is the only one close to that, the difference though is that he is an extremely interesting one with a lot of development who ranks well beyond one hundred percent on the threat level scale), they have much more to them and have strengths and flaws. Decisions are logical and one doesn't like any character any less when a decision is not the right one because mistakes are acknowledged and learnt from.

'Game of Thrones' cast is full of talented names and, thanks to so well rounded characters and such great writing, nothing but the very best is gotten out of them. Even those who are not favourites of mine. Big acting standouts are Peter Dinklage, Sean Bean, Lena Headey and Jack Gleeson (Joffrey being the king of all young characters with not a redeeming bone in their body).

In conclusion, absolutely outstanding and a rare television show worthy of being a cinematic modern classic. This review may sound superlatively hyperbolic, but to me 'Game of Thrones' is that good. 10/10 Bethany Cox

In the fictional Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, the ruler sits on the Iron Throne. It's a story of various characters fighting to gain the throne, influence the throne, or survive the throne. There are White Walkers, giants, dragons, and a big ice wall.

This follows the George R. R. Martin series of fantasy novels, at least for the earlier seasons. This HBO show lasted 8 seasons, 6 of which are the pinnacle of prestige TV. In our fragmented TV world, this may be the last of the watercooler shows. People are eager to watch it on its first airing and eager to discuss it with their friends right away. People binge to catch up so they can join the conversation. The writing is great. The production is cinematic. No spoilers in this review. Just binge and enjoy

I am writing this because according to the IMDB User Ratings, I have not commented. I have reviewed all the individual episodes, but not the show as a whole. There is little that I can add to the impact of this show. I am proud to be on the same planet as those who created and put this work into fruition. When one looks at the technical accomplishments and the multiple plot strains that have been kept in balance, it is truly a wonder. I know that there are those who can never get past the "book did this" and "the book did that." We have to come to realize that it is impossible to recreate every nuance that fiction allows and that occasionally characters must be dropped and events assumed. For me, I have approached these as the artistic creations they are--as film (and television, at that). I have the books. I've not read them but plan to at some point. I doubt at this late stage of my life there will ever be another series to match this. I like fantasy but am not ruled by it as a genre. But this is for us all. If you've not seen it, treat yourself.

I am not one of its fans. For its childish stories, for the feeling after a season biging. But its virtues are many. And real. From performances of great actors to magnificent use of CGI. For the portraits and for something who you feel authentic and slice of near reality. For the tension and for high care to details. For music and for the mark of HBO. For the sides of cruelty and references to mythologies and Medieval history. For a sort of genius to reflect contemporary realities. And, especially, for the touching portraits of kindness, duty spirit and sacrifice. For me, it is not a film of a story but the film of its characters. And lovely actors. A parable - serie.

Yes, I am not its fan. But I admitt - a am dependent by it. First, for the inspiration to use old great actors , from Diana Rigg to Max von Sydow. And, sure, for the great performances of young actors, from Emilia Clarke to Maisie Williams. The great virtue of serie - to remind the taste of classic fairy tales. And the charme, so seductive charme of them

After its end, expecting the prequel, the things are more clear. It is a great show. Not only for the status of adaptation but for the science to be answer to many other adaptation. It is a serie of characters and their stories , more than the serie of a story itself. It is a modern fairy tale - the values and sins and failures and virtues are the same. It is a perfect trip guide across history lessons and the near every day reality. It is the perfect door to a fantastic - realistic universe. And, sure, it is GoT. Not The Lord of The Rings, not Lost, not The Tudors or Spartacus. Just and only GooT. The last season reminds this basic truth. Dragons and cruel revenge ( many from us are expressions of frustrations and drawings of wrath), old sandals and swords in new version, sex and battles and traitors, and a drop of relation Luke and Anakin Skywalker. And the end, the so infamous end for many from us, it is real perfect. For a simple reason- it is the fair eulogy of memory of humankind and the right gift to the small details defining us behind appearences. It remains, for me, more than a show, an adventure. Eight seasons. Long months expecting the next season. Impressed by cruelty, in naked expressions, by courage and generosity and loyalty. By few splendid characters. By powerful scenes as the deaths of Hodor or Tommen Baratheon. Shocked by the execution of Nedd Stark, ball of feelings behind Red Wedding. Feeling the radical transformation of Daenerys , episode by episode, admiring the battle of Winterfel, being impressed by the hard, almost crazy work of entire team. And admiring great actors doing , in impecable manner, theirs job. So, the final taste is marked by profound gratitude.Including Daniel Banioff and D. B. Weiss.

So I succesfully avoided major spoilers about the show and could binge watch this since the complete Box set came out in early December. The first season was a bit overwhelming, what with all the houses and characters thrown at you. As you may be able to tell, I have not read the source material. Not sure who of the cast had read it beforehand either. So bare that in mind.

Now the line Winter is coming is something everyone associates with the show, I just never expected this to come up so early in the show. What is surprising, at least during the first seasons of the show, is how many supposedly main characters fail to survive. This keeps the viewers on their tows. Towards the end of the show this gets a bit watered down. Not sure how much influence the original author had there (he had only written material for the first 6 seasons of the show, the rest was made up).

Having said that, you can feel a drop in quality. And while I have friend who thought the second season was boring (it's a bit of a travelling show and things get stretched quite a bit), if he continued to watch, he might feel even worse with the last seasons. Even though they are shorter (episode wise, not time wise per episode), they feel stretched even more.

Also the conclusion (no worries, I'm not telling) is anticlimatic to say the least. It feels bad and the continuity errors are just thrown aside. So if not for the epic battles and the actors, who are all really amazing in this, I might have gone farther down with my vote. Then again, if it wasn't for the last season specifically, I might have given it a 10 too ... A prequel show has been axed for now (not sure if the bad reviews and or numbers for the last season played a role), but I would watch it. This achieved overall something that "The Reign" could not: combine violence, fantasy and nudity into something mature/adult that works for men and women watching