Very interesting read! Thanks for sharing, Stevie. In a sense, it is good that The Secret of Moonacre got to be filmed when it did instead of when its producer first thought about it, as I'm not sure Ioan would have been considered for the role he was cast in 10 years ago.

Good point, Frances! Mid Hornblower would have been far too boyish! :love:

Yes that is right ladies. Ten years ago Ioan was our Horatio. So thanks to the fact that Moonacre is 10 years in the making, we are so lucky to see our Ioan in that great movie.

Interviews with Dakota are starting to appear. I fond this one interesting and very much like her idea of a sequel! (I could write it for them, if they like.....where's my pen? List - essentials for Sir Ben....breeches, boots, Bronte-sque curls....Maria? What Maria?........) http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/blue-planet-dakota-blue-richards-on-the-trouble-with-being-a-teenage-film-star-1546014.html

Also, this morning, the Times seems to be softening its approach to Moonacre (or maybe it just employs too many film critics?) http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/film_reviews/article5670033.ece

Yes, interesting too that the Independent on Sunday ran that whole long interview with Dakota Blue Richards and in the same paper their review of Moonacre says (sorry Ioan :???: )..... "Elizabeth Goudge's children's fantasy novel 'The Little White Horse' was one of the inspirations for the Narnia chronicles and the Harry Potter series, but this abominably shoddy adaptation won't be inspiring anyone." I beg to differ.... :wink: "....Richards plays a haughty orphan who is sent to live in the country with her grumpy uncle, Ioan Gruffudd. At the same time, she's given a book that reveals that her home is under a random curse that can be lifted only if she carries out some random task."

This review is a blog, rather than a critic, but I really like the way the blogger, Robert Mann, describes the movie. I saw Moonacre again tonight and I think he must have been sitting next to me.....for instance:- One of the most striking things about ‘The Secret of Moonacre’ is undoubtedly the visuals. This is a truly gorgeous looking film, providing a real feast for the eyes in virtually all areas. The costume design is extravagant, the sets are exquisite, the settings are spectacular, and the visual effects are both beautiful and enchanting, with the ever growing moon being an amazing sight. The film is also very beautifully shot with every scene being visually sumptuous, and it is unlikely that there will be many other films as pretty to look at as this in 2009. It isn’t just the visuals that impress though. The performances are largely excellent with a whole host of offbeat characters on display. http://www.battleroyalewithcheese.com/2009/02/week-in-film-by-robert-mann-week.html

That is a very good in-depth review. He may be a blogger, but looking at all his reviews, he analyzes movies better than most critics, pointing out the highlights and problems. Thanks for pointing him out, Stevie.

There are some lovely Moonacre pics on this costume lover's Live Journal. I agree with her about the costumes, too! I don't think we've seen this one.... http://glvalentine.livejournal.com/163851.html

I really like those costumes, too. Ioan looks great in that type of outfit. Perfect for his body.

I join you both, Stevie and GG, in saying that I like those costumes. Period costumes become Ioan.

Hello. I hope you are doing well. My computer crashed again several days ago. I just can use it NOW. Pffffff I'm bored with computers! haha

Oh,boo-hooooooo.....the computer here won't let me see the pictures!!!!!!!!!! How rotten............

Wauw girls, I agree with you, Ioan looks so good in that outfit. I find him very attractive. And I think that he will conquer the hearts of a lot of girls who do not know Ioan so good. And I hope that Belgium and Europe will remember him.