Watch Noble House For Free

Sorry, this movie sucks

Good start, but then it gets ruined

good back-story, and good acting

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

While the book on which this mini-series is based is great, this mini- series attempt misses the mark. Perhaps I am spoiled by the quality of the "Sho-Gun" miniseries...or, possibly, I am far too cynical of older films and series. Either way, this was just awful. I recommend the book, pass on the mini-series. However, make time for the mini-series of "Sho- Gun" which came out in the 70's. It is very well done and an accurate treatment of the book. With regards to "Noble House", the music, the acting, and the cinematography is classic gaudy 80's rubbish. It felt like watching "Dynasty" or "Falcon Crest" or any number of those proper shite night time drama's from the era. I was a kid then, but I recall being repulsed by their vapid and shallow dramas even then. To sum it all up; "Noble House" and "Sho-Gu"n novels...very good. "Noble House" mini-series...proper trash. "Sho-Gun" miniseries...worth your time.

Returning to this series by way of the DVD issue, as a Clavell fan, I am struck by its incredible background authenticity. From Victoria Peak to Aberdeen, from the fabled Peninsula Hotel to the Star ferries, and from the glittering highrises to the teeming streets and bobbling junks. The basic plot line, as with "Taipan" AND "Shogun," may be spun out of a rich and creative imagination, but it is the fleshing out and storied detail of ALL the dramatis personae that counts here. I note, with some amusement, the individual responses to the individual portrayals/performances, but, aside from such idiosyncratic reactions, the fact remains that the ensemble is spot-on. Pierce Brosnan herein one-ups his latterday Bondings, much more realistic AND convincing, and, in response to the fellow who found Ben Masters wanting in that he projected nothing but "jerk," isn't that what was the intention? For the rest, not one quibble. And Khigh Diegh probably had his very best effort here, just as the rest of the "Asian" cast, including Lisa Lu's made-up old amah. Clavell has, once again, stormed history to project the then present, the mid-80s?, and, in the process, eerily foreshadowing the future that is today? From the free-wheeling, high-stakes Ponzi schemings of its principals, bar none, to its lowliest "coolies." But why has no one, to date, mined Clavell's "Reap the Whirlwind" insights that are ominously and, again, eerily, applicable to Iran? Oh, well, someone eventually will. Belatedly, of course. Finally, Clavell's prophetic projections of the continuing geopolitical power struggles and power plays continues to be bull's-eye on the mark. Scary, isn't it? Aiyah! And "Eeeee" as well.

I got the DVD from a place in Australia...off of E-Bay. It worked fine playing on my computer, and as a DVD movie in my X-Box 360. It does have a different format (PAL) and may not work in all players, but if you love this mini-series as much as I did, you'll get it and watch it on the computer or find a way to watch it! Check E-bay...I think I just searched for Noble House, and it came up. the shipping was pretty quick as well...Pierce Brosnan is great as Ian Dunross...I've also read the book, and find the changes they made in the miniseries not all that disappointing.

It would really be about time to get the mini-series out. We ourselves still have an old VHS version which is starting to break. One would have supposed that simply Brosnans career as Bond would have brought out most of his old "filmography".I wonder how many of us there are who would sacrifice some of over earthly belongings and hard owned mammon in order to get a DVD version of Nobel House. I presume we should be numerous enough to form a market. I wonder who is making choices about the release now? I did previously follow some link, which eventually gave a possibility to show ones interest in the movie in order for it to be released, but that was some years ago and nothing has still happened. Odd.