3/5 Just another take on Austen's "Emma"
  by Reader (Boca Raton, FL)
This movie is apparently adaptation of Stella Gibbons' 1932 novel. But as I watched this film is simply reminded me of "Emma" only set in 1930s instead of 1800s. While casting, makeup and costumes are fantastic, I found film to be too predictable to fully enjoy.

5/5 Wonderfully uplifting!
  by z hayes (plano,texas)

The film version of "Cold Comfort Farm" is an adaptation of the comic novel by Stella Gibbons, published in 1932. This novel was a sort of parody of the often bleak portrayal of rural life as described in the works of Thomas Hardy and other authors. I've read the novel, and loved it, but I have to admit I actually loved the movie much more! It is the way the characters were brought 'alive' by the wonderfully talented ensemble cast, and especially the luminous portrayal of the lead character, Flora Poste, by Kate Beckinsale.

The story centers around Flora Poste (Beckinsale) who is a recently orphaned society girl. Instead of looking for a job, she tries to find relatives that will take her in and allow her time to write, thinking she has the makings of a novelist, much to the chagrin of her 'mentor' and friend (played by Absolutely Fabulous' Joanna Lumley). Flora thinks she has found a suitable place, Cold Comfort Farm, residence to the Starkadders, who are under the control of matriarch, Ada Doom (Sheila Burrell) and comprise Judith Starkadder (Eileen Atkins), Ian McKellen (Amos Starkadder), Seth Starkadder (Rufus Sewell), Reuben Starkadder (Ivan Kaye), and Elfine Starkadder (Maria Miles), among many other endearing and infuriating characters.

The plot moves along quickly as Flora brings a much needed breath of fresh air to the residents of Cold Comfort Farm, starting with little things to cheer the place up, and worming her way into the confidences of the residents, finding a challenge in Ada Doom who holds the other Starkadders in thrall to her, due to the trauma she suffered after witnessing "something nasty in the woodshed" many years ago, and the secret of some great wrong that was done to Flora Poste's father by one of the Starkadders.

The movie has all the elements to make it an engaging and fun viewing experience - a talented ensemble cast, an interesting and even intriguing plot, young love, romance, family secrets, youthful yearnings, etc. This is a movie that uplifts and puts a smile on one's face (and yes, lots of laughs along the way too). Just an absolute gem of a movie!

5/5 Wonderful!
  by blu-rayer (Australia)
I can't rave enough about this movie. It is one exceptional feel-good film that you can watch over and over again. If you're feeling glum, put this on and escape for an hour and a half. Terrific screenplay and a first-rate comedy that holds your attention all the way through. Top cast: Kate Beckinsale is charming, Joanna Lumley is gorgeous (as usual) and excellent, fun appearances by Eileen Atkins, Ian McKellen, Rufus Sewell, Freddie Jones and Stephen Fry.
Get this movie - you will love it! And, I want it on Blu-ray!!!!

3/5 cleaning up the English country farm
  by R. Bagula (Lakeside, Ca United States)
Sort of an "alls well that end well" comedy of meddling.
Fedora Post becomes an orphan and moves in with distant relatives on "Cold Comfort Farm" which is sort of a goth of a 19th century type,
set in a run down farm.
Kate Beckinsale is very toothsome in the 20's English countryside
and wins our heart by her do-gooder meddling ways.
I liked the movie, but thought the plot sort of unlikely,
if funny.

5/5 Love this film!
  by Jana M. Fryday
The British wit makes this film wonderful. The film follows the novel closely. I recommend this movie to anyone seeking an intelligent comedy.