The Empress

[Seahorsesfly]

I've just finished this Netflix series and bloody hell it is good. Stunningly shot and produced- every shot is just gorgeous. It's a visual feast.

It's in a similar vein to Bridgerton but with more drama and less silliness. I was looking for a thread but couldn't see one which surprised me.

Loving it :)

on ep 6 so no spoilers please!

No spoilers- but it is based on the real Elizabeth. I felt is went a bit Bridgerton in episodes 2 and 3 but pulled itself back together for the rest of the season.

Every shot could be a painting it is so well put together. I love Elizabeth (and now can hear how the Queen got her Lilibet nickname)

I binge watch it!! I thought it’s was great, hope the make a second series.

I’m only on episode 3 but love it. It’s like Bridgerton crossed with Pride and Prejudice. I want to learn all about the real Empress now.

Hopefully the reviews will mean they make a S2. It's been a lovely find after months of what has seemed like total rubbish on Netflix.

Loved it.

Temped to watch the German 1950s Sissi films now.

Do not watch this if you have any interest in Elisabeth as a historic figure.
The only accurate thing as far as I can tell, was the casting- the actress looks a lot like portraits and photos of Sisi (who incidentally had no issues with her nickname).
I've always been fascinated with her and have read so many biographies.

I so wanted to love the show and was so disappointed. They've got her personalising so wrong! She was a barely pubescent child who got railroaded into a marriage that she wasn't prepared for, and spent her life regretting it.
The real story would have been so poignant- she was painfully shy and dreamy and had a loving relationship with her family and was homesick all her life.
Instead they turned her into a sassy overly modernised version of a rebel Royal.

I've just finished the wedding episode. Her wedding dress is beautiful. I really like her acting too.
The programme is giving me Rein vibes!
Sounds like it's just as accurate too 😂

I enjoyed this! I thought the actress playing Archduchess Sophie was the standout.

Ooo could you recommend a biography really interested in reading about the real Elisabeth after watching all of the Empress (though also can't wait for a second series of this it was sooo good and beautiful)

Brigitte Hamann's The Reluctant Empress is on Kindle.
I would say it's probably the definitive biography of her?
It gives you a good idea of what the Austrian empire was like- perhaps not enough on what an inadequate leader Franz Joseph was, very similar in his dithering and bad decisions to Nicholas II of Russia a generation later.

M

Sorry / I think I pressed the quote button by accident!

I just finished watching yesterday. I enjoyed it but agree with anonacfr, it’s not an accurate portrayal, but Netflix historical dramas rarely are.
I remember when I visited Vienna, Sisi merchandise was everywhere. Lots of “Princess Diana of her day” comparisons were made. I really enjoyed visiting The Sisi Museum at The Hofberg.
I hope they make a second season.

Thanks!

Loved this, but agree that it doesn’t seem historically accurate.

Also agree that Arch Duchess Sophie is fantastic, and the clothes (hers in particular) are just incredible.

Ive just finished episode 4 and it has a feast for the eyes! The wedding dress was stunning

I enjoyed it greatly and thought it was well acted, great production, therefore can forgive its historical incorrections! Hope for a second series.

Maximilian needs his own series.
Emperor of Mexico!

He and Sisi had far more chemistry than Sisi and Franz but I don't think there was any attraction between them in real life, as far as I know.

It's very enjoyable fiction 😁 And much more beautiful than Bridgerton.

I loved it. Hoping for season 2

Would you have a second favourite available on audible?

Oh, do watch them if you like a bit of romance!