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The Empress

36 replies

Seahorsesfly · 05/10/2022 22:48

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.

OP posts:
longcovidquestions · 05/10/2022 22:51

Loving it :)

longcovidquestions · 05/10/2022 22:51

on ep 6 so no spoilers please!

Waterfallstop · 05/10/2022 22:56

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)

Nanalisa60 · 05/10/2022 23:01

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

Annasgirl · 05/10/2022 23:07

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.

Waterfallstop · 05/10/2022 23:10

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.

loveisanopensore · 05/10/2022 23:13

Loved it.

Temped to watch the German 1950s Sissi films now.

anonacfr · 06/10/2022 19:25

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.

whereamu · 09/10/2022 19:38

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 😂

KillingMeDeftly · 09/10/2022 20:16

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

jellybe · 09/10/2022 20:19

anonacfr · 06/10/2022 19:25

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.

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)

anonacfr · 09/10/2022 20:49

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.

CandyLeBonBon · 09/10/2022 20:54

longcovidquestions · 05/10/2022 22:51

on ep 6 so no spoilers please!

M

CandyLeBonBon · 09/10/2022 20:59

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

YoniHuman · 11/10/2022 20:24

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.

jellybe · 11/10/2022 20:50

anonacfr · 09/10/2022 20:49

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.

Thanks!

Blogdog · 12/10/2022 23:49

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.

StellaGibson2022 · 12/10/2022 23:53

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

GooseberryCinnamonYogurt · 13/10/2022 00:00

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

loveisanopensore · 13/10/2022 09:34

Maximilian needs his own series.
Emperor of Mexico!

KillingMeDeftly · 13/10/2022 10:59

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.

UtterlyUnimaginativeUsername · 13/10/2022 11:11

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

Era · 13/10/2022 11:14

I loved it. Hoping for season 2

peerie · 13/10/2022 16:50

anonacfr · 09/10/2022 20:49

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.

Would you have a second favourite available on audible?

Ylvamoon · 13/10/2022 16:58

loveisanopensore · 05/10/2022 23:13

Loved it.

Temped to watch the German 1950s Sissi films now.

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