I first saw this mini-series on TV. The year was 1990. From then on, I remembered Pierce Brosnan as the noble English gentleman Phileas Fogg and a romantic hero of yesteryear. To this day, I perceive him as Fogg, not as Agent 007. Because it was his Phileas Fogg that came to life in my heart and mind even then, and even now, 33 years later, his character continues to cause my excitement and admiration. A truly extraordinary miniseries, saturated with positive emotions, human values and, above all, with a sincere, deep and very pure love, which undoubtedly touches, captivates the imagination to this day.
This 1989 version follows the action of the book quite faithfully, as well as largely the characters' personalities, and is much better than the dry, cold and too unfeeling version with David Niven (not to mention the last two versions, which had almost no nothing to do with classical history). I dare to add another thing: in my opinion, the series with Brosnan surpasses the book itself, especially on the side of feelings. I know Jules Verne is no Jane Austen, but what prevents there to be some sensuality in the book during the journey, especially since Fogg wins the bet in the end thanks to Aouda.
In the mini-series, every single detail is in the right place. Fogg's valet, before Passepartout, is an elderly man. This is much fairer than the book, where his first servant is a 15-year-old boy, a child he dismisses without paying him any compensation. Kudos to the writers for changing it.
Passepartout himself, excellently played by Eric Idle, is extremely likable: simple-minded, honest, loyal and contributes to the main humor of the series, and the fact that he is a womanizer only adds to his charm. Passepartout is the epitome of the typical Frenchman who indulges in occasional flirtations and at the same time has a beloved woman named Madeleine.
Detective Fix, Peter Ustinov, is also a very interesting and humorous character - a good-natured gentleman in his advanced age, but following his unyielding duty to catch Philias Fogg, framed as the thief of the Royal National Bank. What I like is that in the series, Detective Fix does this not just to get the promised reward, but because the money will help him marry the woman he loves - Millie. Love guides his purpose.
Pierce Brosnan recreates a magnificent Phileas Fogg, in my opinion, the best ever. Yes, he fires Mr. Foster, but pays him a fortnight's severance pay, and the next day Fogg welcomes his new valet, Passepartout, himself, instead of his now-dismissed servant. It was also good that Fogg was gradually building a warmer emotional closeness with Passepartout, tending to future friendship. In addition to being noble, smart and resourceful, Brosnan's Fogg also has a warm sensitivity, which he already shows during his 80-day journey.
The women appearing on his journey-Sarah Bernard, the woman from the pub in Paris, the beautiful Frenchwoman in Provence-only confirm Fogg's unshakable moral principles and convictions and seem to foreshadow that his body and heart are reserved for the one woman, who he would soon meet, the woman who would crack the armor of his soul. And this happens a little later in the jungles of India - a very unusual place - but one never knows where and under what circumstances he will meet love. For the cold pedant Philias Fogg, the word "love" is unknown, and he never thought that his heart would be conquered forever during this fateful journey.
In the miniseries, Fogg fell in love with Aouda from the moment he saw her being led to the pyre from afar, which was evident in his indescribable gaze. From there, his determination to save her is strengthened. Brosnan's character literally puts his life on the line for her, and his sacrifice moved me much more than the almost comical bewilderment of Fogg's pocket knife in the book. It is also wonderful that in the series they develop the theme with the Indian poetry of Usaf Tdau - sensual poems that accompanied Fogg throughout his journey in the realization of love.
The budding feelings between Mr. Fogg and Princess Aouda are delightfully portrayed, feelings growing ever deeper and infusing a perfect romance at every moment of their onward journey. Kudos to the creators of the mini-series for giving the much-deserved attention to something that was too neglected, both in the book and in the previous version! Fogg's glances at Aouda, filled with tenderness, beautifully recreated by Brosnan, his touching "my dear" whenever he addresses her, his care and attitude say more than any words. Fogg's self-sacrifice does not end with her salvation. He continues to defend her at the cost of his life in the hideout of Burmese bandits, and later confronts the bandit James Jesse, just to protect the woman who has captured his mind and heart. All these moments are unforgettable and show the hidden but selfless love that gives care and tenderness without expecting anything in return.
The portrayal of Princess Aouda, excellently played by Julia Nickson, is captivating. A young woman with a rather strong character for her time and with her own opinion, which she expresses freely. In Hong Kong, at the restaurant, she astonishes Fogg by speaking against the British policy. Later on the train to Omaha, she jumps into action again, first sternly rebuking Passepartout because of the gun in his hand. During the Indian attack, unlike the heroine of the book, who starts shooting at the Indians to support her companions, Julia Nickson's Aouda not only does not, but even hides the guns to prevent their firing upon the Indians. Even after this self-will and audacity of hers, Fogg again addresses her as ''my dear'' as he discreetly tries to reason with her.
Princess Aouda cannot hide her feelings for her patron, and after their heartfelt conversation, followed by their passionate kiss, on board the General Grant, she is irritated by Fogg's reticence, showing anger and even stubbornness. Very strong scene! I think that to a large extent, it is precisely these traits of her character that captivate Fogg particularly strongly. All moments with the two of them are extremely romantic. Unforgettable is the moment when Fogg sees Aouda undressed on the boat, Tankadere - a scene with an erotic tone, but filled with so much innocence. What pure admiration and adoration Fogg's eyes radiate then, and Brosnan played it perfectly!
Fogg is convinced that he is not suitable for her because he knows his flaws and does not hide them. His love explanation on the ship Henrietta was fascinating, but he is ready to give up on Aouda because he suspects that she will not be happy enough with him. And if on the ship "General Grant" Fogg was somewhat driven by his fear of losing his orderly way of life, on the ship "Henrietta" he was only interested in her happiness. Aouda herself reciprocates his feelings and his indecision to be with her saddens her. However, she really cares about him and supports him in his endeavor to the end.
Finally, Fogg gathers the courage to make the most important decision of his life. I think he decided this already on the Henrietta, and ordered the captain to be released, not only because the coal ran out, or to do the right thing. She also does it for Aouda, probably a little unconsciously, because she wishes that he would be the right man for her. Because he realized that she does not need his sublime love, but simply, his love. From his true love.
After thinking he has lost the bet, Fogg appears temporarily despondent, brooding but not discouraged, and knows that Aouda is the most important thing in his life and that win or lose, he is willing to devote his life to her. Her happiness is now his main goal. Fogg himself makes a touching marriage proposal to her, fully revealing his heart and soul to her. It is also commendable that he takes Aouda with him to the Reform Club instead of leaving her at home as in the book.
In the series, Fogg explained why he hid his feelings, wanted to change his life for the sake of the woman he loved, and won the bet thanks to his courage to ask Aouda to become his wife. The fact that Aouda's heroine here is an Indian of Chinese origin is the pinnacle showing the strength of feelings: love, despite deep stereotypes, different religion and above all, race - something unthinkable for an Englishman at that time.
In the end, Fogg splits his winnings with Fix and Passepartout, not so much because of the debt, but to give them the opportunity to marry their beloved women, Millie and Madeleine. He already loves Aouda himself and therefore wants everyone to be happy. During this journey, Fogg learns to forgive and is no longer the same man who fired his first servant for a minor mistake. He forgives Passepartout for his stupid drunkenness in Hong Kong and his departure for Yokohama without them, he mostly forgives Detective Fix, because of whom he almost lost the grand bet. Because Phileas Fogg already knows what it is to love. Love is the foundation of everything.
