What attracted me to this TV series was the cast, however even after watching the first episode i was fascinated by its soundtrack. I feel lucky to discover some great piece of music. The acting was also impressive as one can guess. I would highly recommend it, you won't regret it :)
Add a Review
-
dilarakarakuzu30 June 2017
-
ReganRebecca4 April 2017This really is the golden age of TV as proved by the fact that this mini-series stars three incredible actresses (two of them Oscar winners) giving some of their career best performances). Big Little Lies takes a hard look at the lives of women in the wealthy mostly white suburb of Monterey, where you're no one if you don't have a beach front property and where everyone hides their secrets so that they don't risk anyone seeing that their lives are a facade.
The three women at the centre of the story are Madeleine Mackenzie an A-type mostly stay at home mom on her second husband (Reese Witherspoon), her beautiful best friend Celeste (Nicole Kidman) and the town newcomer that Mackenzie adopts into their life, Jane Chapman (Shailene Woodley), a 20-something young mom who moved to the town for the schools and doesn't really fit in. Each woman is hiding a huge secret, but eventually the secrets come out and the women find solace and comfort leaning on each other for support.
There is a lot more than that (the show opens with the bold claim that there was a murder, and most of the show is a flash backward showing how that murder came to be), but a lot of the central mysteries aren't mysteries at all. The editing, costuming and acting choices deeply hint at the answers to every mystery, so by the time the finale rolls around and everything is revealed it's not so much an "Ah ha!" moment as an "Ahhhhh" moment as you realize with satisfaction that the build up was good and everything makes sense.
The best part of this is seeing all the actors doing amazing work. Nicole Kidman walks away with the show giving a devastating performance. Laura Dern provides levity and Robin Weigert, as Celeste's therapist, may not be a "name" actress, but she brings so much to her scenes.
A wonderful show. -
DukeEman20 February 2017I almost gave up on it after the lacklustre and uncreative beginning, but then the clever structure and intricate story-line kicked-in, followed by the interesting characters who are slowly taking form. Their purpose and meaning to the unfolding mystery is becoming evident and damn fascinating. All thanks to the performers who have already got this perfectly down-pat in the first episode, and that allows the story to take shape and meaning for the remainder of the series.
So far this series is more than about fighting mums and a "who-done-it". What is so prevalent in the first episode is the underlying themes of parenthood, marital relationships and school-mom politics. I'm sure the writers will have more juice to add as the series progresses.
For now, it's the mystery that has got me hooked. And to heighten my viewing pleasure, it is the development of the characters and the conflicts surrounding them, and also within, that makes me want to watch it that little bit longer, hopefully right to the very end of the series that is slowly peeling away the hypocrisy and the nastiness of an affluent suburb/town! -
vladimir-janic27 February 2017Exquisite. 'Big Little Lies' takes us to an incredible journey with its emotional and intriguing storyline. The characters are so thoroughly and thoughtfully developed. Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern gave breathtaking performances. Directing, screenplay, photography, everything is brilliantly done. I would deeply recommend it.
-
HBO's new limited series, Big Little Lies, is simply outstanding in every way. The casting is perfect - Reese Witherspoon as Madeline, Shailene Woodley as Jane and the always fabulous Nicole Kidman as Celeste - three very different mothers residing in the ultra wealthy enclave of Monterey, California. The show also focuses on Renata (a tense, edgy performance by Laura Dern and the families of the four main characters. James Tupper, Adam Scott, James Nordling turn in great performances, but Alexander Skaarsgard really shines as Perry, Celeste's troubled, volatile husband.
Without giving away the plot, the show is part is Desperate Housewives part Knots Landing and part Secrets and Lies in that it's a drama, a soap and a mystery, all rolled into one delicious package.
Beautiful cinematography and an amazing soundtrack add to the enjoyment. I just binge-watched the first three episodes and they left me wanting more. Just watch it - it's the show you've been waiting for... -
korereviews10 January 2018Like a lot of viewers, there were moments when I thought I'd had enough of this show: bitchy rich women who never seem to notice how privileged they all are - for the first few episodes, you just want them all to die. But there is always something to keep you just intrigued enough to watch another episode. And then you start to see what's really going on behind the scenes of their perfect lives, and it all starts to make sense. You realize that that feeling of annoyance at all the characters was actually a clever ploy: you're meant to hate them all at the start. But by the end, you actually really like them all, and that's some clever writing, I must say. Trust me, the last few episodes fly by, and the ending is everything you'd want it to be. Clever, genuinely touching, and very satisfying without ever feeling predictable. This is a well-crafted and very well told story. Plus the cinematography and music are hypnotically beautiful. Definitely worth your time.
-
mrocco-12 April 2017I have HBO and NEVER watch it. I'm not a big fan of what apparently many other people like to watch. But when I saw the commercial for this I was intrigued. I never heard of the book, but highly respect many of the lead actors so I figured if they were involved it couldn't totally suck. Speaking of suck, I was completely sucked in on the first episode. I don't know why but I found this show completely and utterly mesmerizing, all the way down to the music and cinematography. Everyone involved in this from top to bottom hit it out of the park. I've never experienced this kind of life-style (ie mommy, daddy and school politics) but one of my clients who watches the show and lives in the general area said they nailed her experience when her kids were in school.
To put in perspective, I usually work when I watch TV, don't really even 'watch' it, just background noise. Not only did I stop working to watch this, I ran the last few minutes in slow motion to fully absorb what happened. I can't give a show much more praise than that! You'll understand the scene I'm talking about when you see it. -
sambucaaaa1 August 2020... but didn't understand the purpose of season 2 at all.
I was on the edge of my seat for a great part of season 1, yet was on my phone for most of season 2. The whole Zoe Kravitz storyline is so slow and, frankly, uninteresting. I was glad to know, going into season 2, that we would see more of her but I just couldn't get attached to her character. It's just doom and gloom, nothing happens. I could not get to care about Laura Dern and Reese Witherspoon's issues either. Nicole Kidman's performance remains my favorite, as in season 1. She's magnificent. Meryl Streep is great in her role but again, the storyline just falls flat in my opinion.
The 8 stars are for season 1, I binged it all in ONE day. The performances were ourstanding. I really wish they would have stopped there. I genuinely don't understand the purpose of season 2. -
discostuxxx12 March 2017I am a big fan of Liane Moriarty and when I read this book I couldn't put it down. Reese Witherspoon has done the book justice as I understand she has produced the series.
It's not often you read a book and the pictures that you form in your mind suddenly become real through a great translation to the screen. Although the book was originally set on the Northern beaches of Sydney the translation to Monterey California is perfect. David E Kelly has written the screenplay and has done an excellent job and dare I say taken a great story and enhanced it beautifully.
The casting is absolutely perfect with Reese as Maddy, Nicole Kidman as Celeste, Laura Dern as Renata and Shailene as Jane. Great choice with Zoe Kravitz as well.
Any parent and especially any mother will really relate to the story which keeps you guessing until the very end. AAA+++ -
Why DID they lie? The situation, being told truthfully would have put no one at fault for his death. He was physically attacking another person and three women were not strong enough to stop him. There was a cease to the violence by the push of Elvis over the staircase, trying to protect her. So - why lie?
Yes I know the entire story is a house of cards here of course, but realistically they would not have A) would not ever go into a police station without legal representation to give their statements. Come on. B) could have jus tried the absolute truth and been out of harms way.
-> They believe they need to keep this/these little lies, but WHY? Loyal fan, just taking it out. -
Imme-van-Gorp4 January 2023Season One: 9.5/10
Themes: Drama, Crime, Mystery, Mothers, Spousal Abuse, Bullying, Murder, Sexual Assault, Sisterhood, Marriage, Childcare, Cheating & Gossip.
Review: Honestly, this was absolutely brilliant. Not only was the acting superb, the plot, suspense-building and pacing were also phenomenal. I would say this whole thing was very close to perfection. The characters were all extremely interesting and intriguing as well; they each have their own story to tell, and none fail to deliver in telling them. Another thing I really liked was the bond these women formed with each other: it was so natural and impactful. I loved everything about this series. It was so good.
Top five characters: 1) Madeline Martha Mackenzie, 2) Renata Klein, 3) Jane Chapman, 4) Ed Mackenzie and 5) Ziggy Chapman. -
I neither read the book nor I knew the story. So this was a surprise mini-series. As far I've heard, this one was the finest adaptation. The best ever cast and the episodes were well split with each one had a great opening and the ending. The suspense kept me alive till the final episode, final scene. Meanwhile, I made some guesses, but most of them did not happen. In my opinion, it should have been a feature film duology. Then it would have been considered one of the best film series, as well as mystery film. And the Oscars, Golden Globes would have poured in. Now it got record 14 Emmy nods and I'm waiting for the result.
Well, it all started as a normal drama about the mothers whose children are in the same school, same class. The real story kick starts when a boy who recently moved into the town with his single mother was accused of bullying a classmate girl. So the mothers gang splits up on that issue, but it seems not much affecting the children, particularly those are involved in the it. As the story progresses and episodes to come, lots of mysteries revealed about those mothers and their personal life, as well as the recent past secrets. But how it all comes to end truck with a sudden and powerful twist.
All the big screen stars foraying into the small screen were the big advantage. That's why I said it should have been a big screen film. Each one had scope for their roles. It was well balanced characters, that makes hard to predict any one direction where the story could head. From the director of 'Dallas Buyers Club' and many awesome flicks. I hope it returns for the second season, which has a very slim chance. From the locations to the musics, I loved it. A perfect mystery-drama. Everyone should see this, even if those are not into the television series. I almost gave it out of out.
9.5/10. -
reneereed-7624424 February 2018I was late to watching this show which meant i'd heard the hype, reviews and unfortunately a few spoilers prior to watching it.
I think the acting was amazing, especially Nicole Kidman and Alexander Skarsgard. Their scenes always made me extremely nervous as I didn't know which way it was going to go.
Aside from this, I found the series a bit boring and predictable (that is perhaps because of the spoilers I had half heard beforehand) but I think even without the spoilers, the big twist at the end wasn't that much of a twist and wasn't that exciting or shocking.
Worth a watch, but not a re-watch. -
thrall730 September 2017I didn't see this until after the Emmys, but wondered what all of the fuss was about. So, I watched the entire series - and still wonder what the fuss was all about. The characters are so stereotypical California chic that it was almost funny. All, but one, ultra wealthy and all of the leads are gorgeous. No uglies allowed. I found it hard to be very interested in any of them, and to find much sympathy for them as well. Lots of self-absorption in every episode. The director had lots of filler shots of surf hitting the beach or moody dark scenes to try to inject some suspense. There simply wasn't enough material to have made seven episodes. What story there was could have been easily, and better, presented as a feature-length film. One of the meaningful (and it is) subjects covered in this show was actually done more dramatically in the TV movie "The Burning Bed" decades ago. Some ABC network "After School Specials" covered other aspects of the story, too - and more quickly. I think the show was overpraised and awarded because a) it wasn't on network television, and b) had strong female leads who swore a lot and appeared naked. That's not enough to elevate it to classic status.
-
lee_eisenberg5 November 2017The main thing that I took from "Big Little Lies" is that we lead screwed-up existences. The protagonists have what look like the ideal lives, but it becomes clear that something is amiss. Whether it's a lack of fulfillment or something worse, all three are living a lie. The story gets told as a series of interviews to let the viewer know that the action is building up to something big.
I wouldn't call this the best miniseries that HBO has made (remember, this is the channel that gave us "The Sopranos" and "Game of Thrones"), but serves as a good look at the problems that arise when we try to ignore the simmering tensions amid a supposedly perfect world. The morally complex characters make this a series for the ages. Not to mention that it's a treat to see Reese Witherspoon play a role markedly different from the ones with which she's usually associated. And as someone who went to grad school in Monterey, it was neat to see some of my old haunts.
I recommend it, and I hope to read the book, and that Jean-Marc Vallée (of "Dallas Buyers Club" and "Wild") keeps turning out work like this. -
The wonder of brilliance of a female acting ensemble David E Kelley, in adapting Liane Moriarty's novel). Has written another stunning series - a seven episode series for television that among other attributes pulls together four of our most brilliant contemporary actresses in a story that is one of the better explorations and defenses of feminism. Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley and Laura Dern remind us of how powerful artists can create both a polished performance and a raw statement about the feminine side of living, especially under the very keen direction of Jean-Marc Vallée.
While Madeline (Resse Witherspoon) and Celeste (Nicole Kidman) take in Monterrey single mom Jane (Shailene Woodley) none of them realizes how the arrival of Jane and her inscrutable little boy Ziggy (Iain Armitage) will affect them all. The story is complex, told in flashbacks, but concentrates on the role of parents and the role of women frustrated by their pasts and their confinement to being stay at home moms. Previous affairs, the initial accusation that Ziggy abused the fellow first grade daughter of the wealth Renata Klein (Laura Dern), the gossip of a small town and the escalating tensions of a murder in the background - a death that is unknown until the final episode, make this a gripping proscenium arch for some of the finest acting on television. The husbands/men are well portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård (brilliant) James Tupper, Jeffrey Nordling, Adam Scott, and Santiago Cabrera, and the young actors who portray the first graders are all excellent as is Abigail (Kathryn Newton) the teenage daughter of Madeline, and the important role of Bonnie (Zoë Kravitz). It is all about the dangerous little lies we tell ourselves in all aspects of life just to survive. Brilliant! -
Look at the cast and people involved. HBO has Game of thrones, The Wire, Sopranos, etc. They set an extremely high expectation and this delivers. The night of was the last short series I loved like this. Its a short Mystery, that has a twist or two built in. Dark, well written and well acted. Very very good
-
Wow. Way to execute an original murder mystery! There is so much more than meets the eye with this mini series, and it impacted me personally.
Each actress brought so much to the table, but I will say that Nicole Kidman's character Celeste was the one that I personally was drawn to the most.
Kidman is in a toxic and abusive relationship with her husband Perry. Every time the show cut to their relationship, I was totally riveted.
For the first episode, you're sort of just like, yeah, we get it, they have a perfect looking relationship. They're both incredibly good looking and rich people who have sex all the time in this perfect city. They have perfect little twin boys.
Then, you find out what's happening behind closed doors: In the first episode, Perry, the husband, grabs Kidman's arm in a violent manner. I was so shocked I literally gasped and shouted something at the screen. It scared my dog, lol.
Their relationship feels so real though, because it's not just some stupid "cookie cutter" abusive relationship. They have passionate sex after he hurts her, and he seems like a wonderful father. He's not always mean, which makes it hard for her to be honest with herself about what's going on.
Having been in a similarly toxic relationship, this is very accurate. It's incredibly confusing and hard to recognize abuse, which is what Celeste went through. I really appreciate the care they put into the writing and portrayal of this particular story line, as I think it could be very helpful for people to see.
The rest of the story lines were incredibly well done too. Although the women gossip and plot and scheme to win over whatever opponent she personally is facing, that's not really what this is about, especially the ending.
Although you wouldn't personally do a great deal of things the characters do, especially if you're a rational human being, you can understand the women's plights to protect and care for their children and survive in this crazy social environment.
Even Madeline, Reese Witherspoon's character, was hilariously unhinged and competitive at times, but I could still sort of root for her. We all know women exactly like Madeline! The ending isn't about women hurting each though, and it was beautiful. I was so excited to find out who was killed and why! I couldn't wait! I honestly had no idea who it was going to be and why, and I honestly didn't see it coming.
For what it's worth, I left the toxic relationship I was in, and have been much happier with my stable and non violent boyfriend, so it's possible to find love after someone convinces you it's not possible. -
raycliff_review6 March 2017The first episode established the potential here right from the start. Writing, casting and acting is on point. Great to see the cast of actors that were pulled together for the project. I hope to see more of this type of 7 episode story telling where you can get such a deep cast of actors to commit to a project that they might not otherwise be able to do if it were a typical ongoing series. In my opinion some great flawed and complex characters that aren't always what they seem on the surface (who is). In particular Reese, Nicole and Dern. In addition, the child actors, who's characters really need to support the story line, really bring it as well. Check it out.
-
StregaAsuka24 April 2017The main lure for this show is its casting. Big names as Kidman, Witherspoon, Woodley, Dern All of them brilliant actresses that we have the opportunity to work together in this show and where they succeed in their portrayals of mothers living the so perfect life, or so it seems.
Considering that the show is based on a novel, and said novel was not a novel to forget, we are lucky to enjoy a good plot. Through all seven episodes we follow the lives of these women. At the beginning of episode 1 we know that somebody died. But that's it. We don't know who, where and when. It's as the episodes flow, that we learn things about each one of the characters, and that their lives are not as perfect as they seem to an outsider.
For some, the pace might seem a bit slow. As the story seems to not advance at some point, but please keep watching it, as it is indeed advancing, but maybe not at the speed that you were expecting too. Everything has a reason to be and a place to happen and in order to know the real truth you need to watch it until the end.
As said, the female cast is amazing. Not always are we given the chance to witness so much good work together and such good actresses together that are given a good story to tell. This is it. And not only are the female on the leading roles simply wonderful, but as are also their male counterparts in a more supporting role. Because we mustn't forget, the women are the focus of this show.
If you want to enjoy a real drama which you could feel related too (minus the death part, that's it), don't think twice and binge watch it because you won't regret it and you will be left wondering if there is going to be a season two.. -
"Big Little Lies" is a brilliantly addictive adaptation of Liane Moriarty's source material which I am going to have to check out as soon as possible after watching this series. Starring Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, Zoë Kravitz and Alexander Skarsgård among others, "Big Little Lies" certainly benefits from its brilliant cast, but it's the sharp and clever writing which really allows this series to feel like a true success. Its unraveling was done so cleverly that I could not stop watching and, as rarely as I can be found binge-watching any series, I watched all seven episodes with only a small interruption because I was starving and had to give myself a little break from watching these interesting characters in their not-so-normal lives. In my opinion, in most cases a mini-series should be left completed upon its last episode in order to avoid ruining it, but in this case, I certainly would not mind watching a second season and following the lives of these women for another ~seven episodes. Their stories are not completed yet and there is still a lot of conflict left unresolved, so it would be amazing to be able to follow them for a second season. However, even if the announced second season does not end up happening, I will be happy and content with the way "Big Little Lies" turned out to be: it's pure perfection in its own merits.
The plot works great by using a very interesting formula: take the lives of several characters who appear to be so perfect and oh-so-normal from the outside, and throw them into a difficult situation in order to reveal their true characters by showing how they deal with the situations, and then reveal the dark secrets shadowing their seemingly perfect lives. It's a formula which could not have worked better, though one thing certainly helped: the fact that the actors were so great. On the show's forefront was the groundbreaking performance from Nicole Kidman, who grows so much into her role she becomes almost inseparable from Celeste Wright. Alexander Skarsgård is frightening in his role as Celeste's husband Perry. Other outstanding cast members are Reese Witherspoon, who nails her part of the perfect wife and mother, Laura Dern, Adam Scott and Shailene Woodley, who may finally have proved herself to be more than just an actress for mainstream audiences.
I personally loved "Big Little Lies", and as long as you don't need your characters to be perfectly likable, you will like it as well. Apparently most people who gave the series a negative review on this website reduced their reviews to basically saying this was boring crap because the characters were too self-centered - well, maybe then this show may not be for you if you can't take a story which might have been taken out of real life, because self-centered people like the characters portrayed in this show live all around the planet. What the show did so great was to paint these characters in such an interesting light anyway that you still could not help but root for these women. -
Overall rating reflects how pointless and drawn out the second season is. First season was excellent and I binged it hard, but stop there don't bother with the second.
-
manvirs23 February 2017It was a pretty much good first episode for a series giving all information and context. The cast is awesome. - good mystery -nice title - many questions - good direction .Take on ex-husbands and second wives, schoolyard scandal, and the dangerous little lies we tell ourselves just to survive People who liked the movie gone girl will surely like it . So give it a go....
-
Big Little Lies has a stellar cast in domestic drama mainly about affluent parents living in ultra wealthy and liberal Monterey, Ca. Yet it plays out in seven episodes a bit like the old and much longer Twin Peaks series...beginning with a possible murder. So if you don't have the time you just have to see the first episode and the last one to see who did it and you really won't miss much.
You see for a cast including Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley,Laura Dern, Nicole Kidman and Adam Scott, there really isn't that much for such a group to work with scriptwise. They are bored homemakers with strained marriages and manic kids. Even though the are only seven episodes,it really rather boring after three...the most disturbing aspect of the show is amount of physical abuse handed out to Kidman by her screen husband. I can't see why the great scores here on IMDb. -
anup_gorinka28 July 2019To sum up in few words Season2 is a lot of unnecessary conversations and a rehash of the previous season again and again. I'm impressed how they dragged it to seven episodes without a reasonable thing to do .