Game of Thrones (TV series 2011) review, wallpaper, plot, storyline, review, movie, romance.
Readers who come to this review later in the series must note that, at the time of this writing, I have only seen the inaugural episode.
It's probably safe to say, when dealing with a series of novels as beloved as The Song of Ice and Fire, the most scrutinized aspect of the T.V. adaptation will be how well it holds to the source material. I am here to confirm, as a fierce devotee to the books, that we have nothing to fear.
While certain scenes play out differently in execution, the plot remains perfectly intact (so far). The characters have been transplanted well from page to screen, and the actors (most notably Peter Dinklage) nailed their personalities quite well. However; it is only fair to point out some of the acting seemed a little wooden at times.
Special effects were well done, though nothing mind-blowing, but the scenery and props perfectly captured the feel of the novels (in my mind at least). It also must be noted that there was just the right amount of nudity, violence and vulgarity to let the audience know they were watching a tale woven for mature viewers without using said nudity, violence and vulgarity as a crutch.
All and all, I am very, very pleased with this adaptation, and I went into it expecting to be disappointed. If I were to gripe about anything, it would be that newcomers who have not read the books might not know what to think of this fantasy story for adults. Some may shrug it off as fodder for geeks, while others might take offence to what they may see as a defiling of a genre usually meant for children.
As an avid reader, I am often disappointed by what is represented by the silver screen. I initially get excited to see one of my favorite series on the big screen, and eventually walk away disgusted. For whatever reason, most shows and movies that are based on epic book series absolutely butcher the original content.
So when I saw the preview for "Game of Thrones" on HBO, I was immediately skeptical. Oh, I was going to watch it, but I didn't have high expectations. I did hold a little hope because HBO is known for their high quality shows.
I was absolutely shocked to watch the Pilot and realize that it followed the book almost to perfection. The language that is used by the actors is very similar to the way that it was written in the book, and events were not skipped. It stayed very true to the story without adding to it or removing from it.
The acting is superb and I actually felt like I was looking into Winterfell for the first time. I feel like I've actually got faces to add to the characters that I've been reading about for a long time.
If you have not read the books, you may feel as though the blatant sexuality is an addition from HBO to add some spice to the series. This is not the case at all. The books contained all of the sexuality that is shown in the Pilot. I am very proud of HBO for producing an amazingly accurate product. I will be watching every week for sure.
If you enjoyed what you saw in the Pilot, know that there are many other plot twists and action filled evenings to come. "Game of Thrones" has a ton of potential to be one of the greatest series that has ever been produced. I would highly recommend it to fans of the series and newcomers alike.
UPDATE:
I have now watched 3 Episodes and I wanted to come back and report some more. Even after 3 Episodes, the series is staying true to the written story. Overall the acting is still very good. I hate to watch a show that makes it look like the actors are reading a script. I don't get this impression with this HBO adaptation.
Each episode of this series leaves me itching for the next weekend. I really hate watching shows in real time because I enjoy absorbing several hours of a show at one time. But, a good show will keep you looking forward to it the whole week.
A special note to viewers that have not read the books... Keep watching! This series has numerous twists and turns and full of epic battles and action. It may seem like it's taking a little while to develop, but the reward is well worth the wait.
Even after 3 episodes, I would still highly recommend this to anyone.
Three men set out on horseback on a snowy landscape from the Wall.
The young one sees smoke from a fire and creeps up on it. He sees bodies hacked to bits and heads on stakes, dismembered limbs all around, including women and children.
First of all, I am a huge fan of the books, and I find it exhilarating to see a show that is so close to what I made in my mind while reading it.
I see some of the reviews are complaining about the sex and violence, to me that is like going to a restaurant, order a steak and complain about getting meat..
They keep true to the epically written book, and they depict the characters in an excellent way.
With a few exceptions I would say they have made what will be an epic show here, and I would really hope that they continue for all the books.
He turns and runs. We see their bodies are laid out in a kind of symbol, like a ring.
He is chastised by his leader for being a coward, and reminded of their mission and the punishment for desertion.
His comrades go to check out the bodies, and find theyve disappeared.
One man finds what could be an organ in the snow, hes about to show it to the other man when something dark and sinister pops up out of snow and slashes him down. The remaining men run. Theyre chased by something that doesnt seem human.
The creature catches one of the men and slices off his head. The remaining man drops to his knees and awaits his fate.
Later, he stumbles across a field. Not dead. A band of men on horses intercept him.
In Winterfell, Ned Stark (Sean Bean) watches his son Bran practice archery with the aid of Jon Snow, Neds bastard son.
Inside the castle, his young daughter Arya practices needlepoint. Bran lets fly his arrow and misses wildly.
Suddenly another strikes the bullseye. They turn to see who let it go its Arya, showing up her brother.
A man comes to report they captured a deserter from the Nights Watch. Neds wife Catelyn asks him if he has to do what must be done. Ned says yes, and 10 year old Bran is coming to watch.
They march the deserter to be beheaded. He tells Ned he saw White Walkers.
Bran watches as his father beheads the man. Jon commends Bran for not looking away.
After, Ned tells Bran that the White Walkers have been gone for thousands of years and the deserter must be crazy. He had to cut the man's head off himself because he passed the sentence, Ned explains.
On the ride home they come upon a disemboweled elk and wonder what could have done it.
They find a similarly hacked up wolf nearby, with two young pups. They believe theyre rare kind of wolf, a direwolf, of which there are only five south of the wall. Ned commands them killed because they wont survive without their mother.
Jon suggests instead that the five pups go to the five Stark children. Jon gets the runt of the litter.
Kings Landing, Capital of the Seven Kingdoms A funeral takes place in the grand cathedral.
Ser Jaime Lannister checks on his twin sister, Queen Cersei Baratheon of the House of Lannister. Shes worried the dead guy Jon Arryn might have spilled her secret to her husband, the king.
Back in Winterfell Cat tells her husband the news of Jon Arryns death. He was like a father to Ned. King Robert of Baratheon and Queen Cersei are on the way to Winterfell with their entourage.
Bran climbs to the top of the compound to see the hundreds approaching. His mom chides him not to climb.
The king and queen arrive. The Starks line up to greet them.
Prince Joffrey Baratheon of the House of Baratheon makes eyes at Sansa Stark, Neds young daughter. They greet each other warmly.
Arya is eager to see the imp.
King Robert asks Ned to take him to the crypt. Down there, Robert says Arryn got sick suddenly and died.
Robert asks Ned to come to Kings Landing and serve as Hand of the King, to run his kingdom. He wants Ned to help him keep the iron throne. He suggests they join their houses by marrying his son Joffrey and Neds daughter Sansa.
We meet the imp, Tyrion Lannister, a dwarf. He is on the receiving end of a young womans attention.
His brother Jaime busts in to tell them the Starks are feasting them at sundown. He brings additional whores to help Tyrion work out his desires before then.
Robert pays his respects to Neds dead sister, who he was going to marry before the Targaryens killed her. He still feels strongly for her.
Pentos Across the Narrow Sea
Princess Daenerys Targaryen gets ready for her wedding. Prince Viserys comes to check on his sister, complete with examining her naked. The marriage is meant to solidify Viserys reign and not wake the dragon.
Later, she meets her intended king, a savage killer who has never been defeated in battle. He says nothing, and rides off.
Viserys advisor assures him Khal Drogo approved of her.
Later, Viserys is talking about returning to rule. Daenerys announces she doesnt want to be Khal Drogo's queen. Viserys explains they need Drogo's army to retake their kingdom, and he would let all 40,000 of Drogo's men and horses have their way with her if it meant a return to power.
In Winterfell, Sansa begs her mother to convince her dad to let her marry so she can be queen.
Neds brother Benjen Stark arrives from the Nights Watch. Jon asks to return to the wall with him, but Benjen says hes not ready.
After Benjen leaves, Jon meets Tyrion, who encourages him to wear the fact hes a bastard like honor, and then it cant be used to hurt him. He empathizes, saying all dwarves are bastards in their fathers eyes.
Benjen finds his brother Ned, who tells him the boy he beheaded was a true ranger. He seems surprised he deserted.
Cersei watches distractedly as her husband gropes wenches at the feast. Sansa introduces herself. Shes only 13.
Jaime accosts Ned, taunting him to fight when hes back in town. Arya gets removed from the party for flicking food.
Later at night, Ned tells his wife he doesnt want to go to the city. Cat doesnt want him to go either. Theres a knock at their bedroom door.
Love, betrayal, greed, murder, corruption… All collides in mythical world of Westeros. George R. R. Martin's world is unlike any other fantasy world you have ever seen. The main conflict lies between two families: House of Stark and House of Lannister, but there are many more stores to be told…
Its Maester Luwin, Neds counselor. A rider brought a letter from Cats sister. It was sent from the aerie. Cat reads it and her eyes get wide. She burns the letter.
Her sister has fled the city. She said her husband Jon Arryn was murdered by the Lannisters, and theyre plotting against the king.
Luwin tells Ned hes the only one who can protect the king.
At the wedding feast for Daenrys and Drogo, Viserys is eager to get his throne back. Daenrys watches two men try to have sex with a woman in the middle of a dance and end up cutting each other to bits. We learn that a Dothraki wedding without at least three deaths is considered a dull affair.
Jorah Mormant, an exiled knight, brings song books to Daenrys. She also gets a gift of dragons eggs. Khal gets up and goes to his horse. Daenrys follows, he gives her a white horse. As shes riding off, her brother tells her to make Drogo happy.
Later, alone on the beach at sunset, she waits nervously as her new husband looks her over. She cries. He says only no as he slowly takes off her clothes and pushes her to the ground.
Back in Winterfell, Ned prepares to ride with the King. As they set off, Bran climbs to the top of the compound walls again to watch his father ride away.
Halfway up the wall he hears the sounds of people having sex. He sees Jaime with a woman bent over in front of him. Its his sister Cersei. She seems to be a willing participant.
She shouts that Bran saw them.
Jaime pulls Bran off the ledge. He assess how high up they are, then he gives Bran a shove. The things I do for love, he says.
Seven noble families fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros. Political and sexual intrigue abound. The primary families are the Stark, Lannister, and Baratheon families. Robert Baratheon, King of Westeros, asks his old friend Eddard Stark to serve as his chief advisor. Eddard, suspecting that his predecessor had been murdered, accepts so that he can investigate further. The Queen's family, the Lannisters, may be hatching a plot to take control. Across the sea, the last surviving members of the previously deposed ruling family, the Targaryens, are also plotting a return to power. The conflict between these families and others, including the Greyjoys, the Tullys, the Arryns, and the Tyrells, leads to war. Meanwhile, in the north, an ancient evil awakens. Amidst war and the political confusion, a brotherhood of misfits, The Night's Watch, is all that stands between the realms of men and the horrors beyond.
Series Directed by
Brian Kirk (3 episodes, 2011)
Daniel Minahan (3 episodes, 2011)
Alan Taylor (2 episodes, 2011)
Timothy Van Patten (2 episodes, 2011)
Series Writing credits
David Benioff (10 episodes, 2011)
George R.R. Martin (10 episodes, 2011)
D.B. Weiss (10 episodes, 2011)
Series Cast
Lena Headey... Cersei Lannister (10 episodes, 2011)
Isaac Hempstead-Wright... Bran Stark (8 episodes, 2011)
Aidan Gillen... Petyr Baelish (8 episodes, 2011)
Charles Dance... Tywin Lannister (7 episodes, 2011)
John Bradley... Samwell Tarly (6 episodes, 2011)
Ron Donachie... Ser Rodrik Cassel (5 episodes, 2011)
Sean Bean... Eddard Stark (3 episodes, 2011)
Mark Addy... Robert Baratheon (3 episodes, 2011)
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau... Jaime Lannister (3 episodes, 2011)
Michelle Fairley... Catelyn Stark (3 episodes, 2011)
Emilia Clarke... Daenerys Targaryen (3 episodes, 2011)
Iain Glen... Ser Jorah Mormont (3 episodes, 2011)
Harry Lloyd... Viserys Targaryen (3 episodes, 2011)
Kit Harington... Jon Snow (3 episodes, 2011)
Sophie Turner... Sansa Stark (3 episodes, 2011)
Maisie Williams... Arya Stark (3 episodes, 2011)
Richard Madden... Robb Stark (3 episodes, 2011)
Jack Gleeson... Joffrey Baratheon (3 episodes, 2011)
Peter Dinklage... Tyrion Lannister (3 episodes, 2011)
Jamie Sives... Jory Cassell / ... (3 episodes, 2011)
Joseph Mawle... Benjen Stark (3 episodes, 2011)
Ian McElhinney... Barristan Selmy (3 episodes, 2011)
Jason Momoa... Khal Drogo (3 episodes, 2011)
Alfie Allen... Theon Greyjoy (2 episodes, 2011)
Rory McCann... Sandor Clegane (2 episodes, 2011)
Donald Sumpter... Maester Luwin (2 episodes, 2011)
Dar Salim... Qotho (2 episodes, 2011)
Susan Brown... Septa Mordane (2 episodes, 2011)
Amrita Acharia... Irri (2 episodes, 2011)
Luke McEwan... Rast (2 episodes, 2011)
Aimee Richardson... Myrcella Baratheon (2 episodes, 2011)
Gethin Anthony... Renly Baratheon (2 episodes, 2011)
Margaret John... Old Nan (2 episodes, 2011)
Sibel Kekilli... Shae (2 episodes, 2011)
Readers who come to this review later in the series must note that, at the time of this writing, I have only seen the inaugural episode.
It's probably safe to say, when dealing with a series of novels as beloved as The Song of Ice and Fire, the most scrutinized aspect of the T.V. adaptation will be how well it holds to the source material. I am here to confirm, as a fierce devotee to the books, that we have nothing to fear.
While certain scenes play out differently in execution, the plot remains perfectly intact (so far). The characters have been transplanted well from page to screen, and the actors (most notably Peter Dinklage) nailed their personalities quite well. However; it is only fair to point out some of the acting seemed a little wooden at times.
Special effects were well done, though nothing mind-blowing, but the scenery and props perfectly captured the feel of the novels (in my mind at least). It also must be noted that there was just the right amount of nudity, violence and vulgarity to let the audience know they were watching a tale woven for mature viewers without using said nudity, violence and vulgarity as a crutch.
As an avid reader, I am often disappointed by what is represented by the silver screen. I initially get excited to see one of my favorite series on the big screen, and eventually walk away disgusted. For whatever reason, most shows and movies that are based on epic book series absolutely butcher the original content.
So when I saw the preview for "Game of Thrones" on HBO, I was immediately skeptical. Oh, I was going to watch it, but I didn't have high expectations. I did hold a little hope because HBO is known for their high quality shows.
I was absolutely shocked to watch the Pilot and realize that it followed the book almost to perfection. The language that is used by the actors is very similar to the way that it was written in the book, and events were not skipped. It stayed very true to the story without adding to it or removing from it.
If you have not read the books, you may feel as though the blatant sexuality is an addition from HBO to add some spice to the series. This is not the case at all. The books contained all of the sexuality that is shown in the Pilot. I am very proud of HBO for producing an amazingly accurate product. I will be watching every week for sure.
If you enjoyed what you saw in the Pilot, know that there are many other plot twists and action filled evenings to come. "Game of Thrones" has a ton of potential to be one of the greatest series that has ever been produced. I would highly recommend it to fans of the series and newcomers alike.
UPDATE:
I have now watched 3 Episodes and I wanted to come back and report some more. Even after 3 Episodes, the series is staying true to the written story. Overall the acting is still very good. I hate to watch a show that makes it look like the actors are reading a script. I don't get this impression with this HBO adaptation.
Each episode of this series leaves me itching for the next weekend. I really hate watching shows in real time because I enjoy absorbing several hours of a show at one time. But, a good show will keep you looking forward to it the whole week.
A special note to viewers that have not read the books... Keep watching! This series has numerous twists and turns and full of epic battles and action. It may seem like it's taking a little while to develop, but the reward is well worth the wait.
Even after 3 episodes, I would still highly recommend this to anyone.
Three men set out on horseback on a snowy landscape from the Wall.
The young one sees smoke from a fire and creeps up on it. He sees bodies hacked to bits and heads on stakes, dismembered limbs all around, including women and children.
First of all, I am a huge fan of the books, and I find it exhilarating to see a show that is so close to what I made in my mind while reading it.
I see some of the reviews are complaining about the sex and violence, to me that is like going to a restaurant, order a steak and complain about getting meat..
They keep true to the epically written book, and they depict the characters in an excellent way.
With a few exceptions I would say they have made what will be an epic show here, and I would really hope that they continue for all the books.
He turns and runs. We see their bodies are laid out in a kind of symbol, like a ring.
He is chastised by his leader for being a coward, and reminded of their mission and the punishment for desertion.
His comrades go to check out the bodies, and find theyve disappeared.
One man finds what could be an organ in the snow, hes about to show it to the other man when something dark and sinister pops up out of snow and slashes him down. The remaining men run. Theyre chased by something that doesnt seem human.
The creature catches one of the men and slices off his head. The remaining man drops to his knees and awaits his fate.
Later, he stumbles across a field. Not dead. A band of men on horses intercept him.
In Winterfell, Ned Stark (Sean Bean) watches his son Bran practice archery with the aid of Jon Snow, Neds bastard son.
Inside the castle, his young daughter Arya practices needlepoint. Bran lets fly his arrow and misses wildly.
Suddenly another strikes the bullseye. They turn to see who let it go its Arya, showing up her brother.
A man comes to report they captured a deserter from the Nights Watch. Neds wife Catelyn asks him if he has to do what must be done. Ned says yes, and 10 year old Bran is coming to watch.
They march the deserter to be beheaded. He tells Ned he saw White Walkers.
Bran watches as his father beheads the man. Jon commends Bran for not looking away.
After, Ned tells Bran that the White Walkers have been gone for thousands of years and the deserter must be crazy. He had to cut the man's head off himself because he passed the sentence, Ned explains.
On the ride home they come upon a disemboweled elk and wonder what could have done it.
They find a similarly hacked up wolf nearby, with two young pups. They believe theyre rare kind of wolf, a direwolf, of which there are only five south of the wall. Ned commands them killed because they wont survive without their mother.
Jon suggests instead that the five pups go to the five Stark children. Jon gets the runt of the litter.
Kings Landing, Capital of the Seven Kingdoms A funeral takes place in the grand cathedral.
Ser Jaime Lannister checks on his twin sister, Queen Cersei Baratheon of the House of Lannister. Shes worried the dead guy Jon Arryn might have spilled her secret to her husband, the king.
Back in Winterfell Cat tells her husband the news of Jon Arryns death. He was like a father to Ned. King Robert of Baratheon and Queen Cersei are on the way to Winterfell with their entourage.
Bran climbs to the top of the compound to see the hundreds approaching. His mom chides him not to climb.
The king and queen arrive. The Starks line up to greet them.
Prince Joffrey Baratheon of the House of Baratheon makes eyes at Sansa Stark, Neds young daughter. They greet each other warmly.
Arya is eager to see the imp.
King Robert asks Ned to take him to the crypt. Down there, Robert says Arryn got sick suddenly and died.
Robert asks Ned to come to Kings Landing and serve as Hand of the King, to run his kingdom. He wants Ned to help him keep the iron throne. He suggests they join their houses by marrying his son Joffrey and Neds daughter Sansa.
We meet the imp, Tyrion Lannister, a dwarf. He is on the receiving end of a young womans attention.
His brother Jaime busts in to tell them the Starks are feasting them at sundown. He brings additional whores to help Tyrion work out his desires before then.
Robert pays his respects to Neds dead sister, who he was going to marry before the Targaryens killed her. He still feels strongly for her.
Pentos Across the Narrow Sea
Princess Daenerys Targaryen gets ready for her wedding. Prince Viserys comes to check on his sister, complete with examining her naked. The marriage is meant to solidify Viserys reign and not wake the dragon.
Later, she meets her intended king, a savage killer who has never been defeated in battle. He says nothing, and rides off.
Viserys advisor assures him Khal Drogo approved of her.
Later, Viserys is talking about returning to rule. Daenerys announces she doesnt want to be Khal Drogo's queen. Viserys explains they need Drogo's army to retake their kingdom, and he would let all 40,000 of Drogo's men and horses have their way with her if it meant a return to power.
In Winterfell, Sansa begs her mother to convince her dad to let her marry so she can be queen.
Neds brother Benjen Stark arrives from the Nights Watch. Jon asks to return to the wall with him, but Benjen says hes not ready.
After Benjen leaves, Jon meets Tyrion, who encourages him to wear the fact hes a bastard like honor, and then it cant be used to hurt him. He empathizes, saying all dwarves are bastards in their fathers eyes.
Benjen finds his brother Ned, who tells him the boy he beheaded was a true ranger. He seems surprised he deserted.
Cersei watches distractedly as her husband gropes wenches at the feast. Sansa introduces herself. Shes only 13.
Jaime accosts Ned, taunting him to fight when hes back in town. Arya gets removed from the party for flicking food.
Later at night, Ned tells his wife he doesnt want to go to the city. Cat doesnt want him to go either. Theres a knock at their bedroom door.
Love, betrayal, greed, murder, corruption… All collides in mythical world of Westeros. George R. R. Martin's world is unlike any other fantasy world you have ever seen. The main conflict lies between two families: House of Stark and House of Lannister, but there are many more stores to be told…
Eddard Stark (Sean Bean) is the main character of the series, and the story is mostly about him. Since HBO has staked a lot of money into this series, there will be a lot of colorful characters, just like it the books.
The art dept. has done a magnificent job by creating a whole new world from scratch. Costumes, armors, landscape, photography… All has been done in well-known HBO way.
Travel along side your heroes, from the cold North, and The Wall with Jon Snow, across the desert-city on the South, with Ned Stark, and join Daenerys and her riders on a mission to retrieve the Iron Throne.
Let the Game of Thrones begin!
Its Maester Luwin, Neds counselor. A rider brought a letter from Cats sister. It was sent from the aerie. Cat reads it and her eyes get wide. She burns the letter.
Her sister has fled the city. She said her husband Jon Arryn was murdered by the Lannisters, and theyre plotting against the king.
Luwin tells Ned hes the only one who can protect the king.
At the wedding feast for Daenrys and Drogo, Viserys is eager to get his throne back. Daenrys watches two men try to have sex with a woman in the middle of a dance and end up cutting each other to bits. We learn that a Dothraki wedding without at least three deaths is considered a dull affair.
Jorah Mormant, an exiled knight, brings song books to Daenrys. She also gets a gift of dragons eggs. Khal gets up and goes to his horse. Daenrys follows, he gives her a white horse. As shes riding off, her brother tells her to make Drogo happy.
Later, alone on the beach at sunset, she waits nervously as her new husband looks her over. She cries. He says only no as he slowly takes off her clothes and pushes her to the ground.
Back in Winterfell, Ned prepares to ride with the King. As they set off, Bran climbs to the top of the compound walls again to watch his father ride away.
Halfway up the wall he hears the sounds of people having sex. He sees Jaime with a woman bent over in front of him. Its his sister Cersei. She seems to be a willing participant.
She shouts that Bran saw them.
Jaime pulls Bran off the ledge. He assess how high up they are, then he gives Bran a shove. The things I do for love, he says.
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