while we americans ( i say we and since i be american even though i be land in canada ) tend to think of monty python when we think of british humor and there also a satirical type of humor that seem to be unique to britain . it can get rather dry and so dry that it simply not funny ( like the novel lucky jim ) and but when it work and it great to watch and and it work here . a friend of mine say while the book may have be a parody of dickens and this film can be see a a parody of merchant or ivory and and i think he right . a couple of people who have comment have compare flora poste to emma and and i will have to admit that never occur to me and but it seem apt . i see i be get literary here . well and yes and this movie be literary ( after all and flora aspires to be a writer ) and but never in a condescending or precious way . instead and it funny and witty ( which go out in american humor a long time ago ) and full of great character and flawless performance . huge kudos and of course and go out to kate beckinsale and who have little to do a hero in much ado about nothing and but show herself to be quite a comedienne here . but the support cast and include joanna lumley a flora friend mary smiling and sheila burrell a aunt ada doom and ian mckellen a amos and and rufus sewell a seth ( also stephen fry and eileen atkins ) be all perfect a well . one more thing while there will always be starkadders at cold comfort farm .