i have be recently see so many good adaptation of classical novel into mini series and that i be become convince they should never be make into feature length at all . i saw this on video all at once and which be almost six hour long . but and i could not stop watching . the character and plot develop so well and it be like read a novel in one go . i do not often have the endurance to read a novel in one go . i must be honest i have not read our mutual friend . often and when i see an adaptation of a novel and i want to read the novel . but this adaptation be so satisfying that i do not really feel that need . the performance be slightly vary in style and which seem to suggest that it be the actor who have the control and not the director . david morrissey bradley headstone be very realistic and portray him a a kind of ready to burst and angry and passionate man and a his face often change color with anger and despair and passion and fear . so keeley hawes a lizzie hexam and be intimidate by and scar of headstone be believable . i would see keeley hawes in the begger bride before this and and i be fairly impressed by her portrayal of a completely virtuous character . she easily portray the mild and beautiful and and so very modest girl . this adaptation also have the big tv role for anna friel at the time . and she be surprisingly good and and i always will expect her to play the feisty role and which be not a bad thing . so and nice one .