'Masterpiece' BBC period drama is based on incredible British book from 170 years ago

A "masterpiece" mini series based on a celebrated work of English literature is hailed by fans as "unmissable". Bleak House (2005) is based on Charles Dickens' novel of the same name, the first complete edition of which was released in 1853, some 172 years ago.

The series tells the story of the Jarndyces, a Hertfordshire family who are waiting for an inheritance dispute that has been running for generations to be resolved. The case consumes their lives and money and serves as a stinging criticism by Dickens of England's Court of Chancery, which is responsible for resolving suits of this kind, but too often fails to do so. But it's also a tale of romance, tragedy, family tensions, and a series of intriguing mysteries.

The 15-part series features an ensemble cast including a number of famous faces. These include Denis Lawson, Anna Maxwell Martin, Carey Mulligan, and Charles Dance, to name a few.

One said: "Adapting Dickens to TV isn't as easy as his books are swimming with characters and plot twists and constant movement from one location to another.

"This is one of the best adaptations of all, given that even for Dickens, Bleak House is a complicated story. A good deal of the book is omitted out of necessity, but what is here is perfectly done.

"More than anything, the evocation of the times is wonderful -- the dark, sooty air of London, the beauty of the countryside (when the weather is nice). But most astonishing is that every single acting performance here is top-notch. Everyone."

One fan said the production "does justice to Dickens' depiction of the poverty of the times and the cruelty and corruption of the legal system" but took issue with some of the cinematography.

"The crash-zooms, crash-cuts and inappropriate 'shaky-cam' work far less well," they said. "I have no idea who thought those techniques would be suitable for a Dickens adaptation, but it is just distracting and takes you out of the drama.

But thankfully, it doesn't spoil the show too much, and it is well worth watching."

A third called it unmissable, writing: "Without doubt this version of the Dickens classic novel is a masterpiece. Brilliant acting, script and production make this a must if you want a riveting series to watch.

"The characters are typically colourful, interesting and exciting to watch. This series is a must for Dickens or non-Dickens fans.

They added that the series is "pretty much perfect". The narrative is dark and touches on emotional distress and suicide, so it may not be for everyone.

Bleak House is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.

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