Customer Ratings & Reviews

"Although John Cleland's 1748 version of "MEMOIRS OF A WOMAN OF PLEASURE" was written while in prison for debt and subsequently banned in Britain for over 200 years because of its theme, it has been filmed several times since the obscenity ban in the U.S. was lifted only in 1966. What is often overlooked because of the scandalous controversy of the source material, is the drama, wit and charm and especially the feel good ending of the episodic melodrama itself. This new to DVD version won raves when it was originally broadcast. The Times (UK) called it "Beautiful, sensual and extremely witty." Screenwriter Andrew Davis, lauded for his sexy adaptations of classics like "Brideshead Revisited," "Pride and Prejudice" as well as pop fiction bestseller "Bridget Jones's Diary" does not shy away from keeping the sexuality at the forefront of Britain's first erotic novel. Fanny -- newcomer Rebecca Night -- shines in the title role. And we believe her as she relates her journey from wholesome innocent to worldly wise woman. In a nutshell, the story is her journey from orphaned country girl to London "lady of the night" under an infamous madam. In order to survive, she enthusiastically takes a series of lovers while somehow protecting her heart for her true love. Beautifully photographed with wonderful period detail, the overt atmosphere of ever-present sensuality is still eye-brow raising but necessary for the tale. Without the nudity and strong sensual scenes the story would not be Fanny Hill's. James Hawkes' direction is smooth and he makes Rebecca Night's transformation from dewey country girl to wise but not hard-hearted woman believable. This fable resonates on a lot of levels but at its center is the notion that anyone can be redeemed. And there's nothing more uplifting than that. Extras include "Behind the Scenes" footage, interviews, previews etc."