Review: Game of Thrones
HBO recently launched a mini-series on the bestselling science fiction books by George R.R. Martin. Martin has been dubbed the “American Tolkien” by many science fiction fantasy fans. His T.V. show, like his books are not for young kids to read. These books are not Harry Potter and Tolkien. They are rated “R” and parents should avoid them for young kids. Especially in an era when science fiction movies and television shows are extremely popular with the young and old.
The ‘American Tolkien’
Science fiction readers are always looking for the next best thing to read, even though Martin’s books have been around for a while. There is a reason why his mini-series, each season will be dedicated to a book in the series, is on HBO. The graphic and adult content of the books would never make regular television. His books are no different than what is on television. The show is adopted perfectly from the books, with excellent actors and special effects.
Now, do not get me wrong, I am halfway through book four and there is a reason why Martin is dubbed the “American Tolkien.” His ability to create a world full of historical background and political intrigue is second to few. He is also not shy of changing and developing lead characters. Spoiler alert: Main characters change frequently as they are killed off, only to be replaced by new characters that are equally as thrilling and intriguing. The twists and turns when reading these books are amazing and very few story tellers have this ability.
No good guys vs. bad guys
There are no good guys or bad guys in his books, depending upon your preference. No light versus darkness, well maybe a little. Martin allows you to choose which house you support in the story for power. The true enemy is human greed and our lust for power, a power that men and women will do anything to gain. The true prize in the series is the “Iron Throne,” and control of the “Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.”
This series is a must read for any die hard science fiction reader. But, unlike Harry Potter and The Hobbit; it is not the classic science fiction you read to your kids at night. Some stories are best left for adults. There are no dragons, magicians, elves or halflings. There is only the game…
What do you think?
Have you seen the new series? Read the books? What do you think? Should HBO have made a series of this and promoted it to people without warnings or are they taking advantage of the popularity of science fiction?
youtube trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfAE3hIaPm4
Spwalsh77, 
McReb, 
Will and one other person are discussing.
McReb 9:40 am on June 9, 2011 Permalink |
If it is not fit to watch it is not fit to read. I am sure I can find more edifying ways to spend my time
Will 7:48 pm on June 8, 2011 Permalink |
I’ve read all the books and have waited years for the one coming this summer, though I’m unsure if I will ever get it now.u00a0 I’m not sure if I should watch the HBO series.u00a0 There is a difference between past sins of reading dirty literature (let’s not be ambiguous here, it is what it is and Our Blessed Mother foretold it) and then watching the dirt brought to life in front of your eyes.u00a0 If it is exactly like the books, then it offers no censure on the murder, deceit, nudity, incest, sexual perversion, language, images of rape and all the other terrible things offered by man fallen into sin.u00a0 And that’s just the first book.u00a0 Thankfully the later books don’t offer all of it.
Spwalsh77 2:38 pm on June 9, 2011 Permalink |
Yes, there is no censure in the television all those things you stated are brough to life on the screen.u00a0 Hopefully like the later books, the later series on TV will drift away from all that too.u00a0
Spwalsh77 6:50 pm on June 8, 2011 Permalink |
That is true, but the way they are promoting it I hear a lot of kids wanting to watch and read it.u00a0 Definatly get the books, they are amazing.
Will 7:51 pm on June 8, 2011 Permalink |
Should there be a difference between adult and kid?u00a0 Isn’t that belief, that adults are somehow more able to adjust and regulate their intake of sin, that has led this modern generation into it’s current downward spiral?u00a0 I’ve come to believe that we will excuse anything on the merit that it offers some value as entertainment.
Spwalsh77 2:49 pm on June 9, 2011 Permalink |
u00a0There is no excuse for merit based upon entertainment, those parts are in the book, I do not enjoy them, nor do I enjoy seeing them on TV, but what I do enjoy is the overall story and the Game being played.u00a0 95% of the books are fine, 5% are not.u00a0 Sins can be found everywhere, we simply cannot walk through life with our eyes cast downward to avoid them.u00a0
Juli Bishop 11:45 am on June 8, 2011 Permalink |
I pretty much figure that if it is a HBO series then my 10 year old doesn’t need to watch it. I would like to read the books myself though.