elli jilek

3 1/2 is what I would like to rate this. 4 without the last episode, which was stretched too far and became convoluted for no reason. The one really weak link in the whole series was (for me) the Joe character, despite being the main focus for most scenarios. The character and acting were both sub-par and compared to the others in the cast, poorly performed. The scenery was great, as were the Welsh accents, the tension and the premise. Perhaps a few too many side stories going on, but it is entertaining and shows a variety of people from different backgrounds. I do prefer other crime series like Hidden and even The Indian Doctor, two examples of fine Welsh series. Not one of the better offerings but certainly worth watching.

Despite the low rating given this movie, I found it both entertaining and interesting in terms of historical events. Certain scenarios may not be totally accurate or true to our modern eyes and beliefs, but the overall feel and look of the movie is solid. There is tension, some good characters and lots of nice period detail. A few very minor issues can be overlooked, like the way the neck scarves are being used - no one wore them that way until recently, and the inside of the ship (especially the bridge area), seemed to have been pretty warm as no cold steam or breath was seen during their Arctic journey. But this is apparently based on real events and so for me it is one of the better productions, with good writing, acting and not too much action that is unnecessary to tell an important story of how these convoys were vital to the war effort for the allies.

Confession up front: couldn't even make it through the first episode, so my 'review' is probably not very helpful. Despite the presence of some okay actors and actresses, the storyline was just so far-fetched and convoluted from the opening scenes and already predictable. The characters - each one frankly, were so unbelievable and lane that I was not sure how bad this could get. Trying to stuff all your focus into the first few minutes and include so much peripheral information right away does not bode well for the rest of the episode or series. Too much, too soon and too out-there. A quick pass by me and apparently others felt the same. There are better police dramas out there.

I'd prefer to rate this a 3 1/2 instead of 4, but the overall quality of this movie is one of the first to capture the other Aussie productions of similar nature. The series which follows this gives a more nuanced approach to both the characters and various storylines. For those viewers who find this movie too slow-paced, obviously those of us who appreciate fewer action-packed scenes and more thoughtful dialogue to absorb. It ended a bit too much like those old U.S. westerns and given the outfits and scenery, it's not a stretch to compare. But the focus of showing the small town, Aboriginal and typically Aussie oddball characters is worth watching. It's not always logical, there's too much going on frankly for the 2-hour movie format, but the acting and appearance of so many well-known home-grown performers is better than most of this genre. An okay way to entertain and not be too demanding on the brain.

I'd prefer to give this a 3 1/2 star rating rather than 4. 4 would apply to most of the episodes except for the last one. Overall an interesting premise with little that was predictable except for the obvious love interests. The acting is generally quite good, and of course the inclusion of stereotypical Aussie 'types' is in this show too. Small-town hicks, creeps and assorted misfits. The background music became irritating and quite intrusive in the last episode, as was the constant flashback reference. This has become standard issue for so many series, and really is lazy and uninspired. However, there is enough substance here and tension to keep your attention. A bit far-fetched towards the end and the convoluted path to the finale, but an okay series.

Its age shows, but that's only one of a number of issues I have with this now 40 year-old movie. It's good to see how some of the performers here had/have gone on to better roles and improved their skills. Alec Guinness was both miscast and wasted in his role of Dr. Godbert. Judy Davis and even Peggy Ashcroft appeared very 'wooden' and thankfully Ms. Davis has redeemed herself in the Aussie series 'Mystery Road'. Edward Fox was one of the few actors who at least was a bit believable, unlike the rest of the cast, especially the otherwise solid Indian actors who went on to better things. If you want to watch a less flashy, better acted and more realistic portrayal of both characters and the historical context of this place and time, I'd recommend the series 'The Jewel in the Crown'. Many of the same actors and actresses and because of the extended time given, a more nuanced and more serious approach to the subject matter. David Lean's production sometimes veered into silly scenarios and the over-acting just made this visually pleasing movie a real let-down. Subtle it is not. But it does have its moments so if you have a couple of hours to fill, it will do the job.

When watching this it is imperative to remember this is NOT a documentary nor even a very believable representation of a time, place and people who are depicted here in many questionable ways. The characters don't always 'fit' the roles and the actors/actresses are not the most appropriate for the people they play. I love Ciaran Hinds in most things, but he is not the right actor for this role. A real Aussie would have improved on the authenticity but then again, age-appropriate actors would have also been better for the viewers to accept this production as even mildly accurate. But it is a fictional piece of work and not a very good one at that. Better writing, dialogue and more period-detail type of behaviour and 'types' would have improved this. It's ok as a time filler but don't expect to see anything close to a true recounting of events of that time period. A waste of so much good talent.

Another case of an unknown, until recently much later, important cog in the wheel of espionage who helped her country and in the process, suffered and sacrificed much of her life and career. Solid acting and although not the smoothest of productions, an important figure who deserved more credit than she ever got in life. There are probably many more similar stories of individuals who will stay in the war-time files and who are true unsung 'heroes and heroines'. Using her body, reputation (as a famous film star) and taking on an immense and dangerous role as a patriotic spy, Sonya Wigert's name should be added to the list of those who made a difference for her country and its future.

Let's remember that this is a fictional account of a specific event that many viewers have strong opinions about. The title itself for me is less about the person (the queen) herself, but more about what and who she represents. An outdated institution that still is run by many sycophants and adherents of the old British class system (think House of Lords as another example), who encountered an event and personages they did not accept or understand. The dysfunction that is shown (both within the royal family and the country itself) is probably a fair portrayal of the intense fractures Diana's life and death precipitated. Putting aside the actual facts and imagined conversations this movie presented, it is pretty well acted and is certainly entertaining. There are true and informative documentaries out there for those who want the actual facts as far as one can ever 'know' the behind-the-scenes and private lives of this particular family that has to change, one way or the other.

An interesting and definitely unpredictable little series that is a delight to watch. Great scenery, solid acting and a very unexpected ending. A few little details that didn't quite hit the mark - how did Marta's father find out where the Algerian girl lived, as one example. Why did the guardian civil officer make the compromising photos public? I really liked the fact that the main protagonist was an older woman but didn't like the fact that she was so easily able to kill. The ending was the best result, given that Vero wasn't going to be exposed as the one who accident it killed Marta. The selfish grandmother ended up doing the most unselfish thing she could. A bit far-fetched, but a watchable piece of fictional crime.