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knella1
Reviews
Land Girls (2009)
Far better than I would have thought
Well, despite what has been written I thought this was a smashing little series, or three. It is a bit 'soapy' but I don't like soaps yet I like this. It does lean on sentimentality, but in my opinion not too much. More than anything it's a character study, where few characters are either all good or all bad. Mark Benton provides the comic relief and it's something he expertise's in. It does stand as a drama though, the trials and tribulations of a set of decent women in an harrowing time. I've just watched it daily on bbc, and have felt cheer for the characters at a personal time where I need something to believe in. The acting is excellent, the story lines strong. It can be disappointing when characters or actors drop out between series'. But I presume that's a testament in itself. As with all wartime dramas (as opposed to war dramas) it shows the best of British resolve. All I know is, when good things happen to the main characters I feel glad, and when bad things happen I feel sad. And if a drama manages that, it's more than halfway home.
Rich Man, Poor Man (1976)
To summarise, watch it for yourself.
I guess the first question about a 36 year old series, is how dated is it? Well of course it is, but as it goes back in time itself this is nullified. I watched it on it's first viewing in UK in 1976 at the age of 12, I was enthralled and have watched it many times since. The acting is first rate, the story intelligent and the soundtrack perfect. Nolte was great as Tom, even though he was physically a little too large. His scenes were always the best for me, but Strauss played a good 'foil'. It's basically just a biopic of two brothers during twenty four years of their lives. It does touch on historical events but is mainly a 'people' film. If you've never seen it I strongly advise that you do. The first episode is strong but it does get better. As has been said, the supporting cast were as good as they were famous. All in all it's about eight hours of television, which may put you off, but don't. Through the series you will become attached to the central characters in a way you'll never forget. Brilliant!