I mainly gave this film an 8 out of ten because, at least in the VHS version, the film quality is not all one could wish for. But in the main the book was translated excellently into the six hour mini-series for television and had an excellent cast. Pierce Brosnan is excellent as the ever unflappable Ian Dunross, who weathers all storms and faces ruin with determination. Debra Raffin had the tough job of trying to be many things without knowing all that her character needed to know. JohnRhys-Davies is, as always, excellent. Whether he plays a villain or a hero, he does it with style. Denholm Elliot as Alistair Struan did not have enough screen time, as indeed was the case with his character in the book. Burt Kwouk and Nancy Kwan were also up to par as always. And this film also proves that the sun never sets on John Houseman, who plays the British Governor of Hong Kong with his usual petulant aplomb. Bring lots of snacks and plan several bathroom breaks to watch this one.