I bought the DVD years ago and my wife and I have now seen the series several times---our favourite mini-series!
Great acting, great photography, absolutely terrible sound!
If ever a TV series desperately needed sub-titles, this is it!!
We're wondering what happened to Christine McKenna, wonderful actress, seems to have just disappeared.
Reviews
4 Reviews
The Brokenwood Mysteries
(2014– )
Refreshing NZ 'whodunnit'.
3 April 2017
Just watched the first episode of Brokenwood and nearly turned it off in the first few minutes, fearing it was going to turn into needless violence, foul language and sex, like Top of the Lake, where the only good thing was the scenery. But no, I was pleasantly surprised, the lead actors were excellent and supporting cast very good in my opinion. Had no problem with the plot or the 'ho-hum' Auckland scenery. (I'm a Central Otago native)
So I look forward to future episodes of this refreshing NZ 'whodunnit', which for me rates better than Midsomer, definitely better than Death in Paradise, but perhaps not quite as good as Lewis, Frost, or the Swedish version of Wallander. Well done NZ!
So I look forward to future episodes of this refreshing NZ 'whodunnit', which for me rates better than Midsomer, definitely better than Death in Paradise, but perhaps not quite as good as Lewis, Frost, or the Swedish version of Wallander. Well done NZ!
Monarch of the Glen
(2000–2005)
Initially excellent series, but went to pieces about halfway.
28 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Few TV series I have seen started off in such a promising fashion, Monarch of the Glen had it all--excellent actors, great scenery, pathos and hilarity.
About half way through the series Richard Briers left the show and in my opinion the hilarity ended there. Julian Fellowes, Susan Hampshire and Alastair McKenzie were not able to keep the show on it's original course, but the writing seemed to change after the departure of Briers, and in my opinion not for the better.
With the departure of Alastair McKenzie the writing really fell apart and the show descended into a rather dull 'soap' of silly affairs and even sillier pairings, and even the beautiful scenery could not save it.
While this short review is critical of the last half of the series, I still think this is an excellent series at least until two or three episodes after the "death" of "Hector". A pity, as Briers and Fellowes were a riot!
About half way through the series Richard Briers left the show and in my opinion the hilarity ended there. Julian Fellowes, Susan Hampshire and Alastair McKenzie were not able to keep the show on it's original course, but the writing seemed to change after the departure of Briers, and in my opinion not for the better.
With the departure of Alastair McKenzie the writing really fell apart and the show descended into a rather dull 'soap' of silly affairs and even sillier pairings, and even the beautiful scenery could not save it.
While this short review is critical of the last half of the series, I still think this is an excellent series at least until two or three episodes after the "death" of "Hector". A pity, as Briers and Fellowes were a riot!
A Handful of Dust
(1988)
Rating "A Handful of Dust"
6 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
If this is an example of Waugh's writing, remind me never to see or read any more. That so many truly excellent actors and actresses could not even with their combined talents lift this dreary, confusing, morbid and maddening tale out of the mire is surely reason enough for any discerning person to give it a miss.
I have tried to find any redeeming features in this depressing story, and failed miserably; indeed, that this author has attained a certain prominence in English literature, I find quite frankly astounding, however I will freely admit this is my first acquaintance with Waugh's work, and perhaps not his best work. Unfortunately after seeing "A Handful of Dust", I will probably never know.
I have tried to find any redeeming features in this depressing story, and failed miserably; indeed, that this author has attained a certain prominence in English literature, I find quite frankly astounding, however I will freely admit this is my first acquaintance with Waugh's work, and perhaps not his best work. Unfortunately after seeing "A Handful of Dust", I will probably never know.
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