The story gets off to a great start focusing on Clara, Samad, and Archie. Clara's rebellion against her mother's narrow religious beliefs, and Samad's and Archie's reunion and subsequent relationship were the highlights of the show. The second half focusing on their progeny did not pack the same punch. It was too "over the top". The acting was strong throughout.
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Jumpygrouch10 February 2010Not a fan of the book, as I had been taken in by the hype only to find it more the result of the publisher's effort to earn back the huge investment they'd made in the property than actual merit. That said, it addresses so many cultures and has so many stories, it's perfect for a TV series. And I have to admit, the series is quite interesting. Not the dialogue mind you, which is painfully plebian, but the visuals and wonderful acting. Now I wish I hadn't read the book, because I'm sure I'd find it much more enthralling, not knowing what is going to happen. Whatever the inaccuracies people are pointing out I also found in the book but that doesn't detract from the very interesting portrayal of these characters by a wonderfully cast ensemble in this very unique characterization of London as compared to most other films made about that period.
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braquecubism18 January 2020After some real stinkers, I wasn't expecting much. Pleasantly surprised. didn't read the book- many think the series is better. and don't read the book (unusual)
some of the turn around E#3 and E#4 a bit muddled.
But one of the better mini-series. about people, relationships, and life choices, and destinies. without murder or serial killers.
Notably, Iria, gets ignored and put down as a woman.
2002, this material is not dated. I enjoyed it. and good solid acting. -
bob the moo13 October 2002In 1960's England, cultures start to mix and cross with different experiences. Archie is contemplating suicide until he meets Clara, who is fleeing an oppressive Jehovah's Witness mother. Meanwhile Samad has arrived in England to meet with his old war-friend Archie and to complete his arranged marriage. The two couples have different experiences of multi-cultural Britain and this differs from their children as the story follows the two generations across the years.
I have never read the book and probably won't bother, but I have seen all four episodes oft his miniseries that adapted it for the screen. The plot sees us follow the two multicultural families from the moment the parents meet and marry in the sixties through the main stages of their children's lives. It's a little difficult to put a finger on one narrative strand running through the series as it manages to be both a very simplified version of 30 years of time and a bundle of energy with little direction or focus.
The programme was strongest when focusing on the Asian father and the white father. They were the focus of the first two episodes. However the final two shows were also good character wise as I was very interested in the conflicting characters of the shy mixed race daughter Irie and the very urban/western son Millat. The central theme of race and the multicultural experience in Britain is layered through at all times but is not used well at all times, instead it is merely a backdrop and the series didn't seem to make any points that weren't obvious. For example the fact that Archie (traditional England) finds rejuvenation and new life in Samad and Clara (new England) is obvious but not forced in your face. I had a problem with the free flowing nature of the first three shows - or rather a problem with the way this was lost in the final show. The fourth part brought everything neatly together in a series of events that were implausible and felt like the series had suddenly realised that it needed a firm `plot' to finish with. I preferred the first three parts that were more about the characters than events or plot.
The acting is quite good. Om Puri powers over everyone as Samad and is well used. He brings out his mixed emotions towards the west well and is a man in conflict with all he knows around him. Phil Daniels is a little unmemorable but in the first show is good. In his marriage he turns into a quiet little man behind his Jamaican wife so that explains why he is like that, he is necessarily understated. Newcomer Harris is not used well in later parts but is excellent as Clara in parts one and two. Panjabi (Goodness Gracious Me) is average as Alsana, only really shining in the final part when she is given more of a role. The problem with her is that she doesn't seem to age as well as those around her. Simpson is good in dual roles and it's not his fault that the characters are forced so obviously to extremes.
I enjoyed the series despite the fact I found the fourth part to be less enjoyable because it suddenly seemed to feel like it needed `a plot' to get by. The only other thing I disliked about it was the `trainspotting' feel that is given to too many of channel 4's drama series. What I mean is the overuse of music in an attempt to make it cool and fell like it's brimming with energy. This was particularly evident in part one which was wallpapered with music from the period. The music is cool but it just started to feel like a gimmick rather than a soundtrack - happily this was toned down for later parts.
Overall the series is well worth checking out. I don't know what those who have read the book thought of it but I enjoyed it. The main characters are well brought out despite the fact that it doesn't quite feel like a tapestry - more that bits of each part are given over to each character. May not as brought in as many viewers as channel 4 had hoped given the £35 million budget, but it is still a really good mini-series. -
Headturner120 September 2021I got sick of searching for things so I put this on. Clever you need to think and pay attention( wizzard of oz reference and others). I kept watching and thinking Josh looked like a young James McAvoy ( not realizing it was as old as it was). He's brilliant in it but he plays weirdo well! ) it was a decently done serie tho not my style I enjoyed it. I was hoping for more free love 70's stuff but oh well. All and all a decent watch!
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chende-493577 January 2020First, what a great imagination the writer has. The saga of the protagonists and the web of their past, present and future was entertaining and moving at the same time. I can't say that I've seen another series like it. If you are bored with the usual fare, watch this!
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karatebabe27 October 2002I found the four-part adoption of Zadie Smith's novel White Teeth fantastic. I thought the first two parts were more serious then the last two but the plot was more obscure. I thought Christopher Simpson was brilliant as Millat and Magid. I have never seen him before in anything else but his acting was great as he really made his unrealistic characters believable and unforgettable. He had an amazing talent of making the audience believe in these two totally different people.
After watching each part, I found my self-counting the days till the next instalment. I got really involved in the narrative but all the way through the series I felt as if I were watching a story meant for a book because of the extreme situations and characters. The plot was unbelievable at times but that did not spoil it at all but on the contrary made it more entertaining and exhilarating. I thought that having Archi Panjabi play Samad's wife Alasana played by Om Puri, was a bit outrageous and ridiculous because she played his daughter in East Is East. The third part had more of an impact on me and brought me back wanting more. The last part was more humorous than anything, I did begin to think that the plot was going to get really serious but it didn't. I loved the unpredictability of it. It was fantastical. A must see.*_* -
wissia20 October 2020It starts off well, introducing complex topics in a bit of a lighthearted manner. Unfortunately starting in episode 3 the series takes an overtly surreal turn that doesn't really add anything to the show. Episode 4 is plain nonsense and it does not actually have a finale.
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mcfan2514 July 2003I really enjoyed watching this movie. It was so moving and hilarious at the same time. it does a good job of telling the stories of many of the cultures featured. Most films that Exxon Mobile Theatre brings on PBS are just wonderful.
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grahamf-555428 April 2022I found the first couple of episodes quite engaging. Plenty of fun being poked in all directions: religion, culture, politics and above all the frailty of human nature.
But after the first two, it all began to wear thin. By the final part I just wanted it to be finished.
I think my 5 is rather generous, but it was ok-ish. -
I found this comment on PBS.org and I agree with it... "While the series was great, and the acting wonderful, I would have enjoyed it more had the author bothered to get even the smallest detail about Jehovah's Witnesses correct. There were so many inaccuracies, that I doubt she did any research.
First of all, a Jehovah's Witness would never have a cross in the home. Crosses are pagan relics that have no place in a witnesses' worship. Second, witnesses do not believe in burning hell, nor do they believe in everyone going to heaven. The belief is that while 144,000 will go to heaven, others will live forever on Earth. Third, even in 1974, when some witnesses did believe the end was near, they did not believe they would be taken up to heaven in rapture.
Verna Leep Thoreau, NM" The show is laughable in its portrayal of Jehovah's Witnesses as a stereotype of religious fanaticism. At the same time, it is so inaccurate in its portrayal, I think the average Jehovah's Witness would be vastly amused rather than offended.