On an impulse i downloaded all 8 episodes, not knowing what to expect.
I was captivated from the start. Every episode making me want to watch more!
This is not for people who have a low attention span, it requires a thirst for story-telling and a heart that knows what it is to be human. We are all fragile.
For everyone who posseses these qualities, the reward is immense.
Good scripting, ruthless characters, fragile characters, parallels with current political shenanigans, joy, pain, excitement etc.
Most of all, we have gold standard acting from the whole cast.
This is drama at its best.
Billy Howle is fantastic - you'll be heartbroken one moment, terrified the next!
Everyone else is also brilliant - no-one let's you down.
Like others, I am at a loss to understand why some reviews gave this a hard time. Like I said - low attention span.
If you miss it - its your misfortune.
I wish all TV drama was this good.
Add a Review
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zenjunkie27 November 2019
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I'm enjoying this series so far, though I will only make final judgement late in the series. Having been burnt in corporate politics myself and watched the unspeakable ways some people behave in the corporate world, this seems thoroughly realistic. Think of Harvey Weinstein, Richard Murdoch, Roger Ailes. I am just utterly gobsmacked by some of the reviews here. First, to condemn the entire thing based exclusively on the basis of the first episode is fantastic arrogance. Most of this seems to be the result of the reviewer's inability to pay attention to and keep up with the plot. To complain that vignettes are disconnected, as the DVD reviewer does, seems to misunderstand that this is not a movie but a s-e-r-i-e-s. The disparate threads should be drawn together in later episodes. If THAT fails, then you have legitimate grounds for criticism. If you can't get your head around that, stick with Peppa Pig. Second, to complain about the diversity in the series, first that it's there, then that it didn't go far enough is ridiculous. A black British PM? How preposterous! Er, I can think of at least two black MPs who are potential PMs, one maybe within weeks. If you can't handle diversity, there are plenty of reruns of Dads Army, and it can't be difficult to find episodes of the Black and White Minstrel Show, Benny Hill and Les Dawson to award 10/10 to. Third, one reviewer ascribes the motivation of other reviewers to commercial factors, a sweeping dismissal without the slightest evidence. That alone should be enough reason for IMDB to delete the review. There are legitimate grounds to criticise a series for, and such criticisms should be respected, even if you don't agree with them. But such 3rd rate reviews should be culled so they don't distort the series rating. One tweeter ridicules Max's ignorance of shortbread ... Well, go to Walmart and try to buy some and see the looks you get given! And so on and so forth. Sigh. Now let me get back to watching the ENTIRE series.
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k-kininmonth7 March 2019I don't understand the bad reviews I was really hooked. I think the acting is superb and a good set up episode. Let's hope the rest of the series lives up to the good start!
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somebuddysdaisy31 August 2019Another 'series' that is not as good as it could be. Richard Gere is seriously guilty of over acting. Episodes/storyline needs to be tightened up. Watch "Years and Years" instead of this. Maybe my difficulty was that I watched that one before this.
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nicolahyman25 April 2019Which is not supported by a weak, confusing plot. Performances are brilliant. They have to be to make up for a pompous, self important script which lacks a complex, multi layered intriguing plot, especially given the range of characters. I have watched 7 episodes so far still waiting and hoping to be on the edge of my seat. Take a lesson from The Night Manager, Bodyguard etc etc
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smitluydert30 July 2020I started watching this series with some scepsis (I am not a huge Richard Gere fan) but was very pleasantly surprised - filmed with much attention for detail, interesting plot (sometimes a bit over the top, especially where Richard Gere's father gets involved) and one thing which stands out above all the rest is the acting performance of Billy Howle. Really "world class" especially after his suffering (spiler) from a stroke). Wow!
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jeromejosephkennedy4 April 2019Though perhaps seeming a little unpromising after the first episode, MotherFatherSon soon manages to layer rich characterisations together with various strands of political and criminal intrigue to develop a memorable and compelling drama. The three leads are excellent: Richard Gere's study of evil is one of his best ever roles, though the heart of the Drama belongs to the outstanding Helen McCrory as a fiercely loving mother fighting for her son, a fantastic performance by Billy Howles, who tries to rehabilitate mentally and physically following a stroke while simultaneous facing the wrath of dark and powerful forces. Highly recommended.
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xmasdaybaby19661 October 2021I tuned into this as I am delving into Niamh Algar's back catalogue.
I was pleased with this as she played a more feminine role than the more independent characters she tends to play.
A strong cast keeps you watching despite the story losing its way at times Helen McCrory plays he strong alluring role that fans are accustomed to and Richard Gere is a coup but maybe not as strong as his character demands.
Billy Howle takes on his part of a stroke victim brilliantly with other stars like Sarah Lancashire putting on a good show too Watchable. -
Fedgirl1 April 2019From the very first episode I was hooked; however, like some other reviewers have pointed out, I cannot understand the low ratings posted here as I find this a most compelling series with some outstanding acting by all. I don't remember seeing many trailers leading up to the release of this series (like some lesser quality dramas are afforded) and because of that I think the viewing figures are not as high as maybe they should be. I'm only halfway through, but can't wait to see what evolves from this truly outstanding drama.
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karinahatem25 April 2021Not your average drama thriller. Great cast and acting from everyone specially from Richard Gere who was ruthless. Good story and the suspense building up by each episode, but the ending was not great, actually the ending did unjust; with all the drama and suspense I was expecting more action.
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ozjosh0325 April 2019It looked so promising. Richard Gere. Helen McCrory. Sinead Cusack. A tale of corruption and media skullduggery, with echoes of Murdoch phone-hacking and a political apocalypse not too far removed from Brexit. And the first two episodes delivered enough intrigue to justify the positive tone of the more glowing reviews here, if not the unequivocal 10-star scores. But by the half-way mark it was all looking increasingly strained and underwhelming, even rather hum-drum. The plot and the characters started going around in circles. The intrigue gave way to increasingly empty confrontations. And the tone became more self-important and pretentious as the plot became more cliched and threadbare. I made it to the final episode, but what a dull damp squib it was - a mangled mish-mash of political foreboding and romantic happy endings that neither paid off on the political-thriller elements, not satisfied on the level of pure soap opera. Ho-bloody-hum.
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Contentisking27 March 2019There is something really intriguing about the series. Gere is absolutely brilliant and so are the other leading roles. I don't understand the bad reviews at all. Great co-viewing opportunities with your partner:)
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mayerc-414581 September 2020The show was a vision to what happens to our kids when they try to be the best for their parents. It's sad that Richard Gere was such a horrible father in this show. I love love Richard Gere but can't imagine why he took on this character. Goodbye Richard
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cbao-1707420 July 2020Gave it up to5 episodes than couldn't take it anymore. Lacks a good hock to keep you watching. Just family arguementsy and stuff.
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random-7077823 April 2019Anyone claiming that motherfatherson is even watchable without cringing at the dialogue is already suspect.
This show's plot is childish, the dialogue is unbelievably bad.
It has been panned by all the serious critics for a reason. -
verna-a3 August 2021I was quite keen on this series, for the first 3 episodes that is. The acting is brilliant and the characterizations good, but it becomes apparent that the dialogue is just sounding off, not advancing the action to any great extent. It's cheap posturing really, and wears pretty thin as the episodes unravel. With Richard Gere's character, the mouthiness is fine, as he is a man who uses verbal bullying to shape other people's opinions and actions. Pretty early on, the mother and son work out he is an awful person who has ruined their lives. Decision point, guys - walk away and try and forget him! Instead they hang around, for dramatic purposes clearly. There is some talk of exposing him, but it's feeble and inconclusive. The political stuff I find of close to zero interest, except for its value illustrating the Gere character's personality. Some of the episodes are gratuitously unpleasant/shocking. At 8 episodes long, the series decidedly overstays its welcome. I hope the writer can find a good story for his next effort. I'm giving a 6/10 which is probably a bit charitable, but acknowledges the talented actors and sophisticated production values (largely wasted).
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yvolpe-975598 November 2023A good series about modern family who are embroiled in a family drama about power politics and loyalty. Outstanding performances from Richard Gere, Billy Howle and Helen McCory. Finch is a man obsessed with his personal power and truth based on his ambition fueled by his industriast father. He tries to inculcate that ambition into his son Caden who fails to rise to the task. The rising political upheavals and authoritative depot who is reflective ot the Trump-ism of the times. The cult of personality and messianic delusions of the masses. The newspaper man who influences the masses with their own propaganda reminisient of The Murdock empire. A great social study for us.. the script does seem to wander off subject at times and seems to stray from the main storyline.
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stellaplay4 April 2019Great great acting by all but especially by Billy Howle who in my opinion is outstanding!!! He brought me to tears, made me feel like giving him a cuddle and then made me afraid of him !! Great job Billy for playing a blinder in a very difficult role . Quality viewing
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gmoutsgr5 February 2021Uninspired story ending to nowhere. Fortunately masterly acting makes it bearable to watch
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I don't understand the harsh reviews. It is a solid show, with a heavy, intense, highly dramatic and climactic story where intrafamilial, transgenerational drama intertwins with high politics, high media and high-tech espionage. Although the first episodes seem a bit too excessive and complex, as the chapters go by the dust sets a little and you start to get where this comes from, although not where it goes (I am on chapter 5 so far). The performances are really intense and brilliant (McCrory is a shining actress), and yes, sometimes it gets a bit over the top, but the story is a modern Shakespearean drama, with a monstrous father who has also been a victim and is keen on creating an improved version of a young monster in his own adult child. I have found it to be intriguing, passionate and well paced.
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laragi19 April 2020Richard Gere is always worth watching. He was not the heart of this series, but he was good. Didn't much care for the way it ended. I'm kind of a comeuppance kind of person. Still worth it.
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martimusross3 November 2019MotherFatherSon
This drama was expansive and exasperatingly slow, even after episode two I was unclear what it was about beyond the "soap-like" story of wealthy people abusing their power and privilege, which is not interesting in of itself.
To have a script that just ruminated over broken relationships with a series of bizarre interactions proved most unsatisfactory. Richard Gere was brilliant, as usual, tackling a very complex characterisation of a media mogul who forensically manipulated everyone around him.
We had first rate acting and all three leads dominated their scenes. Billy Howle was convincing but we just had no sympathy for his selfish character. With regard to his acting the jury is out, and the demands of this part got beyond him at times, he resorted to a strange method approach that just didn't work, but even so I like him and I see a great future. Helen McCory works a cigarette like Bette Davis but she is mostly over serious and morose, and it is exhausting.
The extended flashback of episode 6 sunk into an abyss of stilted and ridiculous conversations. The prostitute scene was absurd and the idea of lessons on passion and morality was repugnant. The political element was a bore and the stupid investigation into either the murder or trying to discredit Max was overly complicated and just really quite irrelevant.
I am not sure ultimately if style diluted the substance of this drama and it sunk into the mire of mediocrity. -
I started to watch this as I was intrigued that Richard Gere was in it. I've not been disappointed great actors and great story, brilliant acting from lead actors. Do not take any notice of the vacuous bad reviewers they are probably tabloid readers! And if they had persevered with the series, not that they would understand it, they would see it's all about manipulating people like them. For the rest of us enjoy it's some of the best drama I've seen in long time.
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nananow-5867123 January 2024I spent 95% of the movie adjusting the volume. Had to increase the volume to hear the conversations and then it would blare out loudly during other scenes. The movie is very dark and slow paced at times. Richard Gere does a good job portraying his part but seems out of character for him. Of course the most annoyance was the constant adjusting of the volume. I suppose the story line is proving how much power one has if he has enough money. I was a bit lost at what Maggie and the young reporters were suppose to be doing. Also what was the murder of the young have tto do with this family. Guess I missed something...
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ahustler9726 April 2020I'm all for a slow burn as long as it goes somewhere, but this show is just painfully slow and boring...not to mention very disjointed. And what exactly is the plot?