theladydragonfly

Not since "Since You Went Away" with Shirley Temple and Claudette Colbert has a movie so completely depicted the home front during World War II. Those of us so far removed from this time can't understand rationing of food and gasoline, the loneliness of women whose husbands went to war and the effects these things had, in addition to the war, on the children of the time.

This movie has historical accuracies of note. Dawn Rowan has her brother draw lines up the back of her legs to simulate stockings which could not be gotten during war time. The bomb shelter in the back yard, collecting shrapnel and the oversexed American soldier are accurate as well. Here, you can see why the Brits would say of the American servicemen...they are over paid, oversexed and over here...and didn't much want their young ladies to take up with the Americans.

During the scene where they are shooting down a parameter balloon that has gone astray, you will catch a brief glimpse of the cast of "Dad's Army" as they march in formation as part of the home guard. Blink and you'll miss it!

This has to be one of the best written shows in years. It has so much going on and generally speaking, this is a recipe for disaster. The name tells you this is going to be about sex, drugs and rock 'n roll, and it is. It is also about love, tenderness, trying to keep kids from growing up too fast, dissatisfaction with life and settling for what you think you want.

The dialog pacing is flawless and the humor timing is spot on. Things come at you out of nowhere, delivered in Duchovney's signature deadpan to great effect here. The writing does credit to the English language, albeit it well salted and peppered with expletives. The very best part of this show is that the characters felt well fleshed out from the first 5 minutes and they have continued to feel real. The relationships in the story line are valid and authentic.

In short, it just gets better and better. I find myself watching one of the rebroadcasts nearly every evening and enjoying it more each time.

This is a bittersweet story of human relationships and the sometimes unfortunate turns they can take.

William Essex is a playwright who grew up poor. He was determined that his own son would want for nothing. The Essex family is close to the O'Riordan family. Oliver Essex grows up next door to Rory and Maeve O'Riordan. The O'Riordans seem to be an idyllic family with close, loving relationships, something that William Essex cannot seem to find in his own marriage and child.

Mrs. Essex dies, the children grow up. Maeve becomes an actress. Oliver grows up to be a spoiled, selfish young man. William decides to remarry. Maeve, who has always been in love with William Essex, feels jilted by his announcement. Oliver takes up a flirtation with his intended stepmother. In a moment of weakness, Maeve is seduced by Oliver, just before he leaves for the front in the first World War. The results for all concerned are tragic.

This could be considered a "soaper" but there are fine performances all around. I have read the novel and this production is very true to the intent and letter of the book. This surpasses the 1940 film in this regard with a better script and better acting. This mini was made in what I have come to regard as the "Golden Age of British television" where fine acting, excellent scripts and costuming were ever present. This is one mini I would love to see come out on DVD to be preserved for newer viewers to enjoy, as it is a classic that holds up well over time.

Admittedly, I LOVE films about relationships. Perhaps this is because I am a therapist.

This film is not only about finding love, but also about waking up to love that is already there. The characters grow and change in this film and if it seems uneven, this may be why. When the character of Pearl tells us early on that she never did anything she wanted in life, you doubt her ability to break away from her old life, but break away she does, carrying her mother, daughters and grandchildren with her.

This film has a happy ending, but it is not all neatly tucked away in pretty packages. If you like films that say something, try this one on for size. Films of similar flavor are "Wrestling Ernest Hemingway" "Harold and Maude" and "Moonstruck" .