Latest news with #Hortense
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'Masterpiece' BBC period drama hailed one of the 'greatest' series of all time
'Masterpiece' BBC period drama hailed one of the 'greatest' series of all time The BBC series, which is based on a novel of the same name by Andrea Levy, has a 7.5 star rating on IMDB and has won critical acclaim from fans and critics alike Small Island fans have been 'close to tears' after tuning in (Image: Ruby Film) Small Island, a cult classic novel has been transformed into a riveting BBC drama, captivating viewers on iPlayer. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Ruth Wilson, the series has earned an impressive 7.5 stars on IMDB, with fans lauding it as "truly one of the greatest" BBC dramas and describing it as "incredible viewing." Angela Levy's narrative focuses on Hortense (Naomi Harris), a bright and ambitious girl born out of wedlock in Jamaica in 1939. She grows up with the charismatic Michael (Ashley Walters), who joins the Air Force as conflict erupts and heads to England. Post-war, Hortense, now a trained teacher, enters a marriage of convenience with Gilbert Joseph, funding his move to England under the agreement that he will later send for her. She yearns for a reunion with Michael and is convinced that Britain holds better opportunities for her. However, upon her arrival in London in 1948, Hortense is confronted with the harsh realities of a tiny shared room and pervasive racial prejudice. Fans have left rave reviews after binge-watching the entire series Queenie, their progressive landlady, has also experienced disappointments, having married the dependable but dull Bernard to escape her family's farm life, according to the Express. With Bernard missing in action after serving in the Air Force, Queenie began hosting lodgers from the military, including Michael, with whom she has a history of sexual encounters, reports the Mirror. Small Island fans have hailed the series the "greatest" ever (Image: Ruby Television Production in as) A viewer who was thoroughly impressed with Small Island gave it a glowing review, saying: "Small Island is a truly incredible drama, it gives the story of the lives of a group of people from Jamaica during the second world war, the effects they have on one another, and on a group of locals." The same individual continued their high praise for the series, adding: "It tells the journey the brave Jamaican fighters undertook, and the gut wrenching racism they had from the people they bravely fought to defend. "Some scenes in the second part will have you close to tears, and some will have you chuckling away, it's an incredible balance." They went on to say: "I have watched many dramas over the years, and I'd have to say this is one of the most powerful I've seen, it tells a story that's often never told, but in light of the Windrush scandal it has an even more powerful impact." Regarding the cast's performance, the fan commented: "The acting is benchmark standard, it is no surprise that awards followed, Naomie Harris is a revelation, but all concerned are sensational, too many performances to note, but David Oyelowo will near bring you to tears." Another person penned: "This compelling two-part Masterpiece Theatre offering is another reason why people should support public television." As a third hailed: "Small Island is a truly incredible drama, it gives the story of the lives of a group of people from Jamaica during the second world war, the effects they have on one another, and on a group of locals." Article continues below A fourth review read: "Close to perfect. A story about post WW2 Jamaican immigrants to England, about working with reality to bring dreams to life, and how sometimes it just doesn't work out. The script was wonderful, skipping between Jamaica and London, showing how different these two were. Acting from everyone 10/10. I learnt a lot into the bargain." The acclaimed series Small Island, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Bernard in two 90-minute episodes, can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'Near perfect' BBC period drama sees fans 'close to tears' as they leave rave reviews
A BBC drama based on the novel by Andrea Levy, which features an all-star cast including Benedict Cumberbatch and Ruth Wilson, has received rave reviews from fans Small Island, a cult novel adapted into a compelling BBC drama, has mesmerised viewers on iPlayer. The programme, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Ruth Wilson, holds an outstanding 7.5-star rating on IMDB. Viewers have lauded the series as "truly one of the greatest" BBC dramas and described it as "incredible viewing." The tale crafted by Angela Levy follows Hortense (Naomi Harris), who in 1939 is an illegitimate yet clever and determined young woman being brought up in Jamaica. Hortense matures alongside the charismatic and spirited Michael (Ashley Walters), who joins the Air Force when war erupts and heads off to England, reports the Mirror. Following the conflict, Hortense, now a qualified educator, consents to a marriage of convenience with Gilbert Joseph, funding his journey to England on the understanding that he will arrange for her to join him later. She yearns not only to be reunited with Michael but also holds firm beliefs that existence in Britain will offer her superior opportunities. However, upon her arrival in London in 1948, Hortense feels deeply let down by their confined single-room accommodation and the blatant racial prejudice she encounters. Queenie, their broad-minded landlady, has endured her own disappointments, having wed the dependable yet dull and unromantic Bernard to escape her family's farm, reports the Express. Whilst Bernard, who is now believed to be missing, was serving with the Air Force during the war, Queenie began accommodating military lodgers for companionship, including Michael, with whom she shares an intimate history. A viewer who awarded the series top marks gushed: "Small Island is a truly incredible drama, it gives the story of the lives of a group of people from Jamaica during the second world war, the effects they have on one another, and on a group of locals." They went on to heap praise on the programme, declaring: "It tells the journey the brave Jamaican fighters undertook, and the gut wrenching racism they had from the people they bravely fought to defend. Some scenes in the second part will have you close to tears, and some will have you chuckling away, it's an incredible balance." The same admirer noted: "I have watched many dramas over the years, and I'd have to say this is one of the most powerful I've seen, it tells a story that's often never told, but in light of the Windrush scandal it has an even more powerful impact." Discussing the performances, they observed: "The acting is benchmark standard, it is no surprise that awards followed, Naomie Harris is a revelation, but all concerned are sensational, too many performances to note, but David Oyelowo will near bring you to tears." Another person penned: "This compelling two-part Masterpiece Theatre offering is another reason why people should support public television." As a third hailed: "Small Island is a truly incredible drama, it gives the story of the lives of a group of people from Jamaica during the second world war, the effects they have on one another, and on a group of locals." A fourth review read: "Close to perfect. A story about post WW2 Jamaican immigrants to England, about working with reality to bring dreams to life, and how sometimes it just doesn't work out. The script was wonderful, skipping between Jamaica and London, showing how different these two were. Acting from everyone 10/10. I learnt a lot into the bargain." Small Island, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Bernard throughout two 90-minute episodes, can currently be watched on BBC iPlayer.
Edinburgh Live
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC viewers say period drama is 'incredible viewing' and 'one of the greatest'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A cult novel transformed into a compelling BBC drama has mesmerised audiences on iPlayer. The programme, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Ruth Wilson, holds an outstanding 7.5 stars on IMDB. Viewers have lauded the series as "truly one of the greatest BBC" dramas and described it as "incredible viewing." The tale written by Angela Levy focuses on Hortense (Naomi Harris), who in 1939 is an illegitimate yet clever and determined girl being brought up in Jamaica. She matures alongside the charismatic and spirited Michael (Ashley Walters), who joins the Air Force as war erupts and leaves for England. Following the war, Hortense, now a qualified teacher, consents to a marriage of convenience with Gilbert Joseph, funding his relocation to England on the agreement that he will arrange for her to follow later. She yearns not only for a reunion with Michael but also expects that life in Britain will offer her superior opportunities. However, when she reaches London in 1948, Hortense is deeply disheartened by their confined single-room accommodation and the blatant racial prejudice she encounters. Queenie, their liberal-minded landlady, has experienced her own disappointments, having wed the dependable but dull and unromantic Bernard to escape her family's farm, reports the Express, reports the Mirror. Whilst Bernard, who is now believed missing, was serving in the Air Force during the war, Queenie began accommodating military lodgers for companionship, including Michael, with whom she shares an intimate history. A viewer who awarded the series a perfect rating gushed: "Small Island is a truly incredible drama, it gives the story of the lives of a group of people from Jamaica during the second world war, the effects they have on one another, and on a group of locals." They went on to heap praise on the programme, declaring: "It tells the journey the brave Jamaican fighters undertook, and the gut wrenching racism they had from the people they bravely fought to defend. Some scenes in the second part will have you close to tears, and some will have you chuckling away, it's an incredible balance." The same admirer noted: "I have watched many dramas over the years, and I'd have to say this is one of the most powerful I've seen, it tells a story that's often never told, but in light of the Windrush scandal it has an even more powerful impact." Regarding the acting, they observed: "The acting is benchmark standard, it is no surprise that awards followed, Naomie Harris is a revelation, but all concerned are sensational, too many performances to note, but David Oyelowo will near bring you to tears." The programme, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Bernard throughout two 90-minute episodes, is presently accessible for viewing on BBC iPlayer.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC viewers praise 'incredible' period drama as 'one of the greatest' on iPlayer
The series has a very impressive 7.5 stars on IMBD and viewers have claimed it is "truly one of the greatest BBC" drama series and "incredible viewing." A cult novel turned into a gripping BBC drama has captivated audiences on iPlayer. The show, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Ruth Wilson, boasts an impressive 7.5 stars on IMDB. Fans have praised the series as "truly one of the greatest BBC" dramas and hailed it as "incredible viewing." The story penned by Angela Levy centres on Hortense (Naomi Harris), who in 1939 is an illegitimate but bright and ambitious girl being raised in Jamaica. She grows up alongside the charming and free-spirited Michael (Ashley Walters), who enlists in the Air Force as war breaks out and departs for England. After the war, Hortense, now a qualified teacher, agrees to a marriage of convenience with Gilbert Joseph, financing his move to England on the condition that he will send for her later. She longs not only for a reunion with Michael but also believes that life in Britain will provide her with better prospects. Yet, when she arrives in London in 1948, Hortense is bitterly disappointed by their cramped single-room living space and the overt racial discrimination she faces. Queenie, their open-minded landlady, has faced her own share of letdowns, having married the reliable but uninspiring and unromantic Bernard to get away from her family's farm, reports the Express. While Bernard, who is now presumed missing, was serving in the Air Force during the conflict, Queenie started taking in lodgers from the military for company, including Michael, with whom she shares a sexual past. A viewer who gave the series a perfect score enthused: "Small Island is a truly incredible drama, it gives the story of the lives of a group of people from Jamaica during the second world war, the effects they have on one another, and on a group of locals." They continued to praise the show, saying: "It tells the journey the brave Jamaican fighters undertook, and the gut wrenching racism they had from the people they bravely fought to defend. Some scenes in the second part will have you close to tears, and some will have you chuckling away, it's an incredible balance." The same fan added: "I have watched many dramas over the years, and I'd have to say this is one of the most powerful I've seen, it tells a story that's often never told, but in light of the Windrush scandal it has an even more powerful impact." On the topic of performances, they remarked: "The acting is benchmark standard, it is no surprise that awards followed, Naomie Harris is a revelation, but all concerned are sensational, too many performances to note, but David Oyelowo will near bring you to tears." The series, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch as Bernard across two 90-minute instalments, is currently available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
The Guardian
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The Tasting review – French midlife romcom takes its leads guzzling fine winen
Chateau average? There's not much complexity to this romantic comedy about love in middle-age, set in the medieval city of Troyes in France's Champagne region. It's easy-going but lacking a bit of oomph, and the comedy never properly fizzes. Isabelle Carré and Bernard Campan give warm, likable performances as a couple meeting in their 40s; he owns a wine shop, she's a midwife. But the real star is Troyes itself, with its cobbled alleyways, surrounded by vineyards. You might find yourself planning a mini-break during the slower bits. Carré plays midwife Hortense as an interesting and believable contradiction of eager-to-please and spiky – though there's something a bit off in the script's depiction of her as single woman desperately filling up her spare time: choir practice, church on Sundays, volunteering at a homeless shelter. Hortense meets grumpy Jacques when she buys a bottle of wine in his shop and invites herself along to a tasting; Jacques has had to quit drinking after a health scare. (In the most French line of the film he protests to his doctor: 'But I only drink fine wines. Wine isn't alcohol.') There's a spark between Hortense and Jacques but their lives are already complicated enough. In truth, some of the comedy around Hortense's sadness at being childless feels clumsy and a bit cliched, and for a supposedly grownup romcom there's a fair few ooh-er gags (including one about spitting v swallowing at a wine tasting). But the film gets by on the performances; in a smallish role, Mounir Amamra is a joy as Jacques' workshy young assistant Steve. The movie ends with Hortense's homeless friends quaffing a bottle of fancy Château Margaux. Unlike vintage plonk, this is not a experience that will linger. The Tasting is in UK cinemas from 31 January.
