padutchland-1

I just finished watching this film which was divided into five episodes. I've not written a review for quite a while, but felt compelled to add some thoughts. You can see in a couple other reviews what the film is about, so no need for me to repeat. I gave it a 9 rating because I watched it over several days, an episode at a time, and kept coming back for more. There have been quite a few shows that I've not bothered to come back even for the second episode. Can't speak for anyone else, but for me personally, several good things stood out, but with one complaint. The camera work was excellent. I could not have been easy to keep a camera steady with interesting shots while holding on to a pitching boat. The scenery along the river to a story in itself as to the dangers being faced traveling a treacherous and unforgiving river. A story was told of eight people who started as strangers, worked together as 1840 working York men in triumphs and failures, and persevered to the end. I was impressed with each and every member including the one woman who carried herself well and did her duty like the others. OK, my one complaint is the writing for the story teller. The narration was fine and well done. I just could not understand why he had to keep telling us of events coming up. It's like going to a movie theater and a guy behind you is telling his buddy what is coming up in the next scene. We'd rather watch and discover ourselves. Otherwise though, nice job done by all. I was surprised to see that this film was done almost 20 years ago and I'd never heard of it. Makes one wonder, what are those people doing today? How did the trip change their lives? Did the river trip cause them to do something different with their lives than they had planned? Bottom line, if you get a chance to watch this documentary, do so. It's great entertainment and gives you hope for humanity to work together in the greater good.

This is just a quick review, or more apt a few quick comments, because others will provide plenty of story info. I gave a rating of 9 because I've watched many detective shows (along with others) and I sometimes use the fast forward on time wasting scenes. I never touched the fast forward on Manhunt. I was totally immersed and never lost interest in this gripping story. Seeing Martin Clunes in a very non Doc Martin part was most illuminating. Any actor who can nail performances from basically both ends of the spectrum, is a very good actor. So hats off to Mr. Clunes and well done, which also shines a light of appreciation on the dedication of real life DCI Colin Sutton. In addition to the starring parts I also like to look for supporting players who stick in the mind so tip of the hat to Katie Lyons, Stephen Wight and what a scary villain played by Celyn Jones (probably a teddy bear in real life). All in all a very well done muder movie, but alas, too bad it happened in real life.

No movie or TV show is like the book(s). Well, maybe Godfather 1. But I think this one follows the thoughtline of author MC Beaton close enough that we can recognize many similarities and storylines. As a long time MC Beaton mystery fan, I was a bit surprised by the screen Agatha played by Ashley Jensen. She is certainly not the picture I had of bear eyed Agatha in the books. So I think of her as a younger version. However, Jensen won me over through great acting, exhibiting no doubt that she had the same attibutes and failings of book Agatha. In fact, she nailed the part in her own way, not the same in looks but absolutely capturing the persona of the character. The supporting players were outstanding as well and they were easily recognized from the books. Unlike the women in and out of the stories, sprucing themselves up to make goo-goo eyes at the latest new man to the village, there is one with understated beauty that you might miss. The wife of the reverend, looking the part of clergy family, Sarah Bloxby as played by Lucy Liemann with straight hair and a plain look about her goes unappreciated. But when she smiles in closeups, her face lights up the screen. She is also able to handle very difficult scenes. The four men around Agatha (Wong, Silver, Fraith and Lacy) play their parts so very well, and close to the books. DCI Wilkes played by Jason Barnett keeps us laughing with comedy and Agatha's cleaning lady Katy Wix was missed in this last episode. Hopefully she will be coming back. "All in all", I say job well done by the whole crew and keep up the good work! I'm sure there will be some put off by any differences from the books. Try to separate the two and enjoy the show for the writing and acting that is so expertly presented.