Cloudstreet

I have really enjoyed the visual translation of this wonderful Tim Winton epic story. The mixed fortune plot lines are are poignantly offset by an attention to detail and endearing characterisations. The folklorish details of the original novel are imaginatively presented with beautiful cinematography and a well balanced sense of timing with the narrators Australian accent another aspect of the drama. I too was a little confused by the first episode but stuck with it an the story did reveal itself quite quickly into the second episode. I watched a version which was three episodes of about an hour and forty minutes each which was perfect for viewing on three almost consecutive domestics flights.

The only miniseries that compares with this one in the sweep of its story and the quality of the acting and production is Brideshead Revisited. This is the story of two, dirt-poor, tragedy-scarred Australian families in the 40s and 50s - and of the large house near Perth that they share. For an American viewer, the effect is heightened by the unfamiliarity of the actors, who are instantly and credibly the characters they play. They are all decent if flawed people, and you find yourself pulling for them to succeed. At the heart of the story is a young Lamb boy, called Fish, who nearly drowns at the outset and as a result is retarded. The telling of the tale is poetic, with the large, ramshackle house (on Cloud Street) and the sea (Fish's "water") playing major roles. Not for all tastes, and there is enough explicit sex to keep it off Masterpiece Theater, but it is a production that will move a lot of viewers. It certainly moved this one.

Cloudstreet was surprisingly a brilliant TV-Series and adaptation of the novel by Tim Winton, spanned to 6 episodes. The director managed to explore the theme of magical realism that was in the novel, and the cinematography was amazing. You could feel the character of the house and the scenes from the book are identical to the scenes in the TV- series. One of the minor problems with this series is that was not very appropriate for little children, as there were some disturbing scenes but nevertheless the M rating was OK. I would of wished that they didn't rush the ending and incorporated more about the Nedlands Monster - would of been much more intense and a thriller. I felt empty having the TV series missing this segment, and a tad bit rushed with everything happening so fast. Perhaps more episodes would do this TV- Series justice. I found the young actors/actresses; that is young Quick, young Fish and young Rose were all very competent in their respectable roles, whereas the adult actors/actresses of their role didn't do too good apart from adult Fish. They felt more like different characters to me and couldn't bring in the personality traits that the young actors could. My recommendation is that you definitely watch this interesting and thought-provocative TV Series if you had little expectations. Because trust me, this would really blow your expectations!

Never thought 'Lonesome Dove' (directed by an Aussie, btw) would ever be knocked from its top-spot on my list of favorite TV miniseries, but the transcendent and potentially life-changing Cloudstreet, I guess, has done it. Having now read (via audio-book) the novel two times, I think the Tim Winton co-written teleplay to be a superb rendition of the source material -- considered by some, I understand, to be the modern 'great Australian Novel.' Topnotch Australian acting all around. Especially appreciative of Geoff Morrell's intelligent and exquisite portrayal of Lester Lamb -- who, for me, at least, is the heart and soul of the story.

This is my first review, and I'm not sure if this will count as review, or just long comment. I loved every minute. Definitely worth your time if you enjoy poetical story, ever present love - hate drama, touch of reality, music which syncs with the picture and of course Ozzie style directing, camera, characters and scene. Loved it! Loved it! Loved it! And once more, LOVED IT! Aussie scenery half a century ago was done perfectly. You could compare this movie to, from top of my head, BIG FISH or LEGENDS of the FALL from American cinematography mixed with Australian THORN BIRDS or MAN from SNOWY RIVER. You will all probably see something much different than I did, but you won't regret. This movie will lift your spirit little bit and give you something to think about for couple of hours.