Fleming

I find it fascinating that much of the criticism in other reviews is based on the idea that James Bond wasn't based on Fleming. A fictional character by its very nature has its roots in more than one place. I've no idea how Fleming's war exploits compare to the novels, but it's quite clear that James Bond's personal behaviors, tastes, preferences, and prejudices are based on Fleming's. His wife made direct reference to this in the series opening and these similarities are well documented in analysis of the novels. Fleming wasn't Bond, nor were any of the others that have been posited as his inspiration. Bond is an amalgam of many, and Fleming himself was certainly one of them.

In the great tradition of excellent, professionally made British TV Series...

How good, how refreshing! Finally a production which entertains, informs and intrigues at the same time! Everything about this show is well done, the script (above all), the direction, the acting, the cinematography, the sound... There is absolutely nothing to complain about. It is interesting, the dialog (finally) is engaging, it is wonderful to hear the English language spoken so beautifully. Yes, it does not completely conform to historical fact, it has been a little dramatized for entertainment purposes, but who cares? It is and remains an excellent production.

I am certain Fleming would have loved this! Well done to all!

Rarely TV serials adopt the idea of 'Art-house' production, and this is one of them. Another gem from the BBC production. Story of the creator of 007 who himself is a legend in thus arena, perhaps one of the most influential one. At first glance I thought it contains style over substance but in time everything worked out just fine ! This is not just another espionage story of WWII, rather the script mingled the personal and professional life of Fleming brilliantly. Dominic Cooper was an excellent choice, he can play the hard-boiled spoiled brat quite fascinatingly, we all have seen it in 'The Devil's Double'. Lara Pulver was naturally brilliant in the seductive dominatrix role as usual. Only if they could let the 'blond Muriel' stay a bit longer !

Its not easy to bring-up the story of someone with so many 'issues' meticulously, but they tried and didn't fail ! Its no hardcore action flick like 007, rather vintage flavoured of WWII, the set decoration was quite believable. And most of all, this series is 'Hot', and hot means 'Haught' ! Waiting for the final instalment !

From the very beginning, we're gently nudged towards the idea that the inspiration to Ian Fleming for James Bond was... Fleming himself. As fictional as that may be, and there are reasons to appreciate it for the entertainment value at least, young Fleming's routine gets old really really fast. The boozing, womanizing, good-for-nothing, but ultimately lovable scoundrel has been portrayed in many a production before. Nothing bad about Dominic Cooper's performance, and he does radiate a certain charm, but really... there's only so much dickish behavior one's charm can excuse.

Ultimately, I got bored by Fleming's antics and the repeated, sanitized sex scenes. The central plot never grasped me and frankly, I ended up not caring particularly much for any of the characters - least of all the titular one.

It's not a bad product per se. But not a very good one either.

This four part series is intended to set the stage for Fleming's post-war life as a novelist and chronicler of enviable male conquests of both the international and romantic sort. When not devising ways to bring England's enemies to their knees, Fleming was busy cavorting with women of the upper class, some of whom he loved, and one of whom killed herself for love.

Hard to look away. If the plots were not enough, the settings and cinematography are breathtaking, whether the scenes be underwater, in the Alps, in the war torn woods,or within exquisite mansions.

All around it would be hard to go wrong with this as it offers something for everyone.