The Darling Buds of May

I love this series, it's such a feelgood programme. I really wish life could always turn out Perfick, like it does for the Larkins! What I love about them, especially Pop, is their irrepressible joy in life and ability to see the best in every situation. Pop can turn a wet miserable weekend into a joyous romp by sheer force of personality. Wonderful.

(Someone from USA said this on this comments page; "We saw an episode on TV the other day and Peter Jackson got a director credit, but I don't see him listed here or this series listed on Jackson's page. The credits show several directors and it seems to be common practice to have guest directors." I think they're thinking of a different Peter Jackson, the well-known director. The cinematography on this series was done by a Peter Jackson, which is a pretty common name I suppose.)

There's something very endearing about The Darling Buds of May. The bright English country side coupled with bright and life filled characters made this show very heart warming and easy to watch. I remember watching it with great interest as an adolescent and it's something that's stayed with me into my adulthood.

For it's time, The Darling Buds of May was showing a different side of British society. Although the Larkins weren't nessicarilly "wealthy" they were happy and they were very supportive as family. It's a breath of fresh air to watch such characters and the situations they get into.

I recommend watching this show, it's heartfelt, touching, the characters are very real and the scenery is breath taking.

Big relief here that Bates's modern classic has not only survived its transition to the big screen but has actually been enhanced by it. It's difficult to find anything in this made-for-television adaptation that is at odds with the book of the same name. The characters are well cast, in particular David Jason as Pop Larkin and Pam Ferris as Ma, who live life with abandonment and cavalier disregard for society's expectations. The conversion of Charlie, a most challenging task in story and film, is accomplished with care and precision, Catherine Zeta Jones as Mariette providing the required enticement. This is a highly entertaining and deeply satisfying adaptation, and richly captures the life of post-war Britain. Perfick!

I purchased the whole series "The Darling Buds of May" a few years ago and then watched the whole series within a few days. I grew up in the UK in the early sixties and this series reminded me so much of what life was like in England when I was growing up.

It is the best and purest form of escapism it fills one with a sense of longing for how life once was. The scenery, the lifestyle, the family and of course the farm are just "perfec" my favorite episode is the one called "Christmas is coming" (series 1 episode 7).

Even now, years later, I still find myself humming the opening theme song. It is one of the best feel good series that I have ever seen and the characters are so well played.

If you haven't seen the series do yourself a very big favour and go out and buy, borrow or steal it and then sit back and be prepared to be taken back to a time, long before laptops, iPhones, mobile phones and emails, where life was simple and almost idyllic.

I will make a confession to start off with-: I haven't read any of the books, and I really would like to. Putting that aside, The Darling Buds of May is a perfect piece of escapism for a weekend evening. It is endearing. It is funny. And it is easy to like. I see it with my grandmother and she loves it too. Here, there is something for everybody of all ages, humour, charm, fun and maybe even nostalgia.

One definite plus is how the show is filmed. The camera work is so fluid and beautiful, and the lighting so bright and perfect. Those images of the English countryside gives a real sense of warmth and endearment to the proceedings, and the scenery in general is breath taking. The main theme is memorable and relaxing to the ears, and the accompanying themes are just as delightful for anybody who watches.

The humour in Darling Buds of May is just right. It is never overdone or underplayed-it is just right, and doesn't spoil the show's appeal at all. And the Larkin family! Where do I start? What wonderful, completely likable characters. While not wealthy, they are happy together and supportive of one another and that was a true delight to see. I will admit, I really wanted to be part of the Larkin family.

It isn't just the quality of the script that makes the show so much fun. It is also some truly priceless scenes like the cat fight at the strawberry picking and any other situation that the Larkins get into. They live in abandonment and are disregarded by society, yet all of them are such lovable characters, and some of the run ins with the secondary characters are just hilarious.

The acting is exceptional from all involved. I am a big fan of David Jason, who has proved himself a talented, funny and versatile actor. He is a sheer delight here as Pop, a character that makes a dull day enormously satisfying just like that. I love Pam Ferris too, and she gives yet another strong performance as Ma. Then you have Welsh beauty Catherine Zeta Jones at her loveliest, and Phillip Franks as Charlie, whose conversion is taken with unusual care and precision.

Overall, at 17 I adore the Darling Buds of May. It is perfect for anybody. It is so easy to like, and really relaxing to watch, as well as richly detailing post-war Britain. This is in no way a criticism, but if anything I do wish the show lasted longer. It is perfect entertainment for a dull day or a free weekend evening. Nothing else really to say, other than a must-watch! 10/10 Bethany Cox