White Teeth

I found the four-part adoption of Zadie Smith's novel White Teeth fantastic. I thought the first two parts were more serious then the last two but the plot was more obscure. I thought Christopher Simpson was brilliant as Millat and Magid. I have never seen him before in anything else but his acting was great as he really made his unrealistic characters believable and unforgettable. He had an amazing talent of making the audience believe in these two totally different people.

After watching each part, I found my self-counting the days till the next instalment. I got really involved in the narrative but all the way through the series I felt as if I were watching a story meant for a book because of the extreme situations and characters. The plot was unbelievable at times but that did not spoil it at all but on the contrary made it more entertaining and exhilarating. I thought that having Archi Panjabi play Samad's wife Alasana played by Om Puri, was a bit outrageous and ridiculous because she played his daughter in East Is East. The third part had more of an impact on me and brought me back wanting more. The last part was more humorous than anything, I did begin to think that the plot was going to get really serious but it didn't. I loved the unpredictability of it. It was fantastical. A must see.*_*

I found the first couple of episodes quite engaging. Plenty of fun being poked in all directions: religion, culture, politics and above all the frailty of human nature.

But after the first two, it all began to wear thin. By the final part I just wanted it to be finished.

I think my 5 is rather generous, but it was ok-ish.

First, what a great imagination the writer has. The saga of the protagonists and the web of their past, present and future was entertaining and moving at the same time. I can't say that I've seen another series like it. If you are bored with the usual fare, watch this!

The story gets off to a great start focusing on Clara, Samad, and Archie. Clara's rebellion against her mother's narrow religious beliefs, and Samad's and Archie's reunion and subsequent relationship were the highlights of the show. The second half focusing on their progeny did not pack the same punch. It was too "over the top". The acting was strong throughout.

After some real stinkers, I wasn't expecting much. Pleasantly surprised. didn't read the book- many think the series is better. and don't read the book (unusual)

some of the turn around E#3 and E#4 a bit muddled.

But one of the better mini-series. about people, relationships, and life choices, and destinies. without murder or serial killers.

Notably, Iria, gets ignored and put down as a woman.

2002, this material is not dated. I enjoyed it. and good solid acting.