La gifle

First, there are 2 versions of this mini-series, and I highly recommend this 2011 Australian version over the 2015 version. This one is somehow far better. (I've been watching quite a few shows coming out of Australia lately and they all seem to have a special something that rises them up above others--all the ones I've seen have a very unique take on things, be it subject matter or the views and lives of the characters they present. Quirky, interesting, and very original, I'll say for these Aussie productions.)

That being said, get ready for a truly intense mini-series. This show manages to bring out fierce emotions in even the meekest of people, really riling you up no matter which view or whose side you take--and you will take sides, believe me. And if you think you're all on board with one of the characters after watching the first episode, be sure to tune in for the next of the series as each successive episode will focus mainly on one of the other characters, allowing you to slowly get to know what life is like for each one, and as their deep dark secrets are slowly revealed. Not a sit back, relax and fall asleep thing by any means.

I can't find anything to criticise about this series. The acting, production, continuity and so forth are excellent. It's amazing that of the 6 previous reviews 4 were 9 or 10 stars and 2 were 1 star, and scathing to say the least - and yet all the reviewers are Australian, so it's not a cultural divide issue. Perhaps it just boils down to taste. For mine, explorations of human frailty and the inexplicable nature of relationships, when done as well as The Slap, make for fascinating literature and film. There are no really good guys and, other than Harry, no particularly bad guys. These people are ordinary. Also of interest to me was the inside look into Greek-Australian culture. Persumably this was authentically representative, given that several of the actors are Greek Australians and any major inaccuracies would have been weeded out.

Oustanding in the acting department is Melissa George, whose success in the US is not surprising if this is the class and quality of her acting outside the soap opera arena. She was utterly convincing as the somewhat flaky, "alternative" mother of Hugo - the slappee. I was also impressed by the acting of the various children in the series - they were all very natural and normal. (Quite often poor child actors can spoil an otherwise good production.) It was also good to see old favourite Lex Marinos again.

I'd highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-produced thought-provoking drama. I'd be surprised if every the naysayers did not ask themselves or discuss with others questions about the rights and wrongs of not only the slap, but its repercussions. Perhaps I am overly biased towards Australian productions - I regularly find merit in things that get universal scorn - so take that into account.

I have never read the book, so I watching not knowing what to expect. I thought the acting was great. I'd seen a few of the actors in films over the years (George, Okonedo and LaPaglia), but it was the ones I had never seen before that drew me in (namely, Essie Davis, Lowe and Blake Davis).

The thing I liked most about this drama is that it is never 'in your face', like the racism for example, people make a few racist 'views' rather then full on racist words, so it's all very under lining which often happens in real life. An abortion takes place, but the actual abortion is not the point and whether it is right or wrong, it just give you an insight into the character and what she is about.

As a brit my only taste of Australian TV has been fluffy shows like Neighbours/Home & Away so it was great to see some real drama coming from Australia.

A long time since I originally saw it but I've never forgotten it. Fabulous character development and story twists and turns. Australian tv dramas just get better and better. Intricate and rewarding. I'd watch it again for sure.

The Slap has to be one of the finest pieces of drama to ever come out of Australia. It boils down to the core of our essence. No one is perfect and The Slap shows every ugly wrinkle. Many people will see a reflection of themselves, and it isn't pretty. But it is handled so deftly that you become part of their world.

Each episode focuses on one of the characters who were at a 40th birthday BBQ where booze, drugs and anger ends with a grown man slapping a small child. From here the author delves into the most inner thoughts of each character present at the BBQ. Thoughts most people would never share with even their closest friends. They lie, they cover their tracks, they live with the consequences of guilt and shame. The old man reflecting on his younger life, now disappointed with his lot, and contemplating never again having the pleasure of touching a young woman's breast. I think that is pretty powerful stuff. Not pornographic, just hitting home the reality what is going on in some people's heads.

No it isn't fun to watch, simply engaging. If you watch television to be challenged, this show serves it up in spades.