Small Island

We here at Indie Friendlie love this kind of feature film: literate, unexpected, and powerful.

We loved the talented ensemble of world-class actors playing original, well-drawn characters with lovely contradictions, making surprising but believable choices.

The film retains its balance as it weaves in and out of characters' lives, while never short-changing any of them.

We must say that Naomi Harris consistently gives powerful performances. See her also in "The First Grader".

Historically fascinating, personal, and top shelf.

Close to perfect. A story about post WW2 Jamaican immigrants to England, about working with reality to bring dreams to life, and how sometimes it just doesn't work out. The script was wonderful, skipping between Jamaica and London, showing how different these two were. Acting from everyone 10/10. I learnt a lot into the bargain.

Ruth Wilson! Why is she ignored. First Luther and now this. She is so emotive.

Benedict cumberbatch! In a small but significant role. His eyes say so much.

Both in a role that will linger in your mind for a long time.

Naomi Harris plays her part perfectly.

British television at its best.

Lovely miniseries from 2009 starring Ruth Wilson, Naomie Harris, David Oyelowo, Roger Sloman, Ashley Walters, Benedict Cumberbatch.

The film begins right before World War II. Hortense (Wilson) and Michael (Walters) are Jamaicans who were raised together though not related. Hortense always assumed they would marry, but when she sees Michael kissing a married woman, she freaks. However, she never let go of the fantasy.

In order to get to London, though, which is her dream, she marries Gilbert (Oyelowo), another Jamaican. Once in England, they learn the hard lessons about the racism prevalent in the "mother country" and endure struggles.

The parallel story is that of Queenie and Bernard, both British - Bernard proposes and Queenie, not sure of her feelings, takes a chance and accepts. His father, shell-shocked from WW I, lives with them. When Bernard leaves for the service, Queenie meets Michael and falls for him. Meanwhile, she rents out rooms to Hortense and Gilbert. Thus, the two stories come together.

Someone wrote that "Small Island" draws you in - that's a great description. The characters are vivid, their stories poignant, and we care deeply about them.

It is so well made, and a beautiful story of lives intertwining and living through war and prejudice...and learning about love and friendship.

This compelling two-part Masterpiece Theatre offering is another reason why people should support public television.

A period piece placed in the not too distant past, Director John Alexander has assembled a fine cast to portray expatriated Jamaicans who, for a variety of reasons,choose the English Motherland over their Caribbean homeland. Set in the postwar years following Hitler's defeat, "Small Island" explores racial issues and colonial ideology. It also provokes viewers to examine the concepts associated with legitimate birthrights and those who are heir to less than noble beginnings.

I may hate the pledge drives, but quality public programming makes for satisfying presentations like "Small Island" worth all those gift mugs and tote bags.