Barracuda

10 out of 10 may seem like quite a high rating but i thoroughly enjoyed the 4 part miniseries and while not perfect, nothing is, i'm rating it 10 because i was so engrossed the whole time. ABC featured all four episodes to stream on Iview and after watching the first episode on live TV, i could not wait a whole week for a second serve.

I did start reading the book and gave up a few chapters in. While it was interesting and did at one point hook me in, i found the author who is brilliant, Christos Tsiolkas, is a strong story teller through the amount of detail he uses to set up plots, characters and scenes. I found the book at times be quite indulgent and while important in setting the scene, i wanted the book to progress at a faster pace. The miniseries however i found very rewarding as for time reasons, it was condensed and the narrative moved quickly which i liked. While i did not connect with the book, i appreciate it and could see how it is such a compelling read. Seeing it on the screen, i really respect the book for painting such a complex story of Danny, who is such a complex character.

Elias Anton as Danny and Ben Kindon as Martin Taylor did such a superb job of bringing their characters to life. It was compelling to watch, they had major chemistry on screen which added to the direction of the storyline. Rachel Griffiths was outstanding as well, she nailed the cold and privileged mother. Matt Nable as Frank Torma though was a force, he gave a truly outstanding performance. A bare minimum Logie nomination for most outstanding actor, if not the win because he was just mesmerising. Playing a coach, you felt obliged to listen to him, like you were his student. This TV series really does deserve several nods in all categories at the Logies next year and AFI awards.

I have to admit, i've been slack to acknowledge the ABC as suppliers of brilliant Australian drama, the only shows i watch on the ABC are Please Like Me and Dance Academy (back in the day) but i am certainly paying attention now. They are such wonderful contributors to Australian television and i'm going to make sure i am aware of all future TV projects because i would have felt very saddened had i not been aware of this television series. Support local production! Barracuda is a shining example of the talent in our industry. Wonderful story writing, talented actors, beautiful cinematography. Really spot on. Well done to all involved! A true feat.

Totally unlikable characters apparently toned down from the book. Crap.

I do not know the book. But I admire the great acting and the fair construction of a parable about life and its fundamental meanings. It is not a swimming story. Or one about succes. It represents only a precise portrait of an age, a family, few clashes, succes and apparent fall as necessary wake up. A serie about the reality . Impressive for nuanced work of actors, for cultural references, for the courage and inspiration to give a honest image of ambition, triumph and the death of the hill in the most decent terms. Sure, for me, Elias Anton, Matt Nable and Victoria Haralabidou are the authentical stars. But each scene gives more than you expect in fair and powerful and clear manner becomind, in some measure, a mirror reflection or a precious lesson about life purpose.

Overall the series is quite good. I have to admit I haven't read the book, however I would have liked to know more about Martin Taylor's character.

My only problem is that, the final episodes were too sad, and the plot a bit depressing, as were the characters. I know it's based on a book, but I would have liked that Danny would have fulfilled his dream, and that the relationship between Danny and Martin wouldn't have ended badly.

I also would have liked the timeline between all the episodes not to have moved so fast, and more episodes, so that more drama, romance etc. Could have been developed. However, I think this series is amazing, as it makes you reflect and think, and I think it can teach you a lot of things.

On the other hand the production is very good, and the plot interesting, the best actress was Danny's mother, Victoria Haralabidou, she makes you get into the story and her role makes it perfect.

I hope they make a second season, or another series similar to this one.

On the plus side - good story and some good acting by most supporting cast members. Great underwater swimming shots. Matt Nable plays the school swimming coach and he's very good and anchors the series.

On the negative side - the preview 'shorts' at the end of Episode 1 basically spoiled the entire plot of the remaining 3 episodes. Hardly worth watching the remaining episodes because the big dramatic twist in the plot was revealed at the end of Episode 1 in the preview. The editors who decided that would be a good idea should get a kick up the rear end for that decision. The 2 young lead actors have obviously been cast for their athletic body shape and their ages, but their acting isn't great. One of the weakest actors in this mini series is Rachel Griffiths - which is ironic given that she's the only really internationally known actor in the cast. Every time she's in a scene, you are fully aware that she is 'acting' her lines, and not very well at that.

This series is very disappointing mainly in the acting department. It's annoying because Australia can produce some good TV series and movies, and plenty of our soapie stars are making names for themselves in the US market. So the talent is here.