The English Harem

This was not vintage Art Malik, but I found it an enjoyable and slightly tongue-in-cheek look at the clash of two cultures. To be fair it was not a particularly realistic plot, indeed at times it was rather thin, but for all that was able to show just how bigoted and inconsiderate some people can be, on both sides of the cultural fence. Martine McCutcheon's role quite delicately displayed just how limited and narrow some people can become in their lives. For me, however, Tony Slattery's slightly bumbling social worker role had distinct shades of Cleveland and Orkney, (older readers will know what I mean), in a situation which affects far too many people in today's society. It had relevance at a time when there is far too little understanding of how other people live, and perhaps should have taught everyone, even those holding more extreme views, that we should always take people's feelings into account. It will certainly get a second and third run in the DVD player.

How do you make polygamy within Islamic relationships in Britain appear socially acceptable? Easy. Art Malik.

Or so it should be... However, it doesn't work like that. This movie is about as subtle as a blow from a sledgehammer. It proceeds on the assumption that all it would take to make the abhorrent appear palatable is for an Oriental-looking gentleman, evidently monied, with an upper- class English accent, to open doors for ladies at the right moment.

It also tries to pull off some neat tricks, including having the working classes quaffing champagne at the gentrification of London, and the demolition of a housing block! It all seems to work out. It turns out, all the viewer needs to be 'educated' about is that everyone who resisted the encroachment of the 'new' ways (polygamy, being forced out of one's own neighbourhood, etc.) is simply backward, and needs to accept the Brave New World.

Bravo, Art Malik! Supremely patronising, politicised nonsense.

This has to be the worst TV Drama I have ever watched.

The story has nothing to do with the reality of the Islamic Culture or the concept of having up to four wives! I seriously can't understand what research has been carried out for this Drama.

It is an appalling attempt by the writer and actors, who have disgraced themselves in being involved in such a flop.

I thought Art Malik was beginning to pick up after his role in 'Holby City', however his acting was so poor in this drama that i wouldn't be surprised if this has taken away his chance of any progression. I think he seems to think that this is somewhat like the drama 'Stolen', which he previously acted in.....I'm afraid Art, Stolen was crap and this one was far far worse. I hope i don't see him on screen for a loooooooooonnnng time.

As for Martine, well she did a good job in Eastenders and that's about all.....we know that her 'only moment' .....was a huge failure proving that she couldn't sing and after her performance in this drama, i'd be confident to say that she can't act either.....i think Martine has just waved her so called career goodbye!!

On some level, The English Harem is supposed to mirror reality, however the story takes sudden twists that are increasingly improbable. Islam is represented as a Disneyland state-of-mind while key characters and plot elements become more and more distorted into a theater of the absurd. Half way through the film I simply gave up in utter frustration at the sheer stupidity I was witnessing. Theoretically, The English Harem had potential, but instead unfolds into a truly embarrassing waste of time. It never ceases to amaze me that actors willing play roles and speak lines that they undoubtedly know deep down in their soul are totally brain dead.

It was a lovely movie, i have never seen any one addressing an Islamic subject any better. It rightly expresses the true spirit of Islam the way it is seen and practised by the Muslims.

it showed the Iranina culture and dresses and showed the difference of the delicate nature of the Iranian culture and the roughness of the English daily life. At the same time it showed that once a person breaks into the English social circles then they get accepted.

This film gives a positive image of Islam at a time when all you hear about Islam is negative. This movies is an excellent guide to understand problems faced by other faiths and the power of mutual respect and co existence