Lilies

I found this mini series by accident and what a delight. From beginning to end I felt transported back in time. Throughout the series you get a slice perhaps, of a less sugar coated time of transition after the First World War. This story unfolds through the eyes of three close , but very different sisters and the surrounding family and friends. A sure bet .

This series is brilliantly written and beautifully realized. Like Heidi Thomas' more recent effort CALL THE MIDWIFE, it seems coy, but tackles difficult topics head-on and without blinking.

This was such a massive hit in the UK that a fervent campaign for more seasons resulted in nearly a year of developmental meetings and script experiments. In the end, it was decided not to tamper with it, it's that perfect.

LILIES (2007) was a well made little historical series, that takes place in the years before WWI and follows the lives of three sisters, Iris, May and Ruby. This was a interesting series.

"Tough, sexy, funny and heartbreaking, Lillies details the lives of Iris, May and Ruby Moss - Catholic sisters coming of age in a dockland terraced house. Familial love sustains them, and their fortunes are bound to those of their brother and their father. Set in the years immediately following the First World War, Lilies pulls no punches in its storytelling. It depicts a sensual, vivid and sometimes savage universe - where life is lived on a knife-edge of poverty, fuelled by various kinds of love. Dadda, the family's charismatic and mercurial father married very young, is now widowed, and his struggle to nurture his unruly children proves both moving and comic."

Lilies was a show with much emotion and focuses heavily on the bonds of familial ties. Worth the watch.

Review edit by Richard. RLJ Entertainment & Acorn TV has re-released the series and added subtitles. Look for that before purchase if important to you.

Original review by Richard I tried to watch this series on DVD and it looks like it would be enjoyable. However, without subtitles it is impossible for this American.

I just cannot understand the dialog. I get about 1 out of every 2 words.

The DVD's desperately need subtitles. The producers are missing a willing audience in the USA. This is a common problem with many BBC productions that fail to add subtitles. The amount of strain and concentration required to "TRY" to catch the meaning just makes the entire experience unpleasant.

Richard

Unlike a previous reviewer it took me about 20 minutes to get into episode 1, but I am glad that I persisted. For a start I loved the music which was quite jolly and infectious. I was a little unsure about father who seemed too young for the part, but his acting was so good that I soon got over that. All of the characters whether members of the family or not, were well cast. The many inter connected stories were well written, with very good direction. Much effort was given to the authenticity of the sets, and was very successful. Drama, romance (which I don't..normally go for) and comedy. A perfect series! Congratulations to all involved. I can't see how a second series could have repeated the success of the first.