Small Island

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.

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.

Small Island is a truly incredible drama, it gives the story of the lives of a group of people from Jamaica during the second world war, the effects they have on one another, and on a group of locals.

It tells the journey the brave Jamaican fighters undertook, and the gut wrenching racism they had from the people they bravely fought to defend.

Some scenes in the second part will have you close to tears, and some will have you chuckling away, it's an incredible balance.

I have watched many dramas over the years, and I'd have to say this is one of the most powerful I've seen, it tells a story that's often never told, but in light of the Windrush scandal it has an even more powerful impact.

The acting is benchmark standard, it is no surprise that awards followed, Naomie Harris is a revelation, but all concerned are sensational, too many performances to note, but David Oyelowo will near bring you to tears.

It is quite incredible viewing. 10/10

I wasn't sure what to expect but being the BBC I knew it should turn out to be a good short series. I wasn't disappointed, as the story was well told and has a way of gently pulling you in right from the start, where you can really get to empathise with the main characters. This is a tale of two very different places (England and Jamiaca) and where fate plays a big hand in bringing four people together. The setting is based around the second world war, during which the Jamaicans were actively encouraged to fight for the commonwealth and take a trip into the unknown..The unknown being a dark, cold and stark looking London, where times were hard. Apart from the cleverly weaved story it certainly shows you how hypocritical we can be at times and how racial undertones can so easily dominate if you don't stand up to the small minded. The main character Queenie (Ruth Wilson)was excellent, capturing the mood of the era and showing how human spirit can overcome adversity and prejudice. So if you want a well told human story this is well worth a look. I would thoroughly recommend it

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.