Monstre sacré

Magnetic performances in a story about a charismatic performer with a complicated family life (to put it mildly). The two lead actors were mesmerizing in their interaction a a long-married couple with secrets and lies aplenty.

The script is smart and compelling -- addressing issues of man/woman relationships in serious situations involving control and secrecy. It's heart-wrenching at times and infuriating in others. Still, a magnificent collaboration between screenwriter, director, and actors. Highly recommend this for the discerning viewer.

"National Treasure" is about a famous and much loved British comic actor, one half of a double act, a Morecambe or a Wise, a Cannon or a Ball perhaps, who is accused of the rape of an underage girl. It handles a deeply contentious subject very sensitively and it allays any fears in the first episode that it might be exploitative or in poor taste. It's beautifully acted; Robbie Coltrane is the accused man, the 'National Treasure' of the title, (this may be the best thing he's done since the TV series "Cracker"), but the real 'national treasure' here, of course, is Julie Walters, recipient of more BAFTA's than most of us have had hot dinners. As Coltrane's long-suffering wife she is simply magnificent. As a comic actress Walters can sometimes go off at the deep end but she underplays superbly here. Her grief and her rage are tangible and I fully expect her to pick up another BAFTA, and perhaps an Emmy, for her collection. This is a drama I approached with caution; now I am very glad I approached it at all.

National Treasure goes deep into the routes of sexual abuse and rape. Everything from the fighting to a simple tear that was shed had detail. Senses were focused on, the anxiety, the suspense, the craziness can all be felt in this show. The acting was well staged, it felt real and you could feel the pain of each actor. It's also before it's time. This was before the #MeToo movement but it gave insight to what life is like when elite men are accused of sexual misbehavior.

Has Comedian and National Treasure Paul Cobley, done the unspeakable, is he a sex offender?

A story that was surely inspired by the shocking case of Jimmy Saville, this makes you contemplate whether or not someone that is nationally loved, could be guilty of that worse possible crimes.

I really did enjoy this, it's a thought provoking, well made and supremely well acted series. It does perhaps play out, and even conclude the way too expect it to, but the journey itself is worth going on, it's the impact not just on the accused and accusers, but those directly associated also.

It's very well made and presented, good production values, it looks quite arty.

The acting is the key strength, Coltrane and Walters shine through, as do the entire cast, Andrea Riseborough, Tim McInnerny and Susan Lynch all impressed.

Worth seeing, 7/10.

Watching Andrea Riseborough's character in this film is the real treasure. Fantastic job from years gone past. It's hard to tell who(m) this story is based on but it doesn't matter. The seediness, manipulation and deceit is true enough. This is a very dark film that is not for everyone. The method of slowly unraveling or diving into the depths of sick and/or greedy or self-absorbed humans is disturbing and will stay with you. I felt there were a few holes. Some stuff purposely left to your imagination, but some unresolved. It was well made, and again, worth watching Riseborough's performance as a younger actor.