Les orphelins de Liverpool

This is certainly a gripping drama, though I doubt that Britons can be proud of it as, although it does feature two fine British actors in the lead roles, it is an Australian production with mostly Australian cast and almost totally Australian crew and completely Australian post production at ABC TV studio in Sydney. Yes the BBC did help fund the project and has a Co-Producer credit but to claim it as a British production is a complete mistake. Australian producers, directors, cinematographer, sound, editing, sound post production and facilities. An interesting side note is that the Austrlaian producer, Steven Knapman, adopted the Keven, who plays 'Bert' with such tragic realism. The production could only skim the surface of some of the real deprivation and brutality suffered in the ill-conceived child migration scheme that ran from the late 1930's through to the 1970s.

Unmissable film about orphans who have been shipped off to Australia then later finding out that one fifteen year old girl isn't an orphan after all. Beautiful film, full marks. This one really sets you thinking, unjustly unheard of by most. Even though I only saw it about two and a half years, ago I still find it great.

If you are reading this, you have truly stumbled across something out standing! let's just forget about all the Hollywood films you may have seen and get back to reality for an hour and a half! The majority of the acting in this mini series is just incredible,and we are talking about children here! Usually British child actors are dismal,but in this instance it is not to be. I watched this film in the presence of a huge guy who's idea of fun is to have a battle in a bar after drinking and watching football,this film brought him to his knees. Christine Tremarco and the rest of the cast need a medal for this!

This film is a one off,you will not see anything like this again if you live to be 200 years old. This is the story of young children who have been shipped off to Australia believing their parents no longer wanted them,which wasn't the case here. The children were lead to believe they were being taken in for postures greener,how wrong could they be?

Be warned, this film is brutal and some may be sick to their stomach, but you have to watch it,it will give you an insight on life itself! Plus remember,this really happened it's not fiction,which with that in mind makes it more hard hitting!

Because I live in Australia and most of the speech in Leaving of Liverpool was spoken in a very heavy English accent, I couldn't tell what was being said some of the time. However, I have to say that the acting of the two main cast members, Kevin Jones and Christine Tremarco, was absolutely fantastic. Their raw, honest depictions of their characters (Bert and Lily) gave so much extra depth to the story and truly made the audience feel the terrible anguish of the experiences that the children went through.

This gripping, moving and sometimes disturbing portrayal is so powerful that it will leave you deep in contemplation but at the same time hand you a sizeable chunk of cheery satisfaction, for this drama boasts a finely executed array of acting talents that make this lengthy time piece perfectly believable. A UK drama that Britons can be truly proud of.

PJW