User reviews

Having just binge watched all four episodes, this was rather enjoyable. Sure its a little confusing, and it seems that some of the "lives" in the book have been omitted, but inclusion may have over complicated. I did think the narration was necessary and understated.

Overall, well acted (the Ursula character particularly) , well made, needs concentrations and occasional rewind to catch up on missed plot lines.

Certainly worth watching and better than a lot of the drama series currently being put out.

A refreshing change to the run of the mill period drama. Ground Hog Day mixed with Downton Abbey! Occasionally painful to watch (episode 2 was particularly harrowing) but also uplifting in parts. Certainly kept me gripped. It does drag in parts and the narration is occasionally distracting but overall excellent, including the acting and production values.

I didn't have any knowledge about the show's source material and I have never read the book, so I basically started watching this show out of boredom. However, it instantly gripped me. The characters were all very appealing to me and Thomasin McKenzie does a fantastic job as Ursula Todd. The rest of the cast was also outstanding. This series was sometimes uplifting and comedic but sometimes downright depressing. Although it isn't flawless, it definitely kept me watching.

What a pleasure it is to watch something that is intelligent and meaningful and beautifully written and brilliantly acted.

The story itself is a deep one. Philosophically and emotionally. It deals with life and death and loss and love and everything that makes up a single life. But for Ursula, a single life lived many many times

McKenzie Is an incredible actor. She brings so much depth to the character. She is an absolute joy to watch.

Adapted for TV from a popular novel with an intriguing premise - a protagonist continually being reborn with a chance to live her life again with different outcomes.

This was a quality drama with high production values, beautiful direction and cinematography and a fine classical score by Volker Bertelmann. The script by Bash Doran was well-crafted with lovely crisp dialogue and a well paced structure. The cast was strong in depth from the children right up to the protagonist Ursula.

Minor quibble would be the narration - a little over used but in general everyone was on song in this production, congrats all round, I loved it.

I have loved the book for some years - re-read it several times - so was a little nervous about the TV series. But it was perfect. Most of the scenes were almost exactly how I imagined them, and the characters too. Having the author, Kate Atkinson, involved obviously helped.

Yet my favourite scenes were ironically the ones where the series departed most from the book (which is not to say it was far), especially episode four, In many ways the TV series tied it all together better than the book did.

Even though I knew what was coming the series still packed emotional hit after hit, so I cannot imagine what someone who did not know it would make of it!

A mixed bag. Lovely sets and acting. The first episode dragged, but the second was more engaging. The third was good too, but by the fourth I was bored. Unnecessarily harrowing in places, to the point of mawkishness. But I liked the way Ursula's character changed in her different lives. Difficult to watch the mother without thinking Claire in Fleabag! 😀

I have read the book and enjoyed it very much, even if the stuff in Germany is a bit fantastical. But they changed the ending for the series!! That was a mistake - the series ending is a letdown. I won't give away what it should have been, but it means they can't make an adaptation of the sequel, A God in Ruins, which to my mind is actually a better book.

I'm a big fan of Kate Atkinson novels. So I was keen to see the adaptation of Life After Life. In my opinion, cast and crew have done a great job. It's a very intricate novel and I was concerned it wouldn't work on screen.

I really enjoyed it and Thomasin McKenzie is a wonderful young actress.

Did you ever notice how, in polite society, we never discuss that which we fear most? This is the case with reincarnation, a process, according to doctrine, each of us must experience. And more than once. Any film or series that tackles this topic is by definition, brave. Especially if done well. This series handles the topic brilliantly. It is in the same class as CLOUD ATLAS, a film on my IMDb list of the best films ever (more below). The purpose of the series, perhaps like the purpose of the process it is so determined to explore, appears to be merely to get one thinking and pondering. And it succeeds at that purpose. Brilliantly. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

I don't know if I'm being unfair with my rating. I read the book a number of years ago and found it thought provoking, probably would have given the book a nine. Must admit though, I was half way through the book before I figured out what was happening. A difficult book to adapt, I would suggest people read the book. I think if I had not read the book and understood the premise I probably wouldn't have continued watching. It started a bit boring and I could see people Baling halfway though episode one. Give it time it gets better but I still kept comparing it to the book. I prefer the ending of the book more than the series. Love Kate Atkinsons books.

When I saw Kate Atkinson's outstanding novel 'Life After Life' was being adapted, I was quietly hopeful, but also nervous as the book seems 'unadaptable'.

However, one episode in and I quickly realised this is a faithful, captivating and engaging adaption of the novel. First of all the casting is incredible. I especially loved the casting of Sylvie & Hugh, Ursula's parents. Ursula herself is beautifully portrayed by various actresses.

Although the story has a repetitive element, each 'life' had its own special moments to keep you engaged. Set against the backdrop of war and this becomes a unique period drama that stays with you.

10/10, couldn't fault it.

Was unsure about this at first as it sounded a little odd, but I was soon totally hooked. The key notion is one of "what if" - what would our life be like if, at key moments, we made a different choice? It makes a very thought provoking story.

But for me, the story is only one aspect. Its based in a period where life was simpler. Although this is shattered by the backdrop of conflict, and with current world events, seems very relevant.

The cinematography is terrific, with certain "devices" signifying key moments in the episodes. The actors are all very well cast, and their acting excellent. Particularly Thomasin McKenzie who plays Ursula, the main character.

My only grumble, is why was it tucked away on BBC2? There is so much rubbish currently on the UK's premier channel - BBC1, why did it not displace some of this?

Anyway, well worth a watch...

Life After Life: A cycle of life, death and rebirth from 1910 to the 1940s. Ursula sometimes dies at birth, at times a child, a teenager, an adult. Dies from accidents, suicide, murder, a bombing victim. In one instance she changes history by assassinating a tyrant. This is indeed a tale of the Multiverse traversed by one person, But a person who starts to remember past lives, how this affects their actions and their subsequent treatment is teased out in this adventurous and engaging series. Thomasinn MacKenzie is wonderful as the teen/adult Ursula. Directed by John Crowley, Screenplay by Bathsheba Doran, adapted from the novel by Kate Atkinson. Four episodes on BBC2 amd BBC iPlayer. 8/10.

Conceivably, this is something you need to stick with to appreciate just how wonderful it is. Also - some elements are harrowing - hence, conceivably, it could have a detrimental effect on a watcher whose spirits are not in the best place.

I thought this was a wonderful drama. After the first episode, I was moved at different points during all the resulting episodes. Wonderful...

Phenomenal performances by the entire cast - but especial plaudits go to Thomasin McKenzie, who played versions of the adult protagonist, persistently maintaining a sense of stoicism combined with vulnerability - yet also incorporated differing characteristics in accordance with the experiences she had endured,.

A remarkable piece of television - if only there were more of this calibre...

Halfway through episode one and already very confused by the timing. It appears WW1 begins when Ursula is 10, yet she would have been 4 at its start and 8 when it ends. She also appears to have an older sister who's clearly younger than her! Also, the children's swimming costumes are generally far too Victorian for the time. This is highly distracting when it's crucial to pay attention to the variations in the story. Having said that it is beautifully shot and does what it can to reflect the values of the time, though within the confines of what's acceptable today. Any reference to DA is however misleading. The family is middle class, although it seems to run on a very small staff for that era. I am enjoying the whole idea, which is something I've considered, and it's interesting to see it developed.

Life After Life on BBC2 is undoubtedly the best adaptation/drama series I've seen on tv for a very long time. Superb acting by the entire cast & wonderful production values. Binge watched the entire series on iPlayer & worth the licence fee alone just for a drama like this!!