MajorUmpus

This is a new creative benchmark for television drama. It could not possibly have been made by anyone but Netflix so thanks to them for taking a risk and producing such a gritty and gripping series. Wonderfully shot and edited, subtle juxtapositions that resonate as well as brilliant casting and acting accompanied by an incredible selection of music. Stand down Walter White and Tony Soprano. THere is a new Top Boy in town.

The first episode was superb.I can't wait for the next episode. Fantastic filmography, acting, makeup and costumes. Technically perfect. Vancouver was referenced several times both verbally and through the map. I am definitely not a pedant - in fact I have a very low threshold for attention to detail. However the City of Vancouver which was named after the brilliant and tragic English adventurer, explorer and diplomat George Vancouver, was not incorporated (or named) in his honour until 1886 and as this episode is placed firmly in the year of 1814 it would seem that the main character James Delaney besides being broody, moody and in touch with the supernatural is in fact also a remarkable soothsayer.

I like Adam Curtis - he is a strong force for good in this world and he usually offers a much needed balance to the usual party and partisan line. He makes the kind of films that Michael Moore would surely like to make if he didn't need the money so much. Bitter Lake attempts to explain the complex situation in Afghanistan and the history behind the UK and US failed military objectives and recent withdrawals. It is a long film and it is not told in a linear fashion. It's a sonic and visual roller coaster ride - so you had better commit time to it. Don't watch it if you are tired or seeking some benign background amusement. A few people have mentioned about the scene with the soldier and the bird. I think that they perhaps missed the irony and the juxtaposition of it. There were many other scenes that were there doing the same job. Bitter Lake is an important film because it enlightened me as to how the British Army, The Red Army and the US Army and many other Western Powers and Organisations have failed in all of their efforts to tame this wild and archaic land with their hardy, courageous, stubborn and proud people.