Category Archives: Drama

2014, Asperger's Syndrome, Based on true facts, Biographical, British, Bullying, Computer geeks, Detective, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Dysfunctional Lives, Flirting, Gay theme, Homophobia, Military, Spy Theme, Suicide, Suspense, War, WWII

The Imitation Game (2014)

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From NetFlix:

Chronicling mathematical wizard Alan Turing’s key role in Britain’s successful effort to crack Germany’s Enigma code during World War II, this historical biopic also recounts how his groundbreaking work helped launch the computer age.

War is complicated business involving heroism, boring minutiae, and a great deal of good or bad luck. Imagine the daily grind of trying to break Germany’s Enigma code, made even more difficult by the clash of egos and arrogant military personnel. Add to that Alan Turing’s Asberger-Syndrome-like personality.

Only a gifted actor like Benedict Cumberbatch could undertake the role of Alan Turing so successfully. Of course, he often plays bizarre characters such as his TV role as Sherlock Holmes.

Keira Knightley is the perfect accompaniment to Turing’s idiosyncrasies. But be sure to read the Wikipedia article that clarifies Turing’s relation to the code breaker Joan Clarke.

As a faithful viewer of “Downton Abbey” I was happy to see Allen Leech in the role of John Cairncross. His place in the plot shows the precarious position of homosexuals in the British society of those times. Blackmail was a serious possibility.

Without further ado, I can only say DO NOT MISS!

2012, Acceptable for children, British, Clever Plot, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Feel Good For All, Good Brother - Bad Brother, Love Story, Marital Infidelity, Netflix Streaming, Suspense

The Scapegoat (2012)

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FromNetFlix;

Soon after meeting his doppelgänger, schoolteacher John Standing is duped into taking the man’s place at the head of an aristocratic but troubled family. As Standing grows into his new identity, he learns that his lookalike has sinister intentions.

Good story, good acting, and good suspense makes this British drama a wonderful surprise. Best of all, you can stream from NetFlix or get a DVD. At the end of the film you hold your breath waiting to see what really happened.

There is not a single actor I recognized except for Eileen Atkins who plays Lady Spence. She was Ruth Ellingham in “Doc Martin”.

For an evening of adult, well-done, feel-good drama DO NOT MISS!

1976, Crude Talk, Cynical, Drama, Preachy, Satire, Sex Scenes, TV Culture, TV news industry, Unscrupulous drive to power

Network (1976)

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From NetFlix:

When a network news anchor loses his mind on the air, his outrageous rants reach viewers at home, boost the ratings and intrigue a pair of cutthroat network executives in this Oscar-winning masterpiece that predicted today’s rash of trash television.

Thanks to a fellow movie fan after reading my review for “Nightcrawler” who suggested that I should have seen “Network” first. Indeed, to borrow from my neighbor again, the depiction of the pandering sensationalist behavior in “Network” was a precursor to today’s trash TV (reality TV anyone?).

In at least one respect, the film feels dated: the speech delivery is loud, almost shouting oratory. It could take awhile to get used to this unrelenting patter. If you think Peter Finch (as Howard Beale) shouts a lot, just wait for the reprimand speech delivered to Howard Beale by Ned Beatty (as Arthur Jensen) whose message is “Money Is Everything”. Another way to put this is to say that the film is preachy.

Another impression for me was that “Network” was a bit like “Mad Men” meets “Nightcrawler”. Much like “Mad Men” we witness the merciless win and lose of jobs, positions, and sanity.

Whether Faye Dunaway (as Diana Christensen) is capable of love comes in question when the aging William Holden (as Max Schumacher) leaves his wife for Diana. In one clever scene she and Max make love while during the entire love-making session she jabbers on non-stop about network business.

In some sense the film is scary, possibly because it holds too much truth. But from a historical perspective, I am very glad I saw this 40 year old film which in many aspects has not aged at all.

2014, Based on a Book, Bloody scenes, Clever Plot, Dark, Detective, Drama, Dysfunctional Lives, Explicit sex, Grim, Lawyers, Marital Infidelity, Murder, Nudity, Psychological Thriller, Revenge, Sex Scenes, Sociopath, Suspense, Violent

Gone Girl (2014)

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From Netflix:

Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name, this unsettling thriller follows the mercurial Nick Dunne, who finds himself dogged by police and caught in a media maelstrom after he becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance.

Even though I had already read Gillian Flynn’s novel (in an e-book that contains her first three novels) awhile back, in fact long enough to forget all the marvelously designed details, the film is just as tense and scary. Thankfully the film stays close to the book. For me, however, one sad exception is that in the book Nick’s last words to Amy are outstandingly appropriate, but the movie does not use those words. Hint: read the book instead.

Watching Rosamund Pike (as Amazing Amy) lie so cleverly (with the superb acting to match the lies) is to see a cracker-jack job of meta-acting (does that sense?). In other words she is the perfect sociopath.

Lo and behold Doogie Howser, aka Neil Patrick Harris, plays Amy’s former sweetheart Desi Collins. His part did not require much effort.

In case you seem to recognize the Television Tigress named Sela Ward, she is played by Sharon Schieber who was Stacy Warner in the TV series “House MD”.

In general the books by Gillian Flynn that I have read are very very dark. This film is no exception. Do NOT watch this film before bedtime.

2014, Basically Sad, Catholic culture, Drama, Feel Good Not For Children, Gay theme, Love Story, Quiet, Sensitive treatement of emotions, Wonderful acting

Love Is Strange (2014)

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From Netflix:

After 28 years together, Ben and George finally get hitched. But when the marriage raises controversy at the school where George works, he’s fired. Unable to afford their New York City apartment, the couple is forced to live apart.

Poignant is the first adjective that comes to mind. Despite the fact that real life always seems to get in the way, you could call this a “feel good” film. As the Netflix summary indicates Ben and George (played to perfection by John Lithgow and Alfred Molina respectively) must live apart until something better happens. Meanwhile it is the living with kind relatives or friends that is so difficult for everyone concerned. Their uncomfortable presence either (in Ben’s case) interferes with the family life of their hosts or shows (in George’s case) how badly the guest’s age matches the other inhabitants.

What is striking is how many times the camera lingers on a face, on a scene, or on someone’s great sadness. But that lingering is entirely appropriate. Note especially the scene in which Ben’s nephew Joey silently morns someone’s death.

If you are at all homophobic, this film will be uncomfortable for you (or quite possibly it may nudge your attitude). Otherwise this sensitive story is

A MUST SEE!

2012, 2013, 2014, Abduction, Addiction, Alcoholism, American Indian culture, Based on a Book, Bloody scenes, Car Chase, Cowboy, Crime, Divorce, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Drugs, Father-daughter relations, Forensics, Horse story, Love Story, Murder Investigation, Netflix Streaming, Race Relations, Revenge, Stalker, TV Series, Western

Longmire (2012)

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From Netflix:

Based on the Walt Longmire mystery novels by Craig Johnson, this contemporary crime thriller focuses on a Wyoming sheriff who’s rebuilding his life and career following the death of his wife.

First review was for Seasons 1-4. See below for later seasons.

IMDB offers a better summary:

Walt Longmire is the charismatic, dedicated and unflappable sheriff of Absaroka County. Widowed only a year, Longmire is a man in psychic repair that buries his pain behind a brave face and dry wit. Struggling since his wife’s death and at the urging of his daughter, Cady, Longmire knows that the time has come to turn his life around. With the help of Vic, a female deputy new to the department, he becomes reinvigorated about his job and committed to running for re-election. When Branch, an ambitious, young deputy decides to run against him for sheriff, Longmire feels betrayed but remains steadfast in his dedication to the community. Longmire often turns to close friend and confidant Henry Standing Bear for support as he sets out to rebuild both his personal and professional life, one step at a time.

“Longmire” is available on disc or streamed from Netflix. There are three seasons: Season 1 offers 10 episodes. Season 2 offers 13 episodes, and Season 3 offers 10 episodes. Seasons 3 and 4 can now be streamed from NetFlix.

Seasons 3 and 4 both end with serious cliff-hangers. Stay tuned for season 5.

Once you start down the “Longmire” path you will almost certainly be hooked. Running throughout the series are themes such as the murder of the wife of sheriff Walt (Robert Taylor), his relation with his daughter Cady (Cassidy Freeman), his friendly rivalry with his deputy Branch (Bailey Chase), and the antagonism between the white men and the nearby Cheyenne reservation.

Plot lines, scripts, acting, and local color are all excellent. Of course there is violence and a small bit of gore (headless horse, anyone?), but after all this is a “modern” Western. Only Walt is the Luddite who refuses to own a cellphone.

You won’t be sorry, DO NOT MISS!

SEASON 6:

Season 6 has 10 episodes, each running between 60 and 70 minutes.

There are two parts to this season:

Part 2 involves several topics:  tracking down heroin dealers targeting the the Indian reservation which involves Jacob Nighthorse and  Malachi Strand;  Sheriff’s assistant Victoria ‘Vic’ Moretti must face up to her father; Walt’s daughter Cady runs into trouble with the tribe and finds a love interest;  Sheriff’s assistant The Ferg has challenges with a bank robber and romance;  Henry Standing Bear plays a major part.

2005, Abduction, Addiction, Alcoholism, Alzheimer's disease, Based on a Book, Bloody scenes, Clever Plot, Corruption, Crime, Dark, Depression, Detective, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Drug Dealers, Father-daughter relations, Forensics, Gay theme, Interest in dogs, Kidnapping, Lesbian Theme, Made For TV, Marital Infidelity, Murder Investigation, Netflix Streaming, Police Corruption, Revenge, School Teacher, Sex Scenes, Suicide, Suspense, Swedish, Swedish crime series, Teenagers, Tragedy, Violent, Well developed plot

Swedish Wallander (2005-2012)

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From Netflix:

Detective Kurt Wallander is an intense, headstrong maverick who’s prone to eating poorly, sleeping irregularly and drinking too much. Wallander relies on instinct and experience and doesn’t shy away from using illegal means to solve crimes.

Kathy and I have just finished stream-bingeing on all the Swedish Wallander episodes of which there are many. Cable TV gets worse each day and we were grateful to have something well-written, well-acted, and gripping to watch in the evening. Thank you, Netflix. “Gripping” is an important keyword (picture Kathy leaving the room during violent encounters).

To be precise about numbers of episodes:

Season 1 comprises 13 episodes.
Season 2 comprises 13 episodes.
Season 3 comprises 6 episodes.

Henning Mankell’s Kurt Wallander is a dedicated (even better – obsessed) detective whose personal life is one of drinking, loneliness, and coldness to his family. In other words, he is a mess. To his credit, the Swedish actor Krister Henriksson portrays such a man to perfection. However, as in often the case in such types of TV series, as much time is spent exploring his relations with others as in solving murder cases. For example, “Dicta“, which I have strongly recommended is cast in the same mold.

Quite a bit of camera footage is devoted to leisurely scanning the Swedish landscape and waterways. Wallander and his beloved dog Jussi take many walks on the beach outside his house.

During the course of the three seasons, characters come and go, never to be seen again.

Season 3 ends tragically. But I will not say more because that would be a spoiler. If you want to know what I mean, then send me email.

Once again, if you enjoy intense detective procedurals DO NOT MISS either “Dicta” or “Wallander”.

Be aware that there is also the Kenneth Branagh “Wallander” English series from Masterpiece Mystery.

2013, Bloody scenes, Child abuse, Crime thriller, Detective, Divorce, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Dysfunctional Lives, Forensics, Journalist, Lesbian Theme, Love Story, Marital Infidelity, Medical Theme, Melodrama, MHz Choice, Mother-daughter relations, Mother-son relations, Murder Investigation, Netflix Streaming, Revenge, Sex Scenes, Suicide, Suspense, Swedish, Swedish crime series, Teenagers, Thriller, TV Series, Unmarried mother, Violent

Dicte (2013)

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From Netflix:

A crime reporter starts a new life by returning to her hometown, where she finds herself at odds with the police when she tries to solve their cases.

UPDATE: From MHz Choice you can now stream 3 seasons of Dicte. The stories and writing continue to be captivating and suspense filled. Currently (January 2020) there is a new episode of season 3 released each Tuesday.

OLD REVIEW ————————————————————-

No doubt about it, streaming is taking over. Just today (Dec 9,2014) the papers echo complaints that Netflix streaming is threatening cable TV. No surprise there seeing how cable offerings continue to worsen.

From Netflix I streamed 10 wonderful episodes of the only season made of the Swedish thriller “Dicte”. If you loved the Swedish “Wallander” you will be ecstatic over “Dicte”. Dicte is the character name of the lead actress who is a newspaper crime reporter dedicated to uncovering the truth often by using methods not legally available to the police.

More than crime solving, the series is equally if not more concerned with the personal lives of Dicte and all the people surrounding her. In this respect you can call it a melodrama. Expect to see married couples break up, exchange partners, and so forth: today’s operative word is “blended”.

As with “Wallander” the sound track is in Swedish with English subtitles.

DO NOT MISS either “Wallander” or “Dicte”!

2007, Abduction, British Mystery Series, Detective, Divorce, Drama, Father-daughter relations, HBO Streaming, Made For TV, Marital Infidelity, Melodrama, Murder Investigation, Race Relations, Sensitive treatement of emotions, Sex Scenes, Violent

Five Days (2007)

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From IMDB:

A five-part miniseries that revolves around the disappearance of a young mother in a quiet British suburb and the circumstances that leave her children abandoned far from home.

From Netflix:

Each season of this innovative crime thriller focuses on the most significant five days in a particular police investigation. The series delves into variety of cases, including missing persons, infant abandonment and suicide.

If your are looking for a British detective mystery TV series that is well-written, well-acted, and has a good beginning, middle, and ending, then “Five Days” is for you. HBO streams the series.

By now, if you have watched enough British TV series, you will recognize many of the British actors:

Matt Wellings (played by David Oyelowo [Louis Gaines in “The Butler”]) has a wife Leanne and three children, the youngest of which is Rosie. One day Leanne and Rosie go missing. Among the police we find DS Amy Foster (played by Janet McTeer [Mrs. Dashwood in Masterpiece Classic “Sense and Sensibility”]) and DSI Iain Barclay (played by Hugh Bonneville [Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham in “Downton Abbey”]). Rosie is soon found. But Leanne’s disappearance is a torture for her parents Barbara Poole (played by Penelope Wilton [Isobel Crawley of “Downton Abbey”]) and John Poole (played by Patrick Malahide [Balon Greyjoy of “Game of Thrones”]).

Within the plot are subplots: Barbara and John Poole are whites who disapprove of Matt who is black; Leanne is divorced from a cad but Leanne’s child by him is white and dislikes her stepfather Matt; Leanne was close to her grandfather Victor who is cold to his daughter Barbara Poole; Victor favors his nurse Hazel Betts over his own daughter and that nurse is the mother of another important character Kyle Betts.

Despite the large number of characters, the plot is well-constructed and not really confusing. More than anything the emotional content is what is important.

Well worth your time, in fact DO NOT MISS!

2012, Abduction, Computer geeks, Could Be Sad, Detective, Divorce, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Dysfunctional Lives, Father-daughter relations, Father-son relations, Irish, Netflix Streaming, Prison, Prostitutes, Suicide, Teenagers, TV Series

Amber (2012)

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From Netflix:

Recently separated, Ben and Sarah Bailey find their lives turned upside down when their daughter Amber fails to return home one evening.

Because I watched “Hinterland” Netflix suggested that I stream, among others, “Hidden” and “Amber”. “Hidden” has been reviewed.

“Amber” is one season, 4 episodes, streamable only. Never before have I seen used the “time gimmick” in this Irish TV series. As the story progresses, we often see on the screen only a calendar page telling us what day of the search for Amber we have reached. Do not be confused by the fact that the story repeats over and over. Hence, you may see the same day more than once. No, you haven’t gotten the episodes confused. But at each repeat you see some old scenes repeated but with some new addition, giving you the distinct impression of deja vu.

Acting, writing, personal connections and plot are all good. HOWEVER … usually I don’t include spoilers (i.e. giving away some part of the plot). In this case I feel compelled to do so. But I have made this page long so that you should have to scroll up to read the spoiler in case you don’t want to “spoil” the plot.

SPOILER: In season one (the only available season) Amber is never found. Many viewer/reviewers screamed in pain.

But it is definitely worth watching.