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Reviews
The Last Kingdom: Episode #4.4 (2020)
11 stars - Battle of Tattenhall, 910
Some reviewers state the writers got it wrong. No way.
This episode has dramatic battle scenes and covers the Battle of Tattenhall (5th August 910, near Wolverhampton, England).
In the real battle, Danes travelled by boat to Mercia from Northern England, where they were well-established.
Combined forces of Anglo-Saxons from Wessex and Mercia trapped the Danes, prevented them from returning to their boats, killing thousands.
The battle virtually ended Danish occupation of the north, and the allies were free to deal with Danes who had settled further south. Final defeat of the Danes came in 937 at the Battle of Brunanburh under King Athelstan.
This is an EXCITING series, not a documentary, and of course the fighting has to be extended, otherwise it would be a 1-season show.
GREAT EPISODE.
The King (2019)
Outstanding production
I believe this to be an outstandingly fine film, especially in an era of CGI and fantastic images.
This is the story of King Henry V of England (reigned 1413-1422, died at the age of 35).
The film catches the mood of the period, and is somewhat accurate historically. Sure, there are inaccuracies, including the wonderful presence of Falstaff, who is a fictitious creation of Shakespeare.
The film ends after the Battle of Agincourt (1415) and hints of the marriage of the king to.the French princess Catherine (they married in 1420).
The direction, acting and photography are superb. Ben Mendelson plays a wonderful Henry IV; Timothee Chalomet is outstanding as Henry V; also Joel Edgerton as Falstaff.
Those who criticise the film for historical inaccuracies are missing the point. This is not a Public Television docu-drama, it's a magnificent film depicting a period in history not well known to the under-45 crowd. Olivier played the role in 1944 (Henry V) with political overtones, and stood on a cart for the famous speech about "St. Crispin's Day".
This movie is not 1944, it is not Shakespeare, but is a brilliant portrayal of life in the middle ages.
How It Ends (2018)
Really good disaster movie
So many reviewers give this ONE or TWO stars because they complain that the ending is missing. They miss the point. The ending is perfect.
This is a well made and exciting apocalyptic/ disaster movie, travelling from Chicago towards Seattle.
Early on there's a suggestion that there has been a seismic event in California, which appears to be far-reaching. The military have closed roads in Illinois; electricity and phone and radio services are out across the country.
As we travel west we see events more like a possible nuclear disaster than a localized seismic event.
The point is that the characters don't know what actually happened, and neither do we. It doesn't matter -we are with the characters as they travel west towards unknown events.
The ending is perfect.
It's a really good film. Don't let the reviews put you off.
Ivalo: Taudinkantajat (2019)
A gripping series
I am enjoying this show (streaming on Amazon Prime), and find it exciting and gripping.
Another reviewer finds it implausible, because of the quick and unopposed outcome of a child custody hearing. I was a divorce lawyer for a long time in both the UK and USA, and I agree that child custody issues in the courts are complex; but in this episode it is ancillary to the main plot and doesn't detract from the story; rather, it helps the characters develop.
Sometimes we must suspend disbelief.
I am enjoying this series, and look forward to watching Season 2.
In Defence: Episode #1.1 (2000)
worth watching
Each episode appears to be self-contained (1 hour 14 mins), about the London police and the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service, equivalent to the DA or AG's office) willing, through laziness or cover-ups, to have innocent people accused and convicted of crimes committed by others.
It's well-written, the cast is excellent, and I plan to binge-watch other episodes in the series.
It's painful to watch, only because I hate to see injustice. I'm hoping that justice will prevail at the end.
I should say that I've been a trial attorney for 46 years, and hate to see injustice.
Bedrag: Episode #3.1 (2019)
Great series 3 (episodes 21-30)
Seasons 1 and 2 are about white collar crime; Series 3 moves to money laundering and includes the underlying supply of drugs. The drug in question is hash, which is still illegal in Denmark except for medicinal purposes.
There's plenty of excitement and tension, and definitely recommended.
In the USA, I watched Season One free on Prime, but could only get Seasons 2 and 3 (episodes 11-20 and 21-30) by subscribing to TUBI. Fortunately there is a free 7 day period, so not a big deal.
Bedrag: Episode #2.1 (2016)
An excellent second season of Follow the Money
Similar to Season One (Episodes 1-10), this season is about white collar crime, and also shows why such crimes are difficult to prosecute.
There are some murders along the way - this is not a dull exercise, but cops working to stop serious criminals.
It's well acted, well produced, and a thrilling series.
In the USA, I watched Season One free on Prime, but could only get Seasons 2 and 3 (episodes 11-20 and 21-30) by subscribing to TUBI. Fortunately there is a free 7 day period, so not a big deal.
This whole series is exciting and definitely recommended.