Tenko

I remember watching this with my mom when I was 12 & it still resonates with me 15 years later. There aren't very many shows/movies concerning the lives of women during World War II, and I seriously doubt anything in the future could top Tenko in terms of quality. Quality of cast, story, set design, make-up, etc. In the States, Tenko aired in the late 80's on the Arts & Entertainment Network (aka 'A&E'). During that time, A&E was primarily an outlet for WWII and British programing. It was with Tenko that I got my first taste of what the BBC could accomplish. I'd also recommend a movie called 'Bent' for its depiction of homosexuals in Nazi concentration camps. Although the plot is fictional, the premise is based on fact. 'Bent' may not be the best WWII movie but it's interesting because, like Tenko did for women, it sheds light on the plight of gays in WWII. As fascinating as Bent may be, it doesn't hold a candle to Tenko. Perhaps one day it will be released here in North America.

I saw parts of these series many years ago on TV, so when the chance came to purchase the dvds of the whole set, I grabbed them. They sat on my shelf until I had the strength to watch them, and I'm glad I waited, it's not easy viewing but compelling and addictive. Now that I am through the whole lot, I will be at a loss for a few days, I'm sure. The story is of course true, a snapshot based on a woman's experiences. The characters are flawless and the acting superb. I have laughed and cried during the re-run, and I'm amazed at how little I remember. As a post-war baby, I cannot imagine how dreadful it really was, I'm only glad we don't have smell-ovision, because I can believe it would have been pretty rancid at times. A wonderfully crafted set of programmes, the continuity and consistency of the storylines leave us wistful for those days of excellent quality tv. Too many really top class actors/actresses to mention. I loved the fact that the air-con was turned off so that we saw genuine sweat! All round perfection - I can't think of a single flaw.

I can only agree with the praise from other reviewers.

As movie reviewers Siskel and Ebert used to say, you come to care about these people.

The situations are absorbing, full of suspense and moral dilemmas, and the actresses are uniformly excellent. In subsequent years, whenever I've seen one of them again in another context (Ann Bell, Rosemary Martin, Jean Anderson, and Elizabeth Chambers have shown up in other British dramas that have played in the States), it's been like meeting an old friend.

I discovered this series when it played on A&E (back when A&E was actually "artistic" and "entertaining"), but unfortunately, I never saw the first half of the first season. I was sorry when the series ended and even more sorry that it was never repeated.

I wish that someone would rebroadcast it or that the DVDs would be made available in the States. However, people who own region-free DVD players can order the series from retailers such as Amazon UK, as I have done with this and several other series that have never been released in the U.S.

I saw this many years ago and I was riveted to the television. Historically accurate, interesting, entertaining, just plain great! The acting is stunning and no one actress outshines the other. I felt their pain, hopelessness, and I felt the sweat and dirt. I would love to read the book(s) it is based on. Paradise Road simply does not measure up to this. To see a Hollywood version of this watch "Three Came Home" with Claudette Colbert. Based on a true story by Agnes Newton Keith, the movie conveys the great pain of the incarcerated woman, but the setting is backlot Hollywood. Also, see Empire of The Sun, another great true POW story, this time focusing on a child.

I, too, wish I could see Tenko again. I hope someday it will be available in the US.

I watched this programme years ago, recently I have purchased series one and two on dvd they are still powerfull.The will to survive is very strong in human beings even in a prison camp.All aspects of life are racism loyalty and above all freindship the pain of the heroines hurts at times you laugh and cry.The acting and writing is wonderful I must mention Stephanie Cole who as the doctor is out of this world.Watch and enjoy if only the BBC could get back to this type of drama.