Life After Life

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 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!

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.

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.

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.