The Messenger

Wonderful adaptation of Marcus Zusak's novel. Even better than the book. I loved the writing, the fabulous characters and people I actually cared about.

Will McKenna is a beautiful actor, so incredibly watchable. He was supported by an amazing ensemble. So lovely to see a feel good Australian series with a big heart.

So many great moments and imagery, the multi coloured pills falling from the sky, raining down on Ritchie, and the whole scene with Ritchie showing Ed her typical day, seeing all the magic in the ordinary.

It's a show that gets better and better, the last two episodes are brilliant. I laughed and I cried in equal measures.

The tale completes after 8 episodes. It's a mini series, not a yearly tv show. All loose ends are tied neatly at the end. I do see a tendency for others to stop watching after or 3 episodes, . But if you simply march past you will be glad you did. Everything happened for a reason, there is no filler.

It is a whimsical tale, with flawed human beings coping as they can. It is also a tale of deep friendship, and deep loyalty. This is one of the most rewarding parts of the series. Friendship is a strong glue here.

The lead character has a natural caring warm personality, and can be selfless to a fault. He does not force it. It is who he is. The friends love each other, and where it may go further it does not hurt their deep friendship.

This is a great family watch for awards 14 and up. There are a small number sexual encounters though no nudity and brief. More implied than acted out. There is mild cursing , also used sparingly. The show manages to touch upon a wide number of social issues and coming of age topics.

The ending is satisfying and worth the journey. Acting is superb.

There are moments in The Messenger that are some of the most beautiful and heartfelt I have seen on television. I am talking about the young actors who play the four friends, each undergoing unresolved crises in their lives. The interplay between them is wonderful to watch, wrenching at times. None more so than William McKenna who plays the titular role and nails his character with a gifted array of non-verbal communication, a glance here, an anguished look there. He is never less than compelling to watch and surely great things lie ahead of him.

The series is a nice change from the usual fare and it is good to see quality Australian drama. Production values are top notch and cinematographer Geoff Hall evokes a period feel even though the story is rooted in the present.

The episodes unfold slowly and there is a dip in momentum about half-way through, but stay with it as the final episodes resolve into a satisfyingly warm conclusion that will stay with you for a long time.

For me the acting, cast, direction, and production values are all fine, it's the script that is the problem. I've watched 5 episodes so far and I'm really struggling to get much further, it's becoming repetitive and less interesting as it goes on. As soon as I heard Cowboy Junkies Sweet Jane being played around episode 2 or 3 they really lost me, it just reminded me how cliche the show was. That was an edgy song for mainstream movies in the 2000's, it's just really unimaginative in the 2020's. And that is what the whole script lacks, imagination. The writers needed to go on some kind of Thai full moon party retreat or Peruvian assisted mediation camp. I'm sorry guys, love seeing Lithgow, but the show is boring me to tears.

I found the description intriguing. Reminded me to Ruby and the fountain. I liked that and indeed it is similar but for grown ups.

I found the acting very good, the characters are all likable and believable. Never seen them before in other movies or series but they all act great.

I do not understand some of the other reviews.

I am 60 and probably it depends how old you are and what your experiences in live are if you enjoy this or not.

I really can not say anything bad about this series. I watched every episode with joy. I only wonder how Ed the main character earns his money. But then again i can say that for all TV shows.

I hope there will be a second season.