Ladies in Black

How does a network get it so wrong? Absolutely want my time back after watching this. The movie had more heart, believable story telling and characters then this mess.

So instead go watch the movie because that was more enjoyable then what the network gave the cast to work with like a script and a better cast.

IMO this cured by insomnia and made me get up off the lounge to turn off by episode 2. Such a shame this is as slow paced as it is because it had so much potential to be great but really let down. And In my opinion let down by the script, pacing and actors looking like they'd rather be anywhere else.

Feel free to skip! You won't miss much. A rare FAIL from abc.

Bit of a fan of the film, so was interested in watching this.

Set a few months after the film.

First disappointment was, it seems, no actors from the film are in this series. I didn't really expect Julia Ormond and Angourie Rice, but thought some of the others in the cast might have reprised their role. I can only assume the producers didn't bother to ask any of them?

The closest we get is "Marlow" character is mentioned in the film and the character gets an on screen presence is in the series. Also I think "Miss Cartwright" character, from the film, is mentioned in the first episode and why her character isn't in the series.

Overall I found it to be a bit more of a soap opera and felt the writing did let the actors down at times.

The acting is fine by the main actors, but some of the other roles I felt there was a bit of over acting happening, and that one or two of the roles were mis-cast.

Lovely, light, easy to watch drama.

Yes the faces are too fillered, accents too fake, themes too laboured, but if you park all that it's great! The cast are good and you can't help falling for the characters and being genuinely interested in what happens next.

Really enjoyable and can't wait for series 2!

This is a delightfully light & entertaining yet accurate & dark portrayal of Australia's behaviour to post war immigrants & women seeking financial independence through work.

Set in the early 1960's there are glorious vintage gowns, heritage facades & stylish cars to create a delicious backdrop.

Although filmed elsewhere.. ( regional VIC?) I could have sworn it was filmed in Sydney's iconic Elizabeth Street store.

I remember the piano playing as you entered and took the escalator up to the temple of fashion with its gorgeous gowns kept safely out of reach of young girls greedy eyes & suspected sticky fingers.

As the story of each woman unfolds, we witness the past gender power imbalance & snobbery that was commonplace at the time while being gently soothed by fabulous dresses, hair & makeup.

The fashions may have changed but the memories & bad behaviour sadly linger. I am reminded to be grateful to those who cut a path before me & that everything and nothing changes when it comes to relationships.

I enjoyed this series. Debi Mazar is mesmerising as Magda, playing against type and she nails it. Miranda Otto gives a brilliant nuanced performance. Some of the other characters are a little wooden. It's a fascinating glimpse into 1960's Australian life. The running of the department store, University life and the migrant experience are well portrayed. The fashions were enjoyable however I'm glad we've moved on. The music score worked well. Overall it's a lighthearted series however we feel Magda's angst. It's interesting to be reminded of a the restrictions of a woman's lot and the burden on men to provide in those times. This is handled well and not rammed down the audiences throat.