Ladies in Black

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.

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.

If you haven't watched the movie then you will love this series. This shouldn't be compared to the other versions. It should be reviewed based on its standalone story.

Loved this show, it was entertaining and light but still left me with food for thought in terms of culture and how it changes. I do wish there had been even more visuals of the fashions of that time period, just the gowns wasn't enough for me. Music in the series was from a mix of different eras, however, still managed to capture the right mood for the moments.

The acting all around was great and Miranda Otto took the cake.

I really hope they do a follow up season introducing some new characters and stories to get behind.

This is a period piece if you don't like period pieces you will hate it. This drama is set at the beginning of the 60s and you can see the mind set in many of these people. This shows how minds are being changed from very narrow to more worldly. If you liked other period pieces from down under you will like this series. It reminds me of the "The Doctor Blake Mysteries" series in many ways. The language and mannerisms are well done and the "Sexual" problems are well dealt with. A pushy supervisor is dealt with as a simple firing when today they would be arrested and a large settlement would happen. All in all not a bad piece and the next "year" should be better.

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.