john25burton

I really liked this film. It was on one of the obscure digital channels and we happened to notice it in the schedules. The film is full of action and yet it is totally believable as it is based, I understand, on actual events. I have always much preferred films which are understated (notwithstanding the action this one is!) as opposed to those in the bang bang shoot shoot the hero never gets shot despite 50 men firing Kalashnikovs at him at point blank range variety, if you know what I mean. I would put this film in the same category as the Harry Palmer series; Spy Who Came in from the Cold variety etc. The performance were excellent from all the leads. Brilliant combination of Aidan Quinn, Donald Sutherland (always like his films)and Ben Kingsley. They always give such believable performances. I have always thought that Aidan Quinn has not received the recognition he deserves. He can play any part and never overacts: a total natural. In Stakeout for example (not my favourite film by any means), which was essentially a black comedy, he exuded menace to the point of psychotic - brilliant. In the next film he is able to play a character for whom the audience has total sympathy.

I agree that this series was not given a fair crack of the whip. Why is it that the TV companies are so keen to dump programmes when they are not a huge instant success!? The BBC treated another excellent comedy drama, Neil Pearson's "Trevor's World of Sport" in a similar fashion. John Thomson and Joe Absolom were excellent (as usual) in this. John's portrayal of a man returning to his home town expecting to be treated as the 'prodigal son' was perfectly pitched as was Joe's nicely understated performance as the real brains behind the duo. He let Stan take the credit when in fact he usually saved the day! It reminded me of Hong Kong Fuey in a way! I thoroughly enjoyed it but had to search hard for most of the episodes in the late night schedules. I look forward to seeing the underused John Thomson in further comedy dramas in the near future.

The Arthur story is well known and is followed in epic style.This is one of those rare films which perfectly combines the spirit of the age with the legend. The great John Boorman uses the atmospheric locations (mainly the Wicklow Mountains near Dublin)to fabulous effect and the performances, particularly Nigel Terry and Nicol Williamson, are believable and passionate despite the obvious danger of parody (Terry's Cornish accent is superb). The use of Wagner was inspired and definitely plays a major part in the viewing experience. This is a film that can be watched over and over again and always provides a new dimension.