Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit

Because the filmmakers obviously tried to make a close adaptation of Jeanette Winterson's semi-autobiographical novel, as an avid Winterson fan, I cannot help comparing the film with the book. It would be extremely challenging to preserve Winterson's unique, postmodern literary quality in the adapted film.

In the original novel, Winterson objectively examines coming-of-age experiences of an orphan who is adopted to evangelist parents and finds herself a lesbian. The objectivity remains in the film to some extent; a lot of dramatic happenings are quietly described and never get emotional. However, the nature of the film media inevitably forces the audience to identify themselves with protagonist Jess. The analytical aspect of reading Winterson is lost, and if compared, the film just follows the plotline more plainly than the novel does.

Aside from Winterson, the film is a decently executed prototypical British film, on the tradition of British New Wave and Channel 4 productions, and worth watching.

It's an excellent portrail of cults that are around the world and how they brainwash their children into becomin very sickly minded, and how they struggle to come out of it and keep their sanity.

Definately worth watching! take my word for it!

Well-acted, sometimes touching, sometimes shocking, story of a young English woman's coming of age and coming to terms with her lesbianism.

Her homophobic parents oppress her unmercifully, but she makes some friends who help her thru her crises to become a strong person. Definitely worth a look!

This made-for-television gem is made all the more poignant by the untimely death of Charlotte Coleman (Jess)in 2001. Ms. Coleman provides a touching and heart felt performance. The cult-like nature of her upbringing along with her strength in the face of such almost fanatical religiosity shows the value of forbearance in the face of such adversity. The entire cast provide solid and almost chillingly real acting within the storyline. Jess is the epitome of forgiveness and understanding given the predicament she finds herself in. This program is well worth a look if only for the thought provoking nature of the subject matter. This film received several awards and stands the test of time. In a way the production was ahead of its time with its frank assessment of Jess's personality. You can't runaway from your self.

I have been watching a lot of my old favourites recently and I can't heap enough praise on this adaptation. I'm not a great reader, but this bbc show was just brilliant. The acting, everything. Geraldine McEwan and Charlotte Coleman were both outstanding. The first episode was so funny and endearing, the soundtrack happy and upbeat, a young Emily Aston just lovely, but you knew darker things were to come, how could they not? People don't like to see others happy when they are miserable themselves it seems. I think every school syllabus should have had a book like this included instead of the usual boring heteronomative drivel I was forced to read waay back in the 80's when I was struggling with my sexuality myself. Brilliant show back then and is just as brilliant today.