The Slap

After reading The Slap, and thoroughly enjoying it, I was quite skeptical when I heard a mini-series was being made about it. On seeing the first episode I realised that finally someone, somewhere had created an on- screen production that was really true to the original story.

Each episode is completely engaging, and though it might take a rather pessimistic view on life it isn't wrong either. I definitely recommend this to anyone, whether you've read the book or not. With so many talented actors, and such an engaging story line there isn't really a lot of room for error.

Definitely one of the best things to come out of Australian television since the original Underbelly series. 10/10 from me.

The unfulfilled lives of a number of people are brought into focus at a seemingly happy suburban get-together by the single slap of a child.

All is not as it seems as each of the protagonists lives is then laid bare in subsequent episodes of this excoriating, first-class Australian drama.Perhaps the slap is merely a catalyst for the truth to unfold. Maybe the slap needed to happen for these people to get on with their lives without the baggage of the past. Make up your own mind.

It's easy to see something of yourself in these lives and maybe that is why a couple of reviewers here have played the 'unlikeable characters' card to dismiss this adaptation. Also, I believe the female characters are strong and their friendships quite solid in spite of certain cracks appearing under pressure. If this is misogynistic writing it has eluded me. The men fare less well.

If you prefer sugary Disney-like characters going through the motions in mind-numbing scenarios, then The Slap is not for you.9/10

I have never read the book, so I watching not knowing what to expect. I thought the acting was great. I'd seen a few of the actors in films over the years (George, Okonedo and LaPaglia), but it was the ones I had never seen before that drew me in (namely, Essie Davis, Lowe and Blake Davis).

The thing I liked most about this drama is that it is never 'in your face', like the racism for example, people make a few racist 'views' rather then full on racist words, so it's all very under lining which often happens in real life. An abortion takes place, but the actual abortion is not the point and whether it is right or wrong, it just give you an insight into the character and what she is about.

As a brit my only taste of Australian TV has been fluffy shows like Neighbours/Home & Away so it was great to see some real drama coming from Australia.

The Slap has to be one of the finest pieces of drama to ever come out of Australia. It boils down to the core of our essence. No one is perfect and The Slap shows every ugly wrinkle. Many people will see a reflection of themselves, and it isn't pretty. But it is handled so deftly that you become part of their world.

Each episode focuses on one of the characters who were at a 40th birthday BBQ where booze, drugs and anger ends with a grown man slapping a small child. From here the author delves into the most inner thoughts of each character present at the BBQ. Thoughts most people would never share with even their closest friends. They lie, they cover their tracks, they live with the consequences of guilt and shame. The old man reflecting on his younger life, now disappointed with his lot, and contemplating never again having the pleasure of touching a young woman's breast. I think that is pretty powerful stuff. Not pornographic, just hitting home the reality what is going on in some people's heads.

No it isn't fun to watch, simply engaging. If you watch television to be challenged, this show serves it up in spades.

A long time since I originally saw it but I've never forgotten it. Fabulous character development and story twists and turns. Australian tv dramas just get better and better. Intricate and rewarding. I'd watch it again for sure.