douglasgcoc

Great camera work and as a film a quite original idea with some thoughts to ponder but very bleak. Aryan Dashi, the refugee, is the sole sympathetic character with maybe also the struck-off doctor looking after him, initially for exploitation, redeemed at the end. I have been to Hungary years ago and saw good things but this film wouldn't attract me!

This (with the second series now under way and the first episode of this great fun and hilarious) is surely one of the best or maybe the best of British TV comedies at the moment. David Mitchell is perfectly cast as the Bard and I love his musings (e.g. on his contribution to the English language and how things might be centuries hence) and his rants (e.g. his echoing complaints about London to Stratford travel). The Shakespeare plays as his activity are interlaced brilliantly into Upstart Crow and the dialogue sizzles superbly.

Great touches include the quality of the cast overall and their delivery, the costumes, the Brummie accents at Will's Stratford home, the plotting, and the frequent echoing amusing dialogue topical in our time too (such as Shakespeare's travel complaints and Kate's equality assertions).

I have found this show very funny albeit it will not quite measure up to Blackadder yet. However Ben Elton has a bit of time to work on this....

Robert Greene is maybe the weak point as an ineffectual pantomime villain. Then again, as a light hearted but not light weight comedy maybe he doesn't detract but helps the friendly theatrical period atmosphere of Upstart Crow. Likewise, the inclusion of audience laughter.

Very good and detailed knowledge of Shakespeare and his plays not necessary to enjoy.

I think the show is OK overall with occasional funny moments from Richard's therapy interactions. The various actors are good but play unpleasant people on the whole (Richard maybe not too bad) making this comedy a bit bleak regarding human nature and a bit.....depressing!