Sinking of the Laconia....

[Bbbananas]

BB2 last night and tonight.
Some great performances; some absolutely abysmal laughable performances and lines (I expected more gritty realism from 'Boys from the Blackstuff' writer Alan Beasdale.

Some great new faces (Mmmmmm, rather nice German captain....Ken Duken, yes please....) and makes the Germans seem human, even 'soft' at times.

I liked it, and yet laughed out loud at some of the scenes which were almost comedic in their amateurness. And yet, to think this is actually based on a true story. Incredible.

I shall watch the concluding episode tonight, and try not to laugh at the naff bits. It sure aint Bleasdale's best.... but as a story of a Nice Nazi, a true one at that, it is worth watching. Anyone else see it?

[Count-A-Strong]

I forgot about it but am quite glad I did judging by your description! We watched Not Going Out tho which was DIRE! A plot line from an episode of scooby doo and poor acting (except from Lee Mack). Still, Hustle tonight!

[Bbbananas]

I was going to watch Not Going Out but changed my mind, and switched over for what I thought would be a cultural poignant sombre history lesson.

Don't get me wrong - it is worth watching. The story itself is indeed an incredible story of humanity at its worst and best. I was just surprised it came from the pen of Alan Bleasdale - and a lot of the dialogue is excellent, but he isn't responsible for (some) of the poor acting I suppose.

[Count-A-Strong]

I find that bad acting completely detracts from the storyline. We also watched Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. Some excellent acting, typical imaginative writing from Douglas Adams AND Helen Baxendale wearing latex gloves!

[ethandron]

i watched it and thought it was very interesting and well worth seeing. a few familiar faces (that bloke from garrows law turns up everywhere lately) and tells a (true) tale that many people, myself included, have never heard about. i googled it and found out even more about what had happened too. i'd rate it maybe 7 or 8 out of 10.

[Bbbananas]

Why do the words Dirk Gently and Latex Gloves together conjure up a Doctor-In-The-House style Carry On Film?
Is it just me.......................?!!!


(right thread this time) ;-)

[Count-A-Strong]

No, it wasn't like that. Much more subtle.

[Bbbananas]

Despite some of my groans about the acting ethandron - I too would give it a 7 or an 8. I was vaguely aware of the incident prior to this film, but only vaguely.

[ethandron]

i know exactly what you mean salla, and you really wouldn't think alan bleasdale had anything to do with it. what i like about things like this is that i learn about events i had no idea about - all that loss of life, and the way the incident changed some rules.

[Bbbananas]

It's probably odd 'for a girl', but I love films, series etc about WW1, WW2, vietnam, etc etc. As well as being informative & educational, events like these wars should never to be allowed to be forgotten.
Ssome of the acts of bravado are breathtaking, the young men sent to certain slaughter incredulous.

The BF and I watched Band of Brothers last christmas, and this christmas are halfway through the boxed set of Pacific. Great stuff - I don't mean just for entertainment, just a reminder of the bravery and stupidity and waste of war.