If you can watch BBC TV then...

[proton45]

Originally Posted by PeterPanPan

I am attempting to put my finger on the reasons why, but I was rather disapointed by it. PPanPan

I have not read the book....and maybe thats why I enjoyed the BBC show. Also, I tend to be a bit more "forgiving", when it comes to TV shows and movies....a TV program has to be pretty bad for me to feel let down. I think I tend to look for the good in a production....I dont expect much from Hollywood, ect...so I'm not often "let down".

For anyone who hasn't seen it...give it a chance, its not that bad.

[philip.ed]

Originally Posted by PeterPanPan

I am attempting to put my finger on the reasons why, but I was rather disapointed by it. The best and certainly most moving pieces were the visuals and audio of GW himself. I would have preferred much more of him than a drama which, in my opinion, missed too many crucial parts of the book and failed to inspire the viewer in the way the book does. And as for the many scenes with Grace ... I found these both unecessary and uncomfortable to watch and, as they were not in the book, am left wondering as to their authenticity. I just wish Spielberg and his budget could have been thrown at this to make something more akin to Band of Brothers. Imagine a first person, shaky view as GW scrambled to his Spit etc. etc.

I think that Brian Kingcome's portrayal, and the way he treated GW, was unnecessarily harsh. I understand there was a certain aloofness, borne out of necessity to protect one's emotions. However, IMHO having read both First Light and BK's A Willingness to Die, BK's character was over cooked.

Also, although not crucial to the essence of the story, you'd think the makers would have made an effort to get the aircraft markings a) correct and b) consistent, even if incorrect. 92 Sqn's code was 'QJ' but aircraft were marked with 'AI' which has never been used for any Squadron. Maybe it stood for Artificial Intelligence, a nod towards the CGI used?! GW's aircraft also seemed to change in the same scene, for example, the 'lost in a storm' sequence.

I really think the BBC missed a golden opportunity here to do so much better and to inspire and educate future generations about what it really meant to be one of The Few.

PPanPan

I agree. Although they were on a budget, I can't understand why they had to have the spitfire mark 9(?) and also why a load of scenes were shot in reciprocal, so it was like looking at them in a mirror.
Not as good as the book. A good opportunity missed IMO.

[Cap Loz]

Originally Posted by philip.ed

I agree. Although they were on a budget, I can't understand why they had to have the spitfire mark 9(?) and also why a load of scenes were shot in reciprocal, so it was like looking at them in a mirror.
Not as good as the book. A good opportunity missed IMO.

Have to agree. Not as good as the book, which I am now going to re-read.

The drama side of it was laughable in parts.
Did anyone else have trouble making out what the Scottish Mac was saying.
And did he have a bad hair day throughout the period??
He did not take off his hat ONCE!! How ridiculous, he even wore it while dancing with a "popsy" LOL

[SEE]

I haven't read the book but enjoyed the Drama/Ducumentary styled format. I imagine that it was presented in a way that would appeal to a wider general viewing audience and, in that respect, I felt it conveyed the emotional suffering and camerade these pilots experienced. 18 years of age and surviving as a rookie Spit Pilot at the onset of the BOB was a hell of an achievement in itself. I wasn't aware of the book but will get it.