The late Anthony Minghella's early credits included writing several episodes of 'Inspector Morse', so there's a symmetry in the fact that his final film as a director was another story about a fictional detective, namely Alexander MacCall Smith's Precious Ramotse, the eponymous No.1 lady detective in Botswana. Now, I've read detective stories set in the third world that could have been set anywhere, but the charm of this story lies emphatically in its African flavour. Also a degree of its horror: the tale does not altogether shy away from some of the grimmer realities of contemporary African life, but sweetens them with the comforting idea that at least some of these problems could be resolved by a formidable middle aged woman short on sophistication but well-endowed with compassion and common sense. You could argue that this is a slightly patronising idea, although equally, you could argue that most British fictional detectives, from Miss Marple down to Morse himself, embody a certain archetypal Britishness just as clearly as Precious represents one idea of Africa. The gentle pacing and episodic construction means that it isn't exactly edge-of-your seat stuff; but its also fresh, diverting and oddly believable - and as such, a final feather in Minghella's cap.
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (TV Series)
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (2008)
User Reviews
Review this title16 Reviews
Good Easter Sunday Fayre
TheJiveMaster25 March 2008
The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency was the first novel in the series by Alexander McCall Smith and as such the first to be turned into a television adaptation. It was aired on BBC1 on Sunday 23rd March 2008, Easter Sunday. This time-slot has traditionally been a chance for the BBC to show a production which will appeal to all the family and N1LDA fitted the category very well.
After a slow start to help introduce the characters, the work of Precious starts in earnest. Over the remaining hour and a quarter we see how she solve cases relating to unfaithful husbands, idle fathers, insurance fraud and missing children. There are some comic moments and some heart breaking moments.
Overall the adaptation stayed very loyal to the book and remained a light hearted look at life in Botswana. The production quality was very good with the Botswanian Tourist Board probably very happy at the positive light their country is portrayed under. For those people wanting something grittier, you'll be disappointed, but for everyone else looking for 1¾ of escapism, this is what you're looking for.
After a slow start to help introduce the characters, the work of Precious starts in earnest. Over the remaining hour and a quarter we see how she solve cases relating to unfaithful husbands, idle fathers, insurance fraud and missing children. There are some comic moments and some heart breaking moments.
Overall the adaptation stayed very loyal to the book and remained a light hearted look at life in Botswana. The production quality was very good with the Botswanian Tourist Board probably very happy at the positive light their country is portrayed under. For those people wanting something grittier, you'll be disappointed, but for everyone else looking for 1¾ of escapism, this is what you're looking for.
This bodes very well for the forthcoming series.
turkishjim25 March 2008
I don't know whether the pace of life portrayed in this film is an accurate reflection of life in Botswana, but if it is then Botswana is a place I could live with no trouble at all. I found this a delightful programme, with some moving and touching scenes as well as a few totally hilarious moments. No doubt there will be criticism that it was too shallow, but in my opinion this was perfect holiday weekend viewing. It is a great pity that Anthony Minghella will not be around to carry on his work as the series progresses, and I can only hope that his successor remains constant to his principles. I look forward very much to the remainder of the series, although at the moment (Easter 2008) 2009 seems a long way off.
Africa, at her seductive best
zimpilgrim25 March 2008
Gentle, heart-caressing and unpretentious, the No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is the beautiful, acclaimed TV film of Precious Mambotswe, from the even more acclaimed, charming series of stories by Alexander McCall Smith.
Mambotswe is the only female detective in Botswana and, as such, the number-one female detective in the land. She is played by stunning and understated, Jill Scott who is perfectly cast in the role.
The film is an undemanding stroll, packed with gentle-suspense, wit and warm understanding, through an Africa known and loved by many.
The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is a delightful and memorable watch.
Mambotswe is the only female detective in Botswana and, as such, the number-one female detective in the land. She is played by stunning and understated, Jill Scott who is perfectly cast in the role.
The film is an undemanding stroll, packed with gentle-suspense, wit and warm understanding, through an Africa known and loved by many.
The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is a delightful and memorable watch.
brilliant pilot!
averilriley23 March 2008
I have just finished watching this pilot on BBC, literally ten minutes ago... The first thing to mention is that I have not read any of the books but rather was watching on the side lines as my mother, who is a huge fan of the literary works, watched "her show" having placed a reserved sign on the TV first thing this Easter Sunday morning (when really she should have been hiding chocolate easter eggs for the grandchildren!) This show has captivated me, and within ten minutes of its start I was hoping it would never end. Jill Scott does a superb job in the lead role and all of the supporting characters have you wishing you could be there in the story with them, as a fly on the wall, if only. I am more than excited by the promise that it will be returning in a serial form next year (each a 1 hour HBO/BBC production) and hope that, despite the death of the director of this first film, it will continue it's run of ingenious crime drama with such flair and humour, and genuine characters in the cast and Botswana in general as a truly living representation, that this first titillation has provided me. A definite credit, and tribute to genius, to its late director indeed.
Anthony Minghella works his magic
barrie134028 March 2008
What a great surprise to see how Anthony Minghella has made this movie in Botswana with Jill Scott in staring role as the Lady detective. The casting is perfect. The colours of Botswana are truly beautiful and the country might really be the star of the film. Superb photography by Seamus McGarvey who also did Atonement.
This is a simple story really bought to life with a host of talent. A child, a little girl, taught be her father to be observant, retain a good memory, look after others, goes to live in the town after her fathers death to set up the first detective agency in Botswana to be run by a lady. She then goes about finding clients and solving their problems. During the story the viewer is treated to some great shots of wildlife and the wonderful Botswana colours & country side. An endearing film not to missed. The sad part of the story is that Anthony Minghella is no longer with us & we will not see his like again. Barriebrdc.
This is a simple story really bought to life with a host of talent. A child, a little girl, taught be her father to be observant, retain a good memory, look after others, goes to live in the town after her fathers death to set up the first detective agency in Botswana to be run by a lady. She then goes about finding clients and solving their problems. During the story the viewer is treated to some great shots of wildlife and the wonderful Botswana colours & country side. An endearing film not to missed. The sad part of the story is that Anthony Minghella is no longer with us & we will not see his like again. Barriebrdc.
Winning, off-beat entertainment
Lejink21 April 2008
I was unfamiliar with the source novel so it was with a mixture of interest and curiosity that I tuned in to view this feature-length introduction to a full TV series to come in 2009. The main tag-line in the advance promotion concerned the key involvement of TV/cinema big-hitters, the late Anthony Minghella as co-producer / director and Richard Curtis as screenplay writer. Although I've had my reservations on both before now, (both in fact have in the past seemed to me slightly over-sentimental and melodramatic in their treatments of subject matter), these traits are refreshingly absent from this light and entertaining confection. I will point out though that some of their trademark devices were apparent even in this out-of-the-way production, like Minghella's penchant for sweeping airborne exposition shots, most famously recalled from "The English Patient" and is it just me that can draw a line between one of Curtis' most famous TV comedy creations, Dawn French as "The Vicar of Dibley" in presenting the lead character as a buxom, independent woman making it in a man's world... Well, maybe, maybe not. Anyway I found this feature to be highly entertaining, if quirky, and altogether preferable to the BBC's tired and played out costume dramas (the over-rated "Cranford" springs readily to mind). The cinematography is as you'd expect, excellent, ditto the screenplay, nicely peppered with witty one-liners. The costumes too are lovely, colourful prints and checks very much to the fore! The cast of characters is well played, all memorable in their own way, from the starchy new secretary, effeminate neighbouring hairdresser and doting middle-aged mechanic, all in Precious' corner as employees and/or supporters, to the diverse clientèle who cross our heroine's path, most memorably a Lothario-type adulterous husband, fake parasitical "father" and in particular the more sinister drug-baron who thinks nothing of threatening children to get his evil way. By the end of the 100 minutes viewing time, Jill Scott (excellent in the lead part) as Precious has solved the intertwined three or four small mysteries and one big one (a child's kidnapping) in comedic or dramatic circumstances. The show in summary could be crudely reduced to an African / female "Rockford Files" and was rightly slotted into TV schedules, being not quite strong enough, in my opinion, for cinematic release, but was still one of the more entertaining, if offbeat programmes I've watched on the BBC in many a long day.
Much better than I expected
kjewitt24 March 2008
I am a fan of the books and I have been expecting Hollywood to make a shocking mess of this for several years. The most important thing is that this is a labour of love, not a meretricious exploitation of a "pre-sold property". Thank goodness it fell into the safe hands of Anthony Minghella. A lot of things happened on screen much earlier than they happened in the books but I think that is probably justifiable - in film you have to get the main characters introduced early on. I'm not wholly happy with Mma Ramotswe's hairdresser neighbour. Mma Makutsi didn't wholly convince me but her humanity likewise takes a long time to come across in the books. I missed the wonderfully tough lady from the children's home with her fruitcake -but maybe she will come in later. The feel of the African scenery - human and physical - was, if anything, richer than my imaginative version. What about Mma Ramotswe herself? I'd say that they have more or less got her right. I didn't imagine her being quite so smiley and cheerful, but then I'm a miserable so-and-so from the high latitudes. Of course her rich inner life can't wholly come across on screen. SO GO AND READ THE BOOKS! For anyone who hasn't read the books - they are the easiest books to read on the whole planet. I thought the back-story with her dad and ex-husband Note was very nicely handled. I shall certainly continue to watch. AMS you are a genius. AM why aren't there more like you?
Original and entertaining
formidible-123 March 2008
A Botswana woman looses her father and inherits his fortune (180 cows, et al). In so doing she is able to start up a small local womens' detective agency - the first of it's kind in southern Africa. From a clientèle of zero she manages to build up a client base of interwoven cases.
This is the story of one woman's' dream becoming a reality. But it's much more than that. It's also about Africa and Africans, it's about change, it's about standing up to bad things, about knowing your neighbours and having a laugh along the way. Minghella has successfully created a TV film version of the much loved novel of the same name by Alexander McCall Smith. This couldn't have been an easy project so it's a delight that the film has both a polished look and a real feel for it's characters. Filmed entirely on location, the film manages to engage and entertain with a hefty dose of humour and intrigue.
Whilst a few street scenes may not exactly reflect the norm in Botswana (cream cakes that look as if they'd just fallen off the shelf at Harrods), the interwoven stories and acting, from a new African cast, more than make up for it. This sadly turned out to be Anthony Minghella's last project as director but it's clear that he passionately believed in it's material. It's rare indeed to see studios with big bucks backing a film with this kind of plot or synopsis, let alone for it to be made in Africa and with an unknown cast. The fact that it succeeds is due not only to the screenplay and success of the the novel but to the vision of maestro Minghella himself. Long may his memory prevail, and it looks like it might do with a series spin-off planned for next year.
This is the story of one woman's' dream becoming a reality. But it's much more than that. It's also about Africa and Africans, it's about change, it's about standing up to bad things, about knowing your neighbours and having a laugh along the way. Minghella has successfully created a TV film version of the much loved novel of the same name by Alexander McCall Smith. This couldn't have been an easy project so it's a delight that the film has both a polished look and a real feel for it's characters. Filmed entirely on location, the film manages to engage and entertain with a hefty dose of humour and intrigue.
Whilst a few street scenes may not exactly reflect the norm in Botswana (cream cakes that look as if they'd just fallen off the shelf at Harrods), the interwoven stories and acting, from a new African cast, more than make up for it. This sadly turned out to be Anthony Minghella's last project as director but it's clear that he passionately believed in it's material. It's rare indeed to see studios with big bucks backing a film with this kind of plot or synopsis, let alone for it to be made in Africa and with an unknown cast. The fact that it succeeds is due not only to the screenplay and success of the the novel but to the vision of maestro Minghella himself. Long may his memory prevail, and it looks like it might do with a series spin-off planned for next year.
Out of Africa
ed_two_o_nine4 April 2008
I came this with no knowledge of the books, so was open minded. Most of my expectations where bases on the broadcast time. With the Sunday evening broadcast slot on the British terrestrial channels normally reserved for shows of a gentle nature with a good level of quality, The 'Morses' of this world. Well this did not disappoint I thought it was well directed (what more would you expect from the now sadly departed Anthony Minghella). The direction naturally focused on the lush African landscapes but also has some lovely shots of the cast. Not knowing the books I do not know how the show compares but sometimes that is a favourable state of mind for these things as fans are almost always disappointed. I thought Jill Scott was very good in the lead role and was ably supported by a great cast. Special praise must go to the always excellent Idris Elba and David Oyelowo. Now I know that this has been commissioned as series I do hope there is a chance for recurring roles for their characters, especially that of Idris Elba whom really deserves recognition in the UK (The Wire really needs more exposure in the UK). All in all this has the potential to be some quality viewing for some time to come.
I loved it,
gundaharoldsen14 May 2009
I truly enjoyed these shows. I have watched them over and over and each time find something new in which to enjoy. In fact made copies for all my relatives and friends.
The actors were so impressive that I forgot that they were acting but were in fact their characters and totally believable in who they were and where they lived.
It is refreshing to be able to watch a show and become involved without all the special effects and constant negative stimuli of shows today.
The scenery is beautiful as are the people depicted from the area. I thank you No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency for bringing laughter,joy, tears,sadness and involvement. I sincerely hope that there will be more seasons and more episodes to look forward to.
The actors were so impressive that I forgot that they were acting but were in fact their characters and totally believable in who they were and where they lived.
It is refreshing to be able to watch a show and become involved without all the special effects and constant negative stimuli of shows today.
The scenery is beautiful as are the people depicted from the area. I thank you No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency for bringing laughter,joy, tears,sadness and involvement. I sincerely hope that there will be more seasons and more episodes to look forward to.
You'll like it if you know nothing about Africa
david-beukes6 May 2008
Warning: Spoilers
It's difficult to know where this adaptation starts going wrong, because I think the problem begins with the books themselves. Alexander McCall Smith has worked out that you read them not for the detective stories, but for his deeply condescending and completely spurious vision of an Africa that does not exist. He's done for Botswana what Borat did for Kazakhstan - not as successfully, but based in as much fact.
Once I realised this, it ceased to gall me that Jill Scott, an American singer/actress, is cast as Mma Ramotswe. If she is to represent a land that is not Africa, how appropriate that she is a black woman who is not African? She's not the only American on the cast; Mma Makutsi is played by Anika Noni Rose. Both women are far, far too young for the roles they're playing, and far too glamorous. Both brutally murder the local accents, and both focus so entirely on this brutality that they fail to offer much in the way of acting. Scott's Mma Ramotswe is bouncy, cute and soft. Rose's Mma Makutsi is an annoying motor-mouthed bitch.
The result is almost unwatchable. The principal cast is redeemed only by the presence of Lucian Msamati, who turns in a decent performance as Mr JLB Matekoni. Hes comes off smarter and more intense than in the books, but I find myself unable to blame Msamati for this - he's a shining light in an ocean of suckage. The contradictions between his performance and the books are clearly laid at the feet of whichever committee of butchers wrote the script.
To me, McCall Smith's writing has always been highly entertaining yet notoriously bad. He refuses to be edited. As a result, his books contain experiments in grammar that border on the scientific, and characters that change name mid-sentence. It is therefore something of an achievement that the writing team on this project actually made it worse.
The dialogue is now largely Anglicised. Characters speak of "opening up" and "sensitivity to needs". Mma Ramotswe and Mr JLB Matekoni flirt openly. Mma Makutsi moans about not having a computer, but given her constantly restyled hair, makeup and jewellery, I'm surprised she doesn't have a MacBook in her handbag along with her Visa card.
So what are we left with here? It's difficult to be upset with this crappy adaptation because honestly, most of the things I like about the original books are apocryphal anyway. McCall Smith paints a fictional Botswana populated with cute, non-threatening black people who are full of amusing and palatable wisdom-nuggets. It reads well despite linguistic travesty, but it is a vision of how a certain type of white person wishes black people were. It just isn't true.
Given that, it's hardly surprising that this show sucks as much as it does. It remains to be seen whether European and American audiences will even notice, however.
Once I realised this, it ceased to gall me that Jill Scott, an American singer/actress, is cast as Mma Ramotswe. If she is to represent a land that is not Africa, how appropriate that she is a black woman who is not African? She's not the only American on the cast; Mma Makutsi is played by Anika Noni Rose. Both women are far, far too young for the roles they're playing, and far too glamorous. Both brutally murder the local accents, and both focus so entirely on this brutality that they fail to offer much in the way of acting. Scott's Mma Ramotswe is bouncy, cute and soft. Rose's Mma Makutsi is an annoying motor-mouthed bitch.
The result is almost unwatchable. The principal cast is redeemed only by the presence of Lucian Msamati, who turns in a decent performance as Mr JLB Matekoni. Hes comes off smarter and more intense than in the books, but I find myself unable to blame Msamati for this - he's a shining light in an ocean of suckage. The contradictions between his performance and the books are clearly laid at the feet of whichever committee of butchers wrote the script.
To me, McCall Smith's writing has always been highly entertaining yet notoriously bad. He refuses to be edited. As a result, his books contain experiments in grammar that border on the scientific, and characters that change name mid-sentence. It is therefore something of an achievement that the writing team on this project actually made it worse.
The dialogue is now largely Anglicised. Characters speak of "opening up" and "sensitivity to needs". Mma Ramotswe and Mr JLB Matekoni flirt openly. Mma Makutsi moans about not having a computer, but given her constantly restyled hair, makeup and jewellery, I'm surprised she doesn't have a MacBook in her handbag along with her Visa card.
So what are we left with here? It's difficult to be upset with this crappy adaptation because honestly, most of the things I like about the original books are apocryphal anyway. McCall Smith paints a fictional Botswana populated with cute, non-threatening black people who are full of amusing and palatable wisdom-nuggets. It reads well despite linguistic travesty, but it is a vision of how a certain type of white person wishes black people were. It just isn't true.
Given that, it's hardly surprising that this show sucks as much as it does. It remains to be seen whether European and American audiences will even notice, however.
Precious!
jotix1006 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Alexander McCall Smith's novels about the Batswana lady detective Precious Ramotswe, have been read by millions that have come to love and cherish the books because of their genuine admiration for the people that inhabit them. The beloved stories have been made into a series, of which is the first installment. The series was blessed to have the talented Anthony Minghella doing the directorial duties. Mr. Minghella also served as the co-adapter with Richard Curtis.
Precious Ramotswe is shown as a young girl next to her loving father, the man responsible for the vast knowledge she accumulates through her formative years that will be an asset when she is left alone, after his death, to try to find her place in life. Having been left cattle, as part of her inheritance, she decides to sell it all and go to Gaborone, to set her ladies' detective agency.
She is lucky to find JLB Matekone, a friendly garage owner, to look at her car, when it breaks down. Matekone offers her a ride to Gaborone. On the road, Precious spots what appears to be a search party. The father, a rural school teacher, is desolate looking for his young son. She is visibly shaken.
At the town she buys a small house after being shown more modern offices, but she decides to set up her agency next the Last Chance Hair Salon. Everyone looks at Precious with curiosity, including the hairstylist, BK, a swishing gay man with no apparent hang ups. BK will become a strong ally. Her search of a secretary brings Grace Makutsi, a gem in the raw. Precious and Grace will bond in ways that one will compliment the other, perfectly.
The cases that are brought to Mme. Ramotswe, vary from the fake old man passing himself as the father of a single woman, to a cheating husband, to the rich man that is connected to some illegal things, and finally, solving the mystery of the missing child, Precious kills two birds with one stone.
Anthony Minghella was, perhaps, the right man to bring the beloved novel to the screen. The film follows the first book of Mr. McCall Smith faithfully giving it, the right tone that was needed to show the people of Botswana as depicted in the original narrative. Jill Scott, an American seems quite at home playing Precious. She gives life to this lovable woman that has been the source of joy for her many fans. The supporting African cast is wonderful.
Enjoy!
Precious Ramotswe is shown as a young girl next to her loving father, the man responsible for the vast knowledge she accumulates through her formative years that will be an asset when she is left alone, after his death, to try to find her place in life. Having been left cattle, as part of her inheritance, she decides to sell it all and go to Gaborone, to set her ladies' detective agency.
She is lucky to find JLB Matekone, a friendly garage owner, to look at her car, when it breaks down. Matekone offers her a ride to Gaborone. On the road, Precious spots what appears to be a search party. The father, a rural school teacher, is desolate looking for his young son. She is visibly shaken.
At the town she buys a small house after being shown more modern offices, but she decides to set up her agency next the Last Chance Hair Salon. Everyone looks at Precious with curiosity, including the hairstylist, BK, a swishing gay man with no apparent hang ups. BK will become a strong ally. Her search of a secretary brings Grace Makutsi, a gem in the raw. Precious and Grace will bond in ways that one will compliment the other, perfectly.
The cases that are brought to Mme. Ramotswe, vary from the fake old man passing himself as the father of a single woman, to a cheating husband, to the rich man that is connected to some illegal things, and finally, solving the mystery of the missing child, Precious kills two birds with one stone.
Anthony Minghella was, perhaps, the right man to bring the beloved novel to the screen. The film follows the first book of Mr. McCall Smith faithfully giving it, the right tone that was needed to show the people of Botswana as depicted in the original narrative. Jill Scott, an American seems quite at home playing Precious. She gives life to this lovable woman that has been the source of joy for her many fans. The supporting African cast is wonderful.
Enjoy!
Something Of Beauty
len-brown4 April 2010
This, for me, is a beautiful film. It evokes what I would like to feel is a real sense of Botswana and Africa. I've never been to either, but this is the way I would like to think them to be. The film is worth seeing for the richness, beauty and colour of the natural landscapes. The characters are, by design, a little 'caricature' in nature, but they have a life and vibrancy that allows the story to be told with depth and understanding. In my view, the beauty of the story would be lost if the characters were presented in any other way.
The actors play their roles wonderfully. The work of Anthony Minghella and Richard Curtis is evident everywhere. This is not a documentary. It is not an art-house film crafted by Tarkovsky or Bergman. It may even - as some suggest - not portray perfectly the images of Alexander McCall Smith in his original book. Nevertheless, it is, in my view, a film with characters that 'have depth', that are real, and that tell a beautiful story.
The actors play their roles wonderfully. The work of Anthony Minghella and Richard Curtis is evident everywhere. This is not a documentary. It is not an art-house film crafted by Tarkovsky or Bergman. It may even - as some suggest - not portray perfectly the images of Alexander McCall Smith in his original book. Nevertheless, it is, in my view, a film with characters that 'have depth', that are real, and that tell a beautiful story.
In LOVE with the Ladies of Botswana
brownsugarforyou17 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
NOTE THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE SERIES NOT JUST THE FIRST FILM
Where do I begin? I haven't read the books though I know they are wildly popular. I don't like the mystery genre that much but when I saw this DVD I picked it up. So glad I did! Oh Botswana I love how they play the national anthem and how Africa isn't "prettied" over they do show the gritty side of it.
They also show the amazing awesome side of Africa too. The people and their warmth and the language. They all take time to greet each other. How often in North America do we actually take time to greet others instead of just rushing through it or just doing it as a formality? The author has gentle insights into the people there and especially into women. The main character Precious is not perfect yet she learns from her mistakes and has a positive attitude. We can't not help loving someone who runs away at the sight of a snake, yet calmly recalls her dignity at finding a snake and calmly dealing with the situation when in fact she just ran. I love how other's keep saying she's fat and she calmly says in Africa men appreciate a fuller figure.
The eyeglass pushing neurotic assistant who scored 97% at the ladies typing college adds humour as well, in one episode she starts of a phone message with eh ma don't panic which Precious promptly erases.
I can't wait for the next season to be released. This is a great show to watch when you are in need of cheering up.
I love that this show is set in Africa there are far too shows that reflect the daily life of Africans. For instance the graveyards there are so different from North American ones. I can't wait to visit Botswana! It seems like a cool country and it's above South Africa which I want to visit anyhow as well.
Good plots and good character continuity in the series. I love that Precious ends up with her "good man". But what does the vengeful gum-chewing Nemesis former housekeeper of the good man have planned? Hats off to Alexander McCall for creating the original books.
Where do I begin? I haven't read the books though I know they are wildly popular. I don't like the mystery genre that much but when I saw this DVD I picked it up. So glad I did! Oh Botswana I love how they play the national anthem and how Africa isn't "prettied" over they do show the gritty side of it.
They also show the amazing awesome side of Africa too. The people and their warmth and the language. They all take time to greet each other. How often in North America do we actually take time to greet others instead of just rushing through it or just doing it as a formality? The author has gentle insights into the people there and especially into women. The main character Precious is not perfect yet she learns from her mistakes and has a positive attitude. We can't not help loving someone who runs away at the sight of a snake, yet calmly recalls her dignity at finding a snake and calmly dealing with the situation when in fact she just ran. I love how other's keep saying she's fat and she calmly says in Africa men appreciate a fuller figure.
The eyeglass pushing neurotic assistant who scored 97% at the ladies typing college adds humour as well, in one episode she starts of a phone message with eh ma don't panic which Precious promptly erases.
I can't wait for the next season to be released. This is a great show to watch when you are in need of cheering up.
I love that this show is set in Africa there are far too shows that reflect the daily life of Africans. For instance the graveyards there are so different from North American ones. I can't wait to visit Botswana! It seems like a cool country and it's above South Africa which I want to visit anyhow as well.
Good plots and good character continuity in the series. I love that Precious ends up with her "good man". But what does the vengeful gum-chewing Nemesis former housekeeper of the good man have planned? Hats off to Alexander McCall for creating the original books.
Pilot film: A colourful and enjoyable comedy drama
bob the moo15 June 2008
When Precious Ramotswe's father passes away, she finds herself with a comfortable amount of money and decides to follow her love of mystery and set up a detective agency in Botswana. Business is very slow at first and Precious spends more time annoyed by her stiff secretary than she does solving cases. However a cheating husband, a father returned from the dead and an industrial accident start her off on the road to success. However success brings her to the attention of those who would rather have their actions kept secret as she gets involved in a bigger case.
This film got a most unfortunate boost in publicity as it was screened shortly after the sudden death of director Anthony Minghella. Regardless of this I was not sure if I would enjoy the film and thus taped it and threw it on the "someday" pile. That day came recently and I was glad it did because it is an engaging and enjoyable comedy drama that is perfect warming fun for a Sunday night screening. The first thing to say is that it is a reasonably fair thing to say that this very colourful and fun presentation of life in Botswana is perhaps not totally representative of the lives of everyone in the country. That said, very few people make a big deal out of the fact that Die Hard is not representative of life in LA or that Eastenders is not true for all Londoners. So I will not dwell on this aspect of the film but instead enjoy it for what it is.
What it is is colourful and well written It is a very middle-class view of Africa but this is the target audience on a Sunday night so there is no need to apologies for that. The music and colours may come over slightly patronising to some viewers but for me what makes it is that the whole delivery suits this. The stories and characters are well written with an overall sense of humour and colour that runs through the narrative without preventing moments of drama and romance both in the main but also in the subplot. I was not sure that singer Scott would carry the film but she is really well cast and does the accent well. It was tough to do but she does also get the right mix of cheerful colour and also inner pains. Msamati and Noni Rose support her well in their characters, setting up a good dynamic. For this film I was surprised by how many famous faces were in here. Amuka-Bird was good despite a hard-to-like character, but Oyelowo was as strong in this comedy role as he generally is in dramatic ones. And, continuing the trend of never writing a review without praising HBO's The Wire, Elba makes a brief turn as a criminal never close to his Stringer Bell but just seeing him is enough for me.
A warm and fun film this one. It is not perfect and I'm sure it has areas which allow it to be dismissed but I do wonder what people were expecting. I was looking for something undemanding but still good and this delivered just that never interesting to the point of being hard work but still interesting while effortlessly mixing fun and drama all in full African colour across the board. A series will follow in 2009 and, if it can maintain what it did here then I am looking forward to it being an entertainment staple for me.
This film got a most unfortunate boost in publicity as it was screened shortly after the sudden death of director Anthony Minghella. Regardless of this I was not sure if I would enjoy the film and thus taped it and threw it on the "someday" pile. That day came recently and I was glad it did because it is an engaging and enjoyable comedy drama that is perfect warming fun for a Sunday night screening. The first thing to say is that it is a reasonably fair thing to say that this very colourful and fun presentation of life in Botswana is perhaps not totally representative of the lives of everyone in the country. That said, very few people make a big deal out of the fact that Die Hard is not representative of life in LA or that Eastenders is not true for all Londoners. So I will not dwell on this aspect of the film but instead enjoy it for what it is.
What it is is colourful and well written It is a very middle-class view of Africa but this is the target audience on a Sunday night so there is no need to apologies for that. The music and colours may come over slightly patronising to some viewers but for me what makes it is that the whole delivery suits this. The stories and characters are well written with an overall sense of humour and colour that runs through the narrative without preventing moments of drama and romance both in the main but also in the subplot. I was not sure that singer Scott would carry the film but she is really well cast and does the accent well. It was tough to do but she does also get the right mix of cheerful colour and also inner pains. Msamati and Noni Rose support her well in their characters, setting up a good dynamic. For this film I was surprised by how many famous faces were in here. Amuka-Bird was good despite a hard-to-like character, but Oyelowo was as strong in this comedy role as he generally is in dramatic ones. And, continuing the trend of never writing a review without praising HBO's The Wire, Elba makes a brief turn as a criminal never close to his Stringer Bell but just seeing him is enough for me.
A warm and fun film this one. It is not perfect and I'm sure it has areas which allow it to be dismissed but I do wonder what people were expecting. I was looking for something undemanding but still good and this delivered just that never interesting to the point of being hard work but still interesting while effortlessly mixing fun and drama all in full African colour across the board. A series will follow in 2009 and, if it can maintain what it did here then I am looking forward to it being an entertainment staple for me.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
