My Mother and Other Strangers (2016) User Reviews

Story & character development fell off abruptly....but still hoping for more

[katrenco · 8/10 · 20 August 2017]

Another show I happened upon by accident when channel surfing and was, rather inexplicably, immediately drawn into. While I looked forward to each episode and am hoping for more, the show is rather shallow in ways that make is also somewhat unbelievable. The show does a good job at first with introducing and developing the characters, then suddenly takes a gigantic leap, into the abyss, leaving its viewers wondering, "Huh??? How'd we get from there to here?" A woman, introduced as conservative, level-headed, intelligent, responsible, solid, in a long-term marriage, with 3 children, goes from mildly attracted to another man, from growing interest to innocent flirtation to outwardly proclaiming her love for what amounts to a stranger, a member of the military from another country, ready to throw her family and life aside for a man she's basically spent zero time with and had only casual conversations. Still, even with its head-scratching gaps in story development, I keep searching for information on whether or not the show will be back, very much hoping there's more to come, knowing I'll be sorely disappointed if there isn't.

The heart wants what it wants.

[fastnicolasklin · 7/10 · 2 February 2018]

To begin with the scenery is beautiful. I love being able to feel like I am part of the community there. Until this movie I didn't have any idea about Ireland and it's part in the Second World War. A somehow interesting plot with some good actors and a wonderful village in Ireland. Could have been better, could have been worse but in the end you won't regret it.

Could be a 1. Could be a 9

[ekath · 7/10 · 9 August 2017]

I love everything about this series... except the conclusion. I sympathize with the main character, but it is not only particularly sad but also not completely believable that she'd leave her husband in such a way- which would also be leaving her children. Adultery ruined the whole plot line because the parallels that were beautifully wrought throughout the series are destroyed and the supposed strength of character that was at her core was undermined.

When love comes along

[KathleenK22 · 9/10 · 21 February 2017]

This is a lovely, thoughtful story. It is about a family in Ireland during the Second World War who have to contend with an American air base being set up adjacent to their quiet little village. The mother is the main focus of the story who is married to a simple but good man but she yearns for more. An American soldier who is in charge of maintaining a good relationship with the village lights a fire within her. The other characters such as her daughter add to the tale with her wakening to love and all it entails. The son is the narrator looking back across the years and told through the eyes of a child. As can be guessed the main theme is love with all its complications. There are other colourful characters like the townsfolk who struggle to deal with the American presence. The ending suggests there is more to come as we still need answers for the husband and the pub and the mother and the American.

Extraordinary Viewing

[skpn123 · 10/10 · 2 February 2022]

This story is a slow burn with subtle innuendo, not the brash in your face romance that typifies too many contemporary pieces.

For a magical experience, hang in there and find a sensitive portrayal of the power and complication of love and compatibility.

The best series I have watched for a very long time - It was captivated and glued to the screen, drawn into every small subtlety. Only genuine talent could create this from the screenplay, to the production to the acting.

So wished there was a Season 2 to find out what happened from here.

Bravo.

The Mysteries of Love

[Delibero · 26 August 2017]

10 ********** rating. SUPER SPOILER ALERT 2 I understand Suzy Gallup's reasonable opinion about not wanting her daughter to watch the antics of a potentially adulterous couple but this compelling relationship between "Ron and Rose" is not about a one night stand for physical pleasure etc. and their passionate affair has not yet been "consummated." Each of the main characters is satisfying the pent up emotional and depressed needs of the other. Barry Devlin is a brilliant writer and the follow up to the passionate kiss on the road has not yet been aired. Hopefully, for all concerned wisdom, experience and love of family will prevail over the irresistible passion of fanciful love.

Teenagers should watch this show and the subject should be discussed if they are willing to do so of course. Our kids know that adults and parents are not perfect but they might not know that falling in love is not always expected or avoidable. Married people that wish to remain loyal to their spouse and family need to be keenly aware of the possibility and know when to stop interacting with a co-worker, a neighbor, a "liaison officer or married woman" etc when the unexpected attraction becomes more than the usual friendly banter. If it does, it is difficult to stop because it is exciting and emotionally gratifying to continue. As Rose said,(paraphrased) "I tried to tell myself that not seeing you was for the best." The Captain replied, "It was for the best." Their virtuous, rational sides know it is wrong but they failed to stop their interactions earlier when it would have still been hard to do so but easier than later. The outcome hinges on which love will prevail over the other. Rose's love for Michael and her kids or for the fanciful "Yankee Heathcliff."

In a world with an overabundance of hate and violence, it is bizarre to me that loving another person can also be so destructive and life altering. It is a subject worthy of a family discussion as are many other elements and story lines in this brilliant series in Moybeg. (ie. The fabulous Hattie Morahan should win an Oscar and Vera's story starting before she was married would be a great Fiona Button series by itself. 2 great actresses at their very best)

Important that the mother is a stranger ...

[jimcobbe · 7/10 · 30 April 2021]

It strikes me (a Brit) that several of these reviews miss the important point that Rose Coyne, the mother and 'Mistress,' is ENGLISH, not from Northern Ireland -- and therefore is an outsider in the village almost as much as the Americans are. Early references make it clear that she met her husband in England. It is also worth noting that at the time (1943), although the border with the south (Irish Free State to the Brits, a neutral in the war) was still open (and the Doctor's son a student at TCD in Dublin), the fishermen are, we presume, Catholics who do not support the British war effort (references to 'your lot').

Wonderful storyline

[judyellenomeara · 10/10 · 11 November 2019]

My husband and I LOVED this show and were really upset to see it end after one season. The acting and character development are moving, powerful and tender. Such predicaments! We would love to see this program continue ....

6 Stars, but could have been more

[lawnmorgan · 6/10 · 23 January 2019]

This well acted, beautifully written series was well on its way toward an 8 or 9 star rating from me. For 4.75 episodes it was going well, and then it drove off a cliff. That last .25 took it down to a 6.

Lost for Words, Again and Again

[gaarondawson-39644 · 9/10 · 14 January 2022]

I have watched this many times and I always walk away stunned. Hattie Morgan's performance is absolutely brilliant. I can feel her emotions overcome me as I watch the performance. For a few hours I am completely lost to today as I am transported to WWII-era Northern Ireland. I am trapped in these beautiful, loving surroundings but ache for more.

The characters and story lines couldn't be anymore absorbing than the are. This series is a treasure of both talent and emotion. I am a connoisseur of British wartime dramas and this is one of the very best I've seen. The production value is on par with Foyle's War. If you like that you will love this too.

All that needs to be said is Bravo!

Dreyfuss in New Canaan - I don't think so

[seggerman · 7/10 · 30 July 2017]

Most of the Connecticut suburbs northwest of New York City up until nearly the end of the 20th century were operating under what was referred to as a gentleman's agreement. Jewish families were kept from moving into certain towns - New Canaan being the WORST of these. No way would a family names Dreyfuss (Jewish, or Jewish sounding) would be shown houses in New Canaan at that time. He would either live in a nearby city, like Stamford, home to one Lieberman family, whose son should have been vice President, or Westport, which alone among its neighbors allowed Jews to live there.

Enjoyed it, even if the main story is much-told.

[crw1 · 10/10 · 19 May 2021]

The captain couldn't be from Connecticut (oh dear, ruined). One harsh critic tells us Ireland was neutral in WWII--what a blunder. Der ... Northern Ireland. And Rose's awful bulging eyes. She WAS feeling terror and horror at what was being irresistibly awakened within her. I thought the battle between her conflicting duty, loyalty and sacrifice--of obviously many years--and her latent awakened yearning, was well conveyed and balanced. I just liked it, the period atmosphere was caught perfectly, the kids are fun, the natives' (attitude) deplorable.

Very good series but no bloody subtitles

[websterf · 7/10 · 29 December 2020]

Well filmed & we'll cast. Story line & acting very good. But why oh why do the English productions continue to be made without sub titles!! ? Is it an arrogance that they presume everyone can hear every word clearly ? If so they are sadly mistaken. If I could have heard the lines more clearly it would have been immensely more enjoyable v

This is set in Northern Ireland

[kjvelpan · 3/10 · 25 March 2019]

Correction to Chrissos above. This is set in northern Ireland part of the UK and therefore at war.

Beautiful cinematography, but main story is about adultery

[suzypatriot · 31 July 2017]

This movie got really great reviews on Amazon and is rated PG, so I thought it would be pretty wholesome to watch with my 16 year old daughter. I was very disappointed to find that the core of the story is about two married people that apparently fall in love. This is just not what I like to see. It made me feel bad to watch a woman make choices that would devastate her good husband and children. I hated the thought of her hurting them all. I once saw "Bridges of Madison County" and also disliked it very much. If you like stories of adultery, then you might like this. Everything else about it is gorgeous. The acting, the scenery, the costumes, and everything are high standards. Just not the story! So disappointing because I LOVE Hattie Morahan as Elinor in Sense and Sensibility.

Unrequited love

[brucetipton · 10/10 · 7 February 2021]

Terrific show, beautifully written and acted. Really disappointed that it was only one season as viewers left with so many of life's struggles unsettled. Rural small town life in N Ireland during WW2, with a US military presence that provides some friction for the locals. Worth seeing

Great theater

[tim-31315 · 8/10 · 5 October 2021]

... a slice of time, history and geography rolled into a brilliantly executed mini series. Yes - some will miss a solution, or a traditional ending - I don't and each of us will be asking ourselves how "we" would go on with the story.

It Shouldn't Work, But It Does

[frt-98135 · 8/10 · 30 September 2018]

I found this programming surprising and even shocking. The shock is that, alone among British TV productions, it actually casts Americans in a good light. Let's face it, British BBC TV is virulently anti-American. The left-wingers control BBC just like they control CBC, PBS, etc. I've already given up watching many of the most egregious anti-American shows, like Foyle, and grit my teeth while watching others. No worries with My Mother and Other Strangers. The Americans are shown as friendly, courteous and helpful while villagers are often mean-spirited, stupid, and dishonest. They whine and complain about the American airmen who are risking their lives to preserve Moybeg's way of life and very existence. Astoundingly the show even has an American actor playing an American instead of the usual Brit with a bad accent. (Unfortunately, they cancel this out with Kate Phillips and her absolutely horrible accent. I guess two Americans in one show is too much for them). Still, what a breath of fresh air. Of course, this is not a typical British production. It is Northern Irish, not English, and the writer is 70 years, so he has more perspective on history.

Surprisingly, the program is also an engaging drama despite its soap opera elements (including Poldark style music). Syd Field, author of the classic screen writing book, sagely observed that scenes are never good or bad; they either work or don't work. This program shouldn't work but it does. The tone, mood and pace are seductive and Hattie Morahan is just great as a earth mother woman of hidden strength and toughness. She's Mrs. Miniver who isn't afraid to threaten to shoot someone. It also succeeds in the most basic, yet difficult aspect of drama by making you believe that you are watching another time and place that actually existed. Granted, the plot has some glaring discontinuities that leave you thinking, "where did that come from?", but adult TV is so rare that it is easy to forgive.

An Incredibly well done series

[joeluher · 9/10 · 26 September 2020]

Episode 3: "The Price" is superb. Excellent writing and excellent acting and the story lines are woven together masterfully by the director. The age old but never tired story of fall, grace, repentance, and redemption seen through the perspectives of Francis, Rose and Michael makes for not only an entertaining story but is also very impactful with a sweet surprise ending.

Where is the 6th episode?

[georgeusx · 3/10 · 22 March 2021]

Found this on Amazon Prime and gave it a go. Should not have. A lot of story lines could have been sacrificed (the sister for one; the 'southern' lieutenant for another) to get a decent wrap-up for the series. It's as if they ran out of money or time. And then decided to go with tying up just one plot line with the least likely ending. I generally am generous with my ratings. Here I gave a '3' for atmosphere and an unusual but interesting time/place.

Didn't care for this series

[aujouret-03737 · 1/10 · 10 July 2017]

The first four episodes were fine. I was enjoying the story well enough. But by the final episode I did not like the main two characters at all. I have discovered that if that happens, I'm done. The main character Rose's husband, Michael, is going to lose the family pub and is trying to talk to his wife about this. His wife runs out of the house into the arms of the married American Captain that she has a crush on. The husband, Michael has just given her an engagement ring as he never could afford it when they were young. Rose has a teenager and two younger kiddies. The American Captain has a mentally ill wife who has just tried to commit suicide. That is the end of the story. What is the point? Love can not be denied? Love is more important than anything or anyone else? I just ended up feeling bad for the kiddies, the Captain's wife and Michael. Rose and the Captain are making bad karma in my book.

Yanks

[Prismark10 · 5/10 · 12 December 2016]

This five part drama set during the second world war in rural Ireland follows the fortune of the Coyne family after a US air force base has been set up nearby.

Narrated by the grown up son, Francis, the focus is on Rose Coyne the displaced Englishwoman, A loyal wife, mother of three children who has left a glamorous and educated world behind to be in Ireland with her husband Michael who runs a pub. Michael might run a few scams but he is a decent man and but the dullness she feels in her life hits home when she encounters the thoughtful and educated US air base liaison officer Captain Ronald Dreyfus.

At first they have casual chit chats, the Americans are seen as being brash and their presence in the village meets with resentment from the locals and it is Captain's Dreyfus's job to smooth things over. Over time both feel passion for each other which they try to keep in check as both are married.

This is a nice twee drama, not very original and rather predictable. The final episode hints that there is more to come, I think the story should had stopped at the fifth episode.

Lead Actress

[karlakutsch · 5/10 · 16 May 2018]

In response to zolazona, glad I was not the only one who noticed her eyes popping, mouth and facial tics as they were distracting. Will have to watch check out something else she has been in to see if this is the norm or just this series. And yes, a rather abrupt ending so if there is no more it is up to our imagination.

Worst Of Masterpiece and Oh Those Bulging Eyes!

[chrissso · 3/10 · 28 December 2018]

The only thing good about this 5 X 60 mini-series is the typical production values we find in modern BBC Masterpiece productions. This looks and feels like Northern Ireland in the 40's during WW2 and that is commendable. Beyond that everything else is downright horrid! Seriously, the story is remarkably weak in historical context ... especially when you consider it's unique and intriguing setting (Ireland was neutral during WW2).

Worst of all ... the lead character ... the bug-eyed Rose Coyne ... as played by Hattie Marahan. Dear God, did Marahan over act the part (watch for the non-stop bulging eyes and you will know what I mean ... she acts as if everything is horrifying). This is honestly one of the worst performances I have seen on Masterpiece and I couldn't help but wonder why the director did not intervene???

Sadly, it is nothing more than a silly soap opera ... that features a lot of bad acting & directing & writing ... and it's easy to understand why a season 2 never occurred. Twas a merciful "cutting of bait."

3 of 10 stars in respect of the production values

Beautiful Images of Airplane and Ireland

[zolazona · 17 July 2017]

However, the story was leaden with its pacing and I had difficulty staying interested in the story. Maybe it is because after I got it in my head that the lead actress had too many tics with her popping eyes and mouth twisting that it became too distracting. But that is my problem, not hers.