Audience Member
Watched the whole of season 1 in a single sitting. Well acted, beautiful camera work, good premise. Some moving scenes especially in the earlier episodes. As the season progressed, however, the series became a bit of a soap opera with a little war thrown in; sort of "General Field Hospital". The bad characters were shallow, poorly drawn, one-dimensional baddies with obvious and puerile motives; and regularly unpleasant to look upon. The good characters were inevitably compassionate, open-minded, accepting of others, gorgeous and remarkably shallow. Very little of the complexity and messiness of real human life. Is it possible that the situation in Flanders in 1915 afforded just such a mix of characters? No doubt. But the writers failed, unfortunately, in creating anything that rises above the level of the most tepid daily.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
01/09/23
Full Review
Audience Member
I really wanted to love this series. I like the BBC period programs, and especially enjoy the WWII settings of WWII. I found this show difficult to watch, however, due to almost all the characters relationships with each other being based on constant conflict. Everyone is jealous and in nasty competition with each other. Rather than find common ground where friendship can flourish , they find only negativity and try to hurt each other. Oh, occasionally there's a love attraction, and finally at the end of the season there is a tiny almost imperceptible sign that two of the characters might actually stop being absolutely horrible to each other. I'm sure it won't last though. I don't think I'll watch the next season. I wish they'd have made the story more about how people came together in that situation, instead of how petty and nasty they could be to each other. It's not pleasant to watch, for me anyway.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
01/09/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Why is the BBC axing this series
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/09/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Well written, smart drama focused on the women, volunteers and nurses, of a medical unit during WW1 and the soldiers and doctors they support. The performances are outstanding and the cinematography is beautiful. Definitely recommend.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/09/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Within the first minutes of watching this series I knew that I was hooked. It gives an honest representation of life in the war hospitals of Northern France during the First World War. While many depictions of war-time focus on the absolute patriotism of those involved, this series shows that lines do get blurred when individual, real people are involved. The impeccable production is what initially catches your attention, but then an outstanding cast brings the writing of Sarah Phelps to life. The dynamic relationships between the characters means that there is truly something for everyone to love in this show. In fact, I would argue that it has a lot in common with the massive hit show, Downton Abbey, as it explores many of the same themes though in a completely unique way. Where D.A. explores the realities of hierarchy in early 20th century British society, The Crimson Field does the same with the ranking within the army and hospital camps. Also present are complicated love stories, a discussion of homosexuality, loyalty and duty, one's honour, and so much more! Truly, this is one of the greatest television shows that I have seen of late. If you feel as I do, passionately about great TV, please head to ipetitions and sign to have the BBC recommission this show!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/09/23
Full Review
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