I continued to watch movies while my blog was on hiatus so we have a lot of catching up to do. We might have two MOVIE WEEKENDS per week for a while.
This week I have a doozy of a British series for you. Last Tango In Halifax was on Masterpiece a while back. My beloved RitaPitaPan at SoulComfort's Corner told me about it when it was on, but I was so busy I didn't even DVR it. I was pleased when it turned up on Netflix Screaming, and even more happy when I read the description of the show to Willy Dunne Wooters and he said he wanted to watch it with me. We tend to have some difficulty finding movies we can enjoy together. (The man has strange taste. What can I tell ya?)
Last Tango In Halifax (2012 - 2013, unrated, six episodes available on DVD and Netflix Screaming) relates the charming story of Celia (Anne Reid) and Alan (Derek Jacobi), a widow and a widower who knew each other as teenagers. With the assistance of younger family members who teach Celia and Alan to use Facebook, the two find each other after 50 years apart, fall in love, and decide to marry. (*Please note that although Celia and Alan need help with Facebook, they are not the stereotypical doddering idiots who have to be saved by their children, nor are they the know-it-all parents who solve their children's problems in the end.)
It's not all easy going. Celia's daughter Caroline (Sarah Lancashire) and Alan's daughter Gillian (Nicola Walker) meet under distressing conditions. Caroline is an academic and Gillian runs her farm and works at a supermarket. Saying they don't hit it off at first is an understatement. They're shocked that their parents want to marry. Caroline and Gillian have their own romantic troubles, and their sons have difficulties.
So much drama, but it's not overdone in the least. This sort of series is as close to reading a book as it gets. It's character driven, and it has such an array of characters. It's witty and tender and poignant and sad and sweet, but not sappy. I like every single character because even the ones who aren't so likable are amusing.
Willy Dunne Wooters and I binge watched season one very quickly. We could hardly wait to get from one episode to the next. I discovered online that the BBC made a second season, which we'll get on PBS this summer (I think), and a third season is in the works. Willy Dunne Wooters and I can hardly wait for the second season.
Last Tango In Halifax earns The Janie Junebug & Willy Dunne Wooters Highest Seal of Approval.
As for children, I don't know if kids would like it, but teenage characters are included. Some references to sex might not be appropriate for younger children. I can't remember any profanity, so it couldn't have been enough to make an impression on me.
I think a number of you would like this series. Rita did. It's not just an "old folks" show. I love it that Last Tango In Halifax portrays older people living life to the fullest, but the characters span the generations.
Happy Viewing!
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug
Hi, Janie,
ReplyDeleteNice review.... Sounds like a good series. I'll definitely check it out...
Thanks!
DeleteI prefer to watch a series over a movie. I think because I like to follow along with the characters for a longer period of time. I'll give it a look.
ReplyDelete-andi
You just do that, little lady.
DeleteThat sounds like it would be right up our alley. Great review!
ReplyDeleteShelly, of all people, I think you would like this show.
DeleteI'm so glad you guys liked it, too! I did not know they were continuing this as a series!!! I will be watching for sure. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteI fell in love with Derek Jacobi back in the 70s when I faithfully watched "I, Claudius" every week on PBS. And he was marvelous as "Cadfael" on PBS, too. :)
FYI--I just went to peek to see how old he is (75) and saw that he had a terrible fall a little while ago and hurt both his legs, was in the hospital for a month, and is now in rehab learning to walk with "sticks"!! But they expect a full recovery and he is anxious to get back to filming Halifax.
HE WAS CLAUDIUS? Pardon my shouting, but I had no idea. I LOVED that show. I'm sorry he was injured.
DeleteI think I'd enjoy the series. My husband, on the other hand, would probably not. He's more into Walking Dead.
ReplyDeleteI've never watched Walking Dead, but I know a lot of people who love it.
DeleteI tend to like mature, character-driven movies where things don't blow up, so I'll probably check out this movie. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI think it's your kind of series.
DeleteIt is a movie I will like
ReplyDeleteGreat!
DeleteIt sounds really good. Will WDW be joining you in other approvals? I wish I could figure out how to add movies on this little pad...
ReplyDeleteMust leave message for Barb.
I don't know anything about using pads or tablets. I'm worried because I think the last time Barb posted she said she was depressed. WDW: "The answer is 'ask the boss'".
DeleteI think I'd enjoy this series. Excellent cast. Love David Jacobi.
ReplyDeleteIt's outstanding.
Delete