screenman
Handsome young Clive Owen leads a strong cast that includes the indomitable Leslie Philips.Although set in 1990, it depicts the 1980's city excess that followed Margaret Thatcher's de-regulation strategy and which has finally culminated in the international banking crisis that we recently endured.Owen is caught-out working an insider-trading scam and ultimately loses his job. In the USA he'd have been imprisoned. Afterwards he applies his business skills to assist an ailing company.There's a lot more going on than this, especially his personal and family issues. The program is well-scripted, tightly directed and filmed with good city locations in London.It's 20 years old now and bound to appear slightly passe when compared to the the even greater economic irresponsibility of the last decade. However, as a nice slice of historical action with plenty of glamour and style, it still rewards a look by those with fond memories or the uninitiated who like well-made drama.Nice theme music too. Recommended.
cinnamonbrandy
Like Harrison Ford, don't we love to watch him win, and don't we love to watch him suffer.We quite like watching him have a nap, wash a car, or have his lip bitten by prettier girls than us...As if we weren't being spoiled enough already, there's an ensemble cast that makes you go 'wow, he/she was in this?' about every five minutes before you finally settle down to enjoy it.There's social commentary to die for - I've yet to see a more succinct analysis of the (tawdry) joys of asset-stripping, or the heady (and extremely dangerous) thrills of teeming and lading.Now admit it, all my accountant friends out there - you've never seen teeming and lading outside of a textbook or a bad client's ledger books, have you? A series brave enough to educate its audience, and gorgeous enough to keep its audience after admitting it was gonna be educational...
barriegreen
Chancer...I really wanted to be Stephen Crane (less keen on the whole Derek Love thing). Clive Owen was born to play this part, and all of the characters were so well defined the series had a lifelike/documentary feel that was addictive. the only weak character is Jamie (Pertwee) who I have never rated as an actor (famous parents can be an asset to the untalented). Veryy 80,s now, the filming is dated, but the imagery, storyline and haunting (jan Hammer) soundtrack are timeless. This DVD should be in every collection...and just now and then...it should be watched in its entirety, what a great day that would be. very British, very quality (and sexy) television! Spend 20 or 30 pounds and enjoy, no regrets anticipated.
Adrian Bailey
My goodness me, look at the cast list! No wonder this series was such a hit. One of the peaks of UK TV drama, people still remember it fondly when you say the name. Of course the suave Mr Owen stole the show, but that was only fair. It'd be interesting to see it again to see how much it's dated, but even if it has I'd recommend it unhesitatingly to any viewer or scheduler looking to spice up their afternoons.