SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?

Load of rubbish!!

Best movie ever!

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

I have just been reading the other reviews here - and like so many other viewers clearly were, I too was moved deeply by this excellent and important piece of television. Important? Well yes, becauseThis is a piece of period drama which manages to somehow capture the pace of life in a small village during the time frame. Every character is richly realised, from the appalling (the 'shrink') to the ambiguous (the ex -Detective with the war injury). The central family, as are all of the working people here, are portrayed with respect and humanity, whilst not avoiding the weaknesses of individuals. The drunk husband and father for example. One of my favourite scenes was of the women of the village gossiping in the public baths - perfectly realised. If you want to see a fresh perspective on the commemorations for World War One - please see this. The final episode, for me, is a poignant reminder of just how much the commemoration of all the dead was not a 'given', but an emotionally powerful battle as to the nature of that commemoration. When Maxine Peake's character stands up and argues that the one moment every year to 'remember' is just another way for those in power to control the way we remember.......welling up just thinking of it actually. Similarly, as a response to Downton Abbey and the 'golden days before the first war', she also states it was not so golden for most people. I know there are many other reviewers here who felt as strongly affected by this as myself. Trust us - it might be a slower pace than other television, but sit down, switch off the phone and allow this programme to wash - first over you - and then right into you. It will steal your heart and make you reflect, not just on the past, but on the present.

The Village captures you with it's imagery, but holds you with the characters and superb acting. It's sometimes hard to watch as the grim reality of early 20th century rural English life is relentless. The BBC should be praised for not giving it a coat of historical whitewash and trying to depict life in the period with with both the warts and the beauty. Ultimately it is the characters that you become invested in. Not the stock portrayals of the noble working class or morally vacuous upper class. The main characters have layers and depth that makes them both interesting and empathetic. They are brought to life by terrific performances and you believe them completely. Overall this is superbly done.

I am having withdrawal symptoms from this now having watched the whole series and revisited episode 1.Yes, it's pretty bleak at times - and it hardly breaks the stereotype of it being a tad grim up North - but then it probably was everywhere let alone Oop North when WW1 broke out- and as a massive John Simm fan, it's tough watching him play this unendearing character. But stick with it, and you are rewarded with seeing some amazing performances unfold. Maxine Peake deserves a special nod for her moving portrayal of Joe and Bert's mum. How much heartache can a woman take??? A lot, it seems.It's beautifully shot, beautifully acted, almost incessantly grim, but you do care about enough of the characters to want to keep on watching. I would recommend a second viewing as I am doing now, and enjoying it even more now I know what happens and can just focus on the performances and period detail done as only BBC can.This is a real winner for me, and I am really looking forward to Series 2.

Yes I agree it's mournful, depressing, grim and harsh but that was the reality of life then. If your harvest failed your family could die, there was no public money, or other jobs to be had if you lived in a small remote community. In fact watching a drama which is so well executed, scripted (and stunningly filmed) reminds me of how fortunate we are today. It's also poignant to see the excitement of those enlisting to World War one, a very real honour at the time and what subsequently twisted into an unimaginable horror. How much has changed in 100 years, how well the BBC has done in creating another masterpiece series. A little perspective is a wonderful thing and I certainly recommend this series to those who have a penchant for social drama, as I do.