I'm not usually a fan of Sci Fi, and after reading initial reviews of the show, I thought it didn't sound like something I would really enjoy, and didn't watch it. I caught a repeat episode on BBC3 (or 4, can't remember!) and to my surprise I loved it! I've since bought the box set, and have watched some episodes many times.
It's a very character-driven programme, and throughout the series you get more and more attached to the characters, learning more and more about them, their beliefs, their lives and their backgrounds as the series progresses. Sam Tyler is the central character, a modern day policeman who has somehow been transported back to 1973 (or is it all a dream?). The series can seem confusing at first, as we don't know why he is there, or what exactly is happening.
The series really sets itself apart with Sam's flashes of modern life, and with little things that you don't notice on first watching. Sam's knowledge of modern policing methods, and his dilemmas as he sees the way the 1973 policeman handle cases are the central point of the show.
My one criticism would be that each episodes seems to follow a similar formula, with Sam eventually bringing the others around to his point of view and way of doing things. Overall though, this doesn't detract from the series as a whole, and it's an addictive and involving drama, with comedic aspects.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 2007 - Science Fiction - Director: Francis Lawrence - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Dash Mihok, Will Smith, Salli Richardson, Willow Smith
Science Fiction - Director: Hiroyuki Yamaga - Original Language: Japanese - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Ayako Kawasumi, Fujiko Takimoto
Re-rated based on Ciao's insistence that such reviews are no longer considered "Off Topic"
Soho_Black 13.12.2007 08:13
I see you've posted this as a DVD review, but you've not mentioned the DVD features. Are there any extras? If so, what are they and are they any good? If you add to this, or if you change it to be posted as a "Film Only" review, which can be done by accessing "edit review" above the review and changing the drop down menu under the "Which format are you reviewing?" question at the bottom, please let me know and I'll re-rate.
dharma.roy 13.12.2007 00:00
Good Review, Ive never seen that series before or even heard of it.
How would the modern face of policing cope in the land ofThe Sweeney? Thats the question ... more
posed byLife on Mars, as DI Sam Tyler (John Simm) a modern cop transported back to 1973 after a nasty car accident. There, he finds himself dealing with the signif...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
How would the modern face of policing cope in the land ofThe Sweeney? Thats the question ... more
posed byLife on Mars, as DI Sam Tyler (John Simm) a modern cop transported back to 1973 after a nasty car accident. There, he finds himself dealing with the signif...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Sam Tyler (John Simm) is an ambitious young detective determined to keep the streets of ... more
21st Century Manchester safe. However, the hunt for a serial killer becomes a personal vendetta when Sam suspects his girlfriend has been kidnapped by the very man ...
John Simm stars as Sam Tyler a driven and ambitious young detective determined to keep ... more
the streets of 21st Century Manchester safe. But after a near fatal car accident he wakes up dazed and confused in 1973. Has he gone back in time? Is he in a co...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: Fantastic acting, well written scripts and characters Disadvantages: May need an older member of the family to explain some of the 70's references
![Life On Mars : Complete BBC Series 1 [2006] [DVD]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/74856005.jpg "Life On Mars : Complete BBC Series 1 [2006] [DVD]")
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