The story of ex-patriot European women living in Singapore at the outbreak of war in the Far East and their capture by the Japanese. Features the complete episodes from the... more...television series.
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This is one of the best dramas of the 1980s. The box set has all 3 series and the bonus 'reunion' episode. The series concentrates on the women's POW camp. The three series are based on real life experiences. Despite this being an excellent drama it is not the type of thing you can say 'I enjoyed watching that' Despite it having a 12 certificate I personally wouldn't recommend it as suitable for anyone under 15.
During the three series we see the women suffer at the hands of the Japanese guards. Food rations being cut, low medical supplies and death could only be around the corner for one or even all of the women.
The cast are fantastic. Stephanie Cole (better known as Diana Trent in Waiting for God) as Doctor Beatrice and Burt Kwouk as the sinister Captain Yamauchi to name but two.
My favorite character is probably Sister Ulrica, a Nun with attitude. Anyone who has been taught by a Nun (I went to a Catholic school, had a few Nuns teaching there) will have met at least one like Sister Ulrica. Stubborn and gives the impression she could turn you into a pile of dust with just a single word
Below is a brief summery of the plots for each series - without giving too much away for those who have not seen it.
Series one:
The story starts with a group of ex-pat Brits living in Singapore during the second world war. They all know the Japanese are closing in but none of them seriously believe that Singapore will fall. Esp Marion Jefferson, wife of a well respected Colonel. Unfortunately for them it does. As they try to escape their ship is hit and the few survivors are found by the Japanese. Men and women are separated and taken to different camps. The women's camp is run by the sinister Captain Yamauchi who lays down the law and punishes those who disobey. Marion is made the 'leader of the British' a job she does not want but slowly gets very good at. The women also meet the formidable Sister Ulrica who is not best pleased with the British at first but soon warms to them although there are a few ups and downs along the way. Doctor Beatrice is horrified by the conditions in the camp and has to work with very few medical supplies to treat the sick. With food rations being cut, traders being killed in-front of the women the women turn to the unthinkable to survive, those that do survive that is.
Series 2:
The women are separated and marched to different camps. The story follows the group which include Doctor Beatrice and Sister Ulrica. They collect two elderly prisoners who have been dumped at the side of the road by the Japanese guards. One is Jos, a formidable woman who settles in with the rest of the group well, hiding the fact she is titled (Lady Jocelyn). Jos is always up for making mischief and upsetting the guards. The new camp compared to the old one seams like the lap of luxury. The prisoners leader here is Verna Johnson - who seams to believe as long as she and her cat are ok stuff the rest. The new prison commander needs a translator and she is as terrifying as he is. The women are put to work in the factory and one of the women pays the price for sneaking out of the camp to meet up with someone from the men's camp. Doctor Beatrice's eyesight is failing and the supplies at the new camp are little better despite the 'hospital' being bigger and having mosquito nets. Sister Ulrica leaves part way through the series on the say so of her priest.
Series 3:
Another new camp and this is the worst of the lot. The women are dying and morale is low through lack of food - but this is never allowed as the 'official' cause of death by Captain Sato. Medical supplies are almost non-existent and Beriberi is rife. The women continue to be told Japan is winning the war. However, after the surrender by Japan the women are told they are free. As they arrive back in Singapore they take a long time to adjust. Marion, the women's leader in the camp can not simply go back to her old life, much to the irritation of her husband. Beatrice and Joss go about helping in the running of a sort of 'care centre' for the poor and Sister Ulrica joins the group again and is there to advise and listen to all of them. Yamauchi is put on trail for war crimes. As the series ends most of the women are returning to Britain. They agree to return in five years time. However, despite being free there is one more death for the women to come to terms with.
Bonus Episode 'Reunion'
It's five years later and the women's lives have changed, but not all for the better. Marion has divorced her husband and a chance encounter with one of the other women from the camp reminds them of the promise they made five years before. The women begin to arrive at the hotel in Singapore, the country now a very different place. Doctor Beatrice is still working at the 'drop in' centre along with Christine, another of the women from the camp. The women have to be careful as there is a Communist uprising going on and Christine's fiance seams quite jumpy at times. Beatrice may now be nearly blind but her brain is still working at full speed and after an unfortunate event at the house of one of the women who stayed in Singapore the truth comes out and it was only Beatrice who knew it.
More details
Soundtrack
Average
How does it compare to others by the same director?
Not applicable
Value for Money
Good
What format are you reviewing?
Film only
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