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Our Friends in the North
StirredNotShaken
Toronto
I just finished watching this masterpiece. I've seen my fair share of British TV, despite being a Canadian, and I'm honestly convinced it's the best thing that's come out of the UK. On par with things such as The Wire or The Sopranos, in my opinion. And it's pretty damn impossible to beat The Wire, especially if you're a miniseries.
What can I say? First off, Craig and Eccleston play off eachother so perfectly, I'm really glad they were in <10 scenes together throughout the whole thing, because it's just such a treat to see Geordie and Nicky's onscreen chemistry and the fact that it's shown so sparingly really makes you captivated by it each time they share the screen. I can't see Craig as Bond now because he was just so fantastic as Geordie. He one-upped himself as Bond, and that's saying something because he's a fantastic Bond. Same to Eccleston with the Doctor; to me he's Nicky now. I love the transition through the years, with the political and cultural climate evident in every episode, along with the choices of music. Ending off with "Don't Look Back in Anger" was beyond brilliant. The 1974, 1984, 1987, and 1995 episodes were probably the best four but all nine are just masterfully done. There's so much to say about this brilliant series but I haven't the time at the moment. Anyone have any thoughts on OFITN?
What can I say? First off, Craig and Eccleston play off eachother so perfectly, I'm really glad they were in <10 scenes together throughout the whole thing, because it's just such a treat to see Geordie and Nicky's onscreen chemistry and the fact that it's shown so sparingly really makes you captivated by it each time they share the screen. I can't see Craig as Bond now because he was just so fantastic as Geordie. He one-upped himself as Bond, and that's saying something because he's a fantastic Bond. Same to Eccleston with the Doctor; to me he's Nicky now. I love the transition through the years, with the political and cultural climate evident in every episode, along with the choices of music. Ending off with "Don't Look Back in Anger" was beyond brilliant. The 1974, 1984, 1987, and 1995 episodes were probably the best four but all nine are just masterfully done. There's so much to say about this brilliant series but I haven't the time at the moment. Anyone have any thoughts on OFITN?
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I have to say I never watched this and I know I should have done by now. It really is something I'll have to catch up on. High praise indeed comparing it to The Wire and The Sopranos.
You know, when watching all the political parts, I couldn't help but wonder if Simon watched OFITN, and if it had any influence on the third season and beyond of The Wire. Couldn't help but be reminded of certain parts while I was watching. But yeah, I wouldn't necessarily rank it next to The Wire because it's a miniseries, so it's not really fair to compare the two, but on a relative scale it might be The Wire of miniseries. If you catch my drift.
"Our Friends in the North is a British television drama serial, produced by the BBC and originally broadcast in nine episodes on BBC Two in early 1996. Telling the story of four friends from the city of Newcastle upon Tyne in North East England over 31 years from 1964 to 1995, it also brought in real political and social events specific to Newcastle and Britain as a whole during the era portrayed, including general elections, police and local government corruption, the UK miners' strike (1984–1985) and the Great Storm of 1987. Publicity material for the serial used the tagline "Three decades, four friends and the world that shaped their lives"
I know some of my fellow countrymen think we still produce high quality television and we do from time to time but nothing has come near to the brilliance on display here. As well as Craig, Ecceleston, Mark Strong and Gina Mckee in the leads, the acting is of such a high calibre from all, Peter Vaughn is particularly brilliant as Nicky's father.
If you haven't seen this and consider yourself a fan of Daniel Craig then you are missing out. Now if only the BBC would seem fit to remaster this like they recently did The House of Cards trilogy and give it a HD release on Blu ray although a series of this quality deserves something more akin to the treatment that Criterion give their Blu ray titles.
I think this is one I need to get too.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Our-Friends-The-North-BBC/dp/B003N7T6PW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375308875&sr=8-1&keywords=our+friends+in+the+north
A brief synopsis of DC character, Geordie. ***POSSIBLE SPOILERS*** However, what’s pictured is only a very small part of the story, but you may not wish to read further.
Geordie in 1964, hooking up with his mate Nicki for his birthday celebration. Talking kids stuff about getting a band together. Nicki has other ideas and plans. After this disappointment and a terrible fight with his dad, Geordie goes off to London.
London 1966, Geordie working in a club where he meets his girl Jules and makes connection in the Soho underworld.
1967, still in London, rising through the ranks of organized crime world.
1970. The corruption story of the Soho underworld and police continue and Geordie is involved completely and totally.
1974. Geordie returns to London, after taking the fall for his boss and losses everything.
1979. Returns to New Castle rekindling his relationship with his friends, and brings all his tricks of the trade with him from London. He disappears after 1979 and doesn’t reappear until 1987.
London 1987, Nicki while shooting photographs as a journalist of the homeless, stumbles upon Geordie and tries to help. Unfortunately, Geordie has not yet hit rock bottom.
New Castle 1995, the last scene of the series. After help from his friends, Geordie pulls it together and survives
Here are some episodes I found, that work. Enough to get an impression.
Yes it is, truly amazing.