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Product Description
Hortense Joseph arrives in London from Jamaica in 1948 with her life in her suitcase, her heart broken but her resolve intact. Her husband, Gilbert Joseph, returns from the war expecting to be received as a hero, but finds his status as a black man in Britain to be second class. His white landlady, Queenie, raised as a farmer's daughter, befriends Gilbert, and later Hortense, with innocence and courage, until the unexpected arrival of her husband, Bernard, who returns from combat with issues of his own to resolve. Small Island is a courageous story of tender emotion and sparkling wit, of shattering compassion and reckless optimism in the face of insurmountable barriers.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By Gordieh
Format:DVD
Small Island [DVD] [2010]This is an absolutely amazing story of how Jamaicans viewed Britain before the war, how they served in the military during the war and how they were treated as second class citizens during that conflict, and then when they started to migrate to UK after the war, again how they were treated as menial labour. Absolutely enthralling.
28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By V. Allonby
Format:DVD
I had just finished reading Andrea Levy's book when I watched this. So often when books are made into films too much of the story is removed or changed or the actors aren't how you imagined the characters in the book to look like or be. However, this was not the case with this adaptation. I was captivated at how everything I had imagined came to life. Excellent casting played by excellent actors. I would thoroughly recommend this DVD. It's a gripping tale of love, struggle and defiance in the face of adversity. Buy it, you won't be disappointed!
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By MCB
Format:DVD
This is a great movie situated during the second world war. It deals with prejudice,love,forbidden love,joy, sacrifice and loss. It also shows what can be achieved if you have stong inner strength, faith and determination. The end is not what you expect and you are left with a feeling of great love, understanding, sorrow and inner peace. Well worth watching and all the actors are great in their roles.
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Brilliant- I am not a great fan of period drama, but my daughter was watching this ( she is only 14 )and I was hooked. Really moving story. Great cast, believable storyline, quite thought provoking. Loved it 10/10
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Crime_girl
Format:DVD
This is a great film, set in Jamaica and England before and during WW2. There are great themes of love and loss, race, and individuals' search for happiness. I laughed, I cried, I was outraged, I swooned. I wouldn't watch it with my Mum due to a couple of instances of bad language and a sex scene or two, but nothing to shock the average 15+ viewer, I'm sure. Very well cast, especially Ruth Wilson (remember her in Jane Eyre) and Naomie Harris.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Fit mum
Format:DVD
I loved the book and saw the series on BBC TV. It took a while and people like me to complain before it came out on DVD. I just had to have it. The cast is superb as is the story. See it and enjoy!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By emma
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Gripping story about the trials and tribulations of families in wartime London. A story that is easy to feel empathy and become engrossed in. A must watch for fans of wartime dramas.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Guy Tremerie
Format:DVD
I regret there are no English subtitles on this DVD.
It is a film that leaves you reminiscing about the finer side of life.
G.Tremerie.Belgium
It is a film that leaves you reminiscing about the finer side of life.
G.Tremerie.Belgium
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
As good as the book!
Small Island is a great watch for anybody who's read Levy's novel. Although there are subtle differences from the novel I would still say it's a must watch for any Levy/Small... Read more
Published 28 days ago by Tobchipbob
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well transformed
I enjoyed the film. I read the book first with our reading group and I was then decided to buy the DVD. I did not regret it. The performance of each character is excellend.
Published 4 months ago by Ursula Narr
5.0 out of 5 stars
A BBC winnier of a drama that keeps you gripped
Fabulous story with an unexpected ending so true to the feelings of the time.....a sequel would be marvelous
Regards Jayne
Regards Jayne
Published 5 months ago by Pol
5.0 out of 5 stars
Small Island
I found that DVD very good it reinforced a lot of what used to happen when I was growing up, with the racism, and
when you went for a job the discrimination that used to go on... Read more
when you went for a job the discrimination that used to go on... Read more
Published 6 months ago by odelle james
3.0 out of 5 stars
Episode 2 missing
Lovely story, I also found that really felt as if you're in England/Jamaica, especially the later, you can hear the birds and insects buzz and almost feel the heat :-)... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Mie
5.0 out of 5 stars
henchard's view
I originally read the book when it was first released and thoroughly enjoyed it's evocation of post-war Britain. Read more
Published 8 months ago by henchard
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it
I loved Andrea Levy's novel and the TV dramatisation did not disappoint. With great acting from all the cast, great production, it is very poignant and thought provoking. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Textile Figure Artist
5.0 out of 5 stars
A joy.
So many of us have seen so many period war drama that it can feel like they all blend into one. Small Island totally breaks the mould, it is an original and beautiful story which... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Chantelle Nichols
5.0 out of 5 stars
Small Island
I had read the book previously and loved it. I thought the DVD lived up to my expectations of the characters brilliantly. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Carol Hey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Island Heaven
I loved this little gem. The characters were well drawn and played. I'd read the book some time ago and had only just got the chance to see the DVD. Read more
Published 19 months ago by nickyb
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