26 Jan '10

“A tour de force of fine writing, stylish direction and superb acting.”
Brian Viner, The Independent

“The film was so flawed it became irritating to watch. The director-writer Michael Samuels’ script cut the story up into a mosaic with more time shifts than Nostromo… It was a piece with dialogue so pregnant that it frequently miscarried… [Sophie] Okonedo was additionally burdened with David Harewood’s wooden Nelson.”
Andrew Billen, The Times

“It was big, powerful stuff, rippingly well acted by Okonedo but without any lighter stuff by way of contrast it all became a little tiring.”
Matt Baylis, Daily Express

“This thoughtful drama doesn’t excuse Winnie Mandela, but goes some way towards explaining her.”
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian

“It might have been better called The Reel Winnie Mandela, so heavily did it rely on film clips from Panorama back in the day.”
Andrew Billen, The Times

“Another classy package, with strong performances all round and a clever script.”
Brian Viner, The Independent

“It is as formulaic and nourishing as a New York room-service dinner… It’s no ER, but it might get us through February.”
Andrew Billen, The Times

“I confess to being slightly allergic to hospital dramas, but Nurse Jackie has me hooked, and this is mostly down to the brilliance of [Edie] Falco, who is manifestly having the time of her life in such a multi-dimensional part.”
Brian Viner, The Independent

“Billie’s nervous – she’s never interviewed anyone before. To be honest, it shows.”
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian