Home
| Search
| Now Playing
| News
| My Movies
| Games
| Boards
| Help
| US Movie Showtimes
| Top 250
| Register
| Recommendations
| Widgets
Box Office
| Index
| Trailers
| Jobs
|
IMDbPro.com - Free Trial
| IMDb Resume
Copyright © 1990-2008
IMDb.com, Inc.
Terms and Privacy Policy under which this service is provided to you.
An
company.
Advertise on IMDb.
License our content.
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosreparto y equipo completostrivialidadesofficial sitesfrases célebresOverview
información principalinformación combinadareparto y equipo completoscréditos de compañíastv schedulePremios y críticas
comentarios de los usuarioscríticas externascríticas de grupos de usuariosawardsCalificacionesparents guiderecomendacionesmessage boardArgumento y citas
argumentoplot synopsispalabras clave del argumentosinopsis Amazon.comfrases célebresCosas divertidas
trivialidadespifiastemas musicalescréditos extravagantesotras versionesenlaces entre películaspreguntas frecuentesOtro tipo de información
enlaces a productosbox office/businessfechas de estrenolugares de rodajeespecificaciones técnicasLaserdiscDVDlecturas relacionadasnews articlesMaterial promocional
frases comercialestrailers and videoscarteles y enlacesphoto galleryEnlaces externos
enlaces a cinesofficial sitesmisceláneosfotografíassound clipsvideo clipsIMDb user comments for
The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (2008) (TV)
7 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-
Good Easter Sunday Fayre, 25 marzo 2008
Author: TheJiveMaster de United Kingdom
The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency was the first novel in the series by Alexander McCall Smith and as such the first to be turned into a television adaptation. It was aired on BBC1 on Sunday 23rd March 2008, Easter Sunday. This time-slot has traditionally been a chance for the BBC to show a production which will appeal to all the family and N1LDA fitted the category very well.
After a slow start to help introduce the characters, the work of Precious starts in earnest. Over the remaining hour and a quarter we see how she solve cases relating to unfaithful husbands, idle fathers, insurance fraud and missing children. There are some comic moments and some heart breaking moments.
Overall the adaptation stayed very loyal to the book and remained a light hearted look at life in Botswana. The production quality was very good with the Botswanian Tourist Board probably very happy at the positive light their country is portrayed under. For those people wanting something grittier, you'll be disappointed, but for everyone else looking for 1¾ of escapism, this is what you're looking for.
6 out of 6 people found the following comment useful :-
Fresh and likable, 25 marzo 2008
Author: paul2001sw-1 (paul2001sw@yahoo.co.uk) de Saffron Walden, UK
The late Anthony Minghella's early credits included writing several episodes of 'Inspector Morse', so there's a symmetry in the fact that his final film as a director was another story about a fictional detective, namely Alexander MacCall Smith's Precious Ramotse, the eponymous No.1 lady detective in Botswana. Now, I've read detective stories set in the third world that could have been set anywhere, but the charm of this story lies emphatically in its African flavour. Also a degree of its horror: the tale does not altogether shy away from some of the grimmer realities of contemporary African life, but sweetens them with the comforting idea that at least some of these problems could be resolved by a formidable middle aged woman short on sophistication but well-endowed with compassion and common sense. You could argue that this is a slightly patronising idea, although equally, you could argue that most British fictional detectives, from Miss Marple down to Morse himself, embody a certain archetypal Britishness just as clearly as Precious represents one idea of Africa. The gentle pacing and episodic construction means that it isn't exactly edge-of-your seat stuff; but its also fresh, diverting and oddly believable - and as such, a final feather in Minghella's cap.
5 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
Much better than I expected, 24 marzo 2008
Author: kjewitt de United Kingdom
I am a fan of the books and I have been expecting Hollywood to make a shocking mess of this for several years. The most important thing is that this is a labour of love, not a meretricious exploitation of a "pre-sold property". Thank goodness it fell into the safe hands of Anthony Minghella. A lot of things happened on screen much earlier than they happened in the books but I think that is probably justifiable - in film you have to get the main characters introduced early on. I'm not wholly happy with Mma Ramotswe's hairdresser neighbour. Mma Makutsi didn't wholly convince me but her humanity likewise takes a long time to come across in the books. I missed the wonderfully tough lady from the children's home with her fruitcake -but maybe she will come in later. The feel of the African scenery - human and physical - was, if anything, richer than my imaginative version. What about Mma Ramotswe herself? I'd say that they have more or less got her right. I didn't imagine her being quite so smiley and cheerful, but then I'm a miserable so-and-so from the high latitudes. Of course her rich inner life can't wholly come across on screen. SO GO AND READ THE BOOKS! For anyone who hasn't read the books - they are the easiest books to read on the whole planet. I thought the back-story with her dad and ex-husband Note was very nicely handled. I shall certainly continue to watch. AMS you are a genius. AM why aren't there more like you?
5 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
Original and entertaining, 23 marzo 2008
Author: formidible-1 de United Kingdom
A Botswana woman looses her father and inherits his fortune (180 cows, et al). In so doing she is able to start up a small local womens' detective agency - the first of it's kind in southern Africa. From a clientèle of zero she manages to build up a client base of interwoven cases.
This is the story of one woman's' dream becoming a reality. But it's much more than that. It's also about Africa and Africans, it's about change, it's about standing up to bad things, about knowing your neighbours and having a laugh along the way. Minghella has successfully created a TV film version of the much loved novel of the same name by Alexander McCall Smith. This couldn't have been an easy project so it's a delight that the film has both a polished look and a real feel for it's characters. Filmed entirely on location, the film manages to engage and entertain with a hefty dose of humour and intrigue.
Whilst a few street scenes may not exactly reflect the norm in Botswana (cream cakes that look as if they'd just fallen off the shelf at Harrods), the interwoven stories and acting, from a new African cast, more than make up for it. This sadly turned out to be Anthony Minghella's last project as director but it's clear that he passionately believed in it's material. It's rare indeed to see studios with big bucks backing a film with this kind of plot or synopsis, let alone for it to be made in Africa and with an unknown cast. The fact that it succeeds is due not only to the screenplay and success of the the novel but to the vision of maestro Minghella himself. Long may his memory prevail, and it looks like it might do with a series spin-off planned for next year.
2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
Winning, off-beat entertainment, 21 abril 2008
Author: jc-osms de United Kingdom
I was unfamiliar with the source novel so it was with a mixture of interest and curiosity that I tuned in to view this feature-length introduction to a full TV series to come in 2009. The main tag-line in the advance promotion concerned the key involvement of TV/cinema big-hitters, the late Anthony Minghella as co-producer / director and Richard Curtis as screenplay writer. Although I've had my reservations on both before now, (both in fact have in the past seemed to me slightly over-sentimental and melodramatic in their treatments of subject matter), these traits are refreshingly absent from this light and entertaining confection. I will point out though that some of their trademark devices were apparent even in this out-of-the-way production, like Minghella's penchant for sweeping airborne exposition shots, most famously recalled from "The English Patient" and is it just me that can draw a line between one of Curtis' most famous TV comedy creations, Dawn French as "The Vicar of Dibley" in presenting the lead character as a buxom, independent woman making it in a man's world... Well, maybe, maybe not. Anyway I found this feature to be highly entertaining, if quirky, and altogether preferable to the BBC's tired and played out costume dramas (the over-rated "Cranford" springs readily to mind). The cinematography is as you'd expect, excellent, ditto the screenplay, nicely peppered with witty one-liners. The costumes too are lovely, colourful prints and checks very much to the fore! The cast of characters is well played, all memorable in their own way, from the starchy new secretary, effeminate neighbouring hairdresser and doting middle-aged mechanic, all in Precious' corner as employees and/or supporters, to the diverse clientèle who cross our heroine's path, most memorably a Lothario-type adulterous husband, fake parasitical "father" and in particular the more sinister drug-baron who thinks nothing of threatening children to get his evil way. By the end of the 100 minutes viewing time, Jill Scott (excellent in the lead part) as Precious has solved the intertwined three or four small mysteries and one big one (a child's kidnapping) in comedic or dramatic circumstances. The show in summary could be crudely reduced to an African / female "Rockford Files" and was rightly slotted into TV schedules, being not quite strong enough, in my opinion, for cinematic release, but was still one of the more entertaining, if offbeat programmes I've watched on the BBC in many a long day.
2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
Out of Africa, 4 abril 2008
Author: ed_two_o_nine de United Kingdom
I came this with no knowledge of the books, so was open minded. Most of my expectations where bases on the broadcast time. With the Sunday evening broadcast slot on the British terrestrial channels normally reserved for shows of a gentle nature with a good level of quality, The 'Morses' of this world. Well this did not disappoint I thought it was well directed (what more would you expect from the now sadly departed Anthony Minghella). The direction naturally focused on the lush African landscapes but also has some lovely shots of the cast. Not knowing the books I do not know how the show compares but sometimes that is a favourable state of mind for these things as fans are almost always disappointed. I thought Jill Scott was very good in the lead role and was ably supported by a great cast. Special praise must go to the always excellent Idris Elba and David Oyelowo. Now I know that this has been commissioned as series I do hope there is a chance for recurring roles for their characters, especially that of Idris Elba whom really deserves recognition in the UK (The Wire really needs more exposure in the UK). All in all this has the potential to be some quality viewing for some time to come.
2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
Anthony Minghella works his magic, 28 marzo 2008
Author: Barrie Smith (barrie1340) de London England
What a great surprise to see how Anthony Minghella has made this movie in Botswana with Jill Scott in staring role as the Lady detective. The casting is perfect. The colours of Botswana are truly beautiful and the country might really be the star of the film. Superb photography by Seamus McGarvey who also did Atonement.
This is a simple story really bought to life with a host of talent. A child, a little girl, taught be her father to be observant, retain a good memory, look after others, goes to live in the town after her fathers death to set up the first detective agency in Botswana to be run by a lady. She then goes about finding clients and solving their problems. During the story the viewer is treated to some great shots of wildlife and the wonderful Botswana colours & country side. An endearing film not to missed. The sad part of the story is that Anthony Minghella is no longer with us & we will not see his like again. Barriebrdc.
2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
This bodes very well for the forthcoming series., 25 marzo 2008
Author: turkishjim de United Kingdom
I don't know whether the pace of life portrayed in this film is an accurate reflection of life in Botswana, but if it is then Botswana is a place I could live with no trouble at all. I found this a delightful programme, with some moving and touching scenes as well as a few totally hilarious moments. No doubt there will be criticism that it was too shallow, but in my opinion this was perfect holiday weekend viewing. It is a great pity that Anthony Minghella will not be around to carry on his work as the series progresses, and I can only hope that his successor remains constant to his principles. I look forward very much to the remainder of the series, although at the moment (Easter 2008) 2009 seems a long way off.
2 out of 3 people found the following comment useful :-
Africa, at her seductive best, 25 marzo 2008
Author: zimpilgrim de United Kingdom
Gentle, heart-caressing and unpretentious, the No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is the beautiful and acclaimed TV film of Precious Mambotswe, from the more acclaimed, charming series of stories by Alexander McCall Smith.
Mambotswe is the only female detective in Botswana and, by default, the number-one female detective in the land. She is played by stunning and understated, Jill Scott who is nigh-on perfectly cast in the role.
The film is an undemanding stroll, packed with gentle-suspense, wit and warm understanding, through a Africa known and loved by many.
The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is a delightful and memorable watch.
3 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
brilliant pilot!, 23 marzo 2008
Author: averilriley de Ireland
I have just finished watching this pilot on BBC, literally ten minutes ago... The first thing to mention is that I have not read any of the books but rather was watching on the side lines as my mother, who is a huge fan of the literary works, watched "her show" having placed a reserved sign on the TV first thing this Easter Sunday morning (when really she should have been hiding chocolate easter eggs for the grandchildren!) This show has captivated me, and within ten minutes of its start I was hoping it would never end. Jill Scott does a superb job in the lead role and all of the supporting characters have you wishing you could be there in the story with them, as a fly on the wall, if only. I am more than excited by the promise that it will be returning in a serial form next year (each a 1 hour HBO/BBC production) and hope that, despite the death of the director of this first film, it will continue it's run of ingenious crime drama with such flair and humour, and genuine characters in the cast and Botswana in general as a truly living representation, that this first titillation has provided me. A definite credit, and tribute to genius, to its late director indeed.
Add another comment
Related Links