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The Narrow Road to the Deep North

(36 Posts)
MayBee70 Sat 26-Jul-25 01:50:28

Thought I’d give this series a go. But can’t seem to get subtitles to work and everyone really mumbles. Read a review on mumsnet and someone said they’d put subtitles on so can’t understand why I can’t. Have got subtitles on everything else on iplayer. It does seem a bit slow and dreary though, so not sure if I’ll continue watching it.

MayBee70 Tue 29-Jul-25 17:14:55

The beheading is just the beginning….I’m Game of Thrones hardened and I didn’t have a problem with American Primeval. But this is on another level.

Ilovedogs22 Tue 29-Jul-25 17:20:15

I suggested this programme to MrIlovedogs as it sounded
right- up his alley. However, even He, who watches every single boring programme going, found it very tedious.
Now, if MrIlovedogs finds it boring, it's got to be bottom- numbingly, brain-rottingly boring.
I, being shallow would only watch it for handsome lead actor. 🤔

Doodledog Tue 29-Jul-25 17:25:28

MayBee70

The beheading is just the beginning….I’m Game of Thrones hardened and I didn’t have a problem with American Primeval. But this is on another level.

Agreed.

As I said earlier, the 'warnings' we get about the most trivial of things in TV programmes don't prepare us for something like this. IMO they should be kept for when needed, so people can decide what to watch. I realise that we all have different thresholds for what we consider tolerable, but this was on a whole new level and is not remotely comparable to someone on Eastenders contemplating suicide or people smoking in programmes made in the 70s.

MayBee70 Tue 29-Jul-25 18:09:26

I have got an unfinished book about Japanese prisoners of war; Judy..it's about a dog during the war that kept up the moral of captured soldiers. I may dip back into it to see what it says about the prison camps.

foxie48 Thu 31-Jul-25 16:08:00

I've just watched the last episode and wow, I found it profound and deeply moving. I don't cry usually but I did find I was welling up at several points in the last two episodes. I totally understand why many won't like it, it's not enjoyable but for me, I'm glad I watched it through despite the rubbish sound at times and the gloomy lighting. It's made me think about the damage that violence does to everyone who witnesses it, perpetrates it or is receiving of it and for me at least, relates to what is happening now in so many parts of the world.

LaCrepescule Thu 31-Jul-25 18:06:39

I was deeply moved by it and can’t believe some of the comments! A profound story based on fact, great acting (although Elordi’s gorgeousness was a bit distracting) and I didn’t shy away from watching the labour camp scenes. It happened and the spirit of those poor men shone through.
I hadn’t read the book but someone’s lent it to me so am looking forward to that.
Best thing I’ve seen in ages and the critics seem to agree.

Doodledog Thu 31-Jul-25 19:12:16

I'm not sure that 'shying away' from those scenes is the best way to refer to finding them deeply upsetting. I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen it, but one extended scene between the guard and a prisoner was particularly horrible. That sort of thing can be alluded to without such extreme violence being screened, IMO.

MayBee70 Thu 31-Jul-25 19:20:43

Doodledog

I'm not sure that 'shying away' from those scenes is the best way to refer to finding them deeply upsetting. I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen it, but one extended scene between the guard and a prisoner was particularly horrible. That sort of thing can be alluded to without such extreme violence being screened, IMO.

I’ve never watched anything as graphic. And I don’t shy away from pretty brutal films or series that many people won’t watch.

foxie48 Thu 31-Jul-25 21:52:24

Tbh I wouldn't describe it as graphic, it was the intensity that I felt was so affecting together with seeing the effect it had on those witnessing it. I felt as if I was there with them. The slow pace and the repetitive music was very effective at creating an atmosphere of such sadness. I thought it was quite an exceptional production but clearly not to everyone's taste.

JamesandJon33 Fri 01-Aug-25 05:39:11

We finished watching it last evening. Marvellous, though I had to look away at times. I think we all know of the Japanese cruelty, so that was no great surprise.
Not sure I found Ciaran Hinds a good fit for the older Dorrigo.
I feel there was something missing , so I shall read the book to see if it is there