Customer Reviews

No 1 Ladies Detective: Complete First Season [Import]

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The characters in Alexander McCall Smith's popular detective books absolutely come to life in this HBO TV series, as does the country of Botswana. Singer/poet Jill Scott is the perfect combination of sweetness and strength that is Precious Romotswe, the number one lady detective. Her prim and proper secretary/assistant detective is played wonderfully by Anika Noni Rose. Anthony Minghella, the Academy Award winning director of The English Patient and The Talented Mr. Ripley, has done a beautiful job on this, his final project. The gorgeous cinematography make the people and country of Botswana shine. As an added bonus there is the author's film diary that explains how each story was written, information on the country of Botswana, as well as footage of the making of the No. 1 Detective Agency. This is positively the best made series of films (for the big screen quality is unmistakable) I have ever seen that was also adapted from stories I have loved to read.

Excellent book and video series. Makes u fall in love with Africa and makes u smile a lot! I would recommend this book to one and all.

After reading the books years ago, we did not expect to be so gripped by the series or the characters, but fell for them all again on screen. What a terrific series, and how refreshing not to be exposed to the graphically visual violence that typifies so much of the on screen productions today. The characters were wonderful, the plots were wonderful, and we think there should have been a continuation of the series; what a delightful experience and an educational one, seeing Botswana that way on screen.

this tv series totally encapsulates Alexander McCall Smiths books. With a few additional characters to increase comedic relief (ie. the hairdresser next door) , the story lines follow the books almost exactly. Loved seeing Africa like this in a show- stunning- with glorious snippits of native animals. A must see if you have read the series or not! Hope they make more seasons :)

This sensitive series presents a greatly refreshing view of Africa, with intelligent, deeply moral people, successful and professional, who struggle with some of the realities of Africa - corruption, poverty, superstitions - but engage them in respecting their traditions and the richness of their heritage, with the goal of making their country and Africa a better place. It has a lot of humour and is not afraid of tackling those issues, but always presenting a very human - and sometimes funny! - face of the protagonists.

It is too bad that the series stopped after the death of the director, but it should definitely be continued: Alexander McCall-Smith has many other books of Mma Ramotswe and her companions.

The books have been an extremely rewarding past time, so I really doubted a film could capture the true essence of the books. I'm so glad I was wrong because no book has ever been interpreted so well!! Every episode of the dvd is funny, loving and beautifully visual. I only wish that there was a second season available! I'd always wondered what Botswana looked like and the film visuals are magnificent...not only do we see everyday Botswana but we also witness the diversity of the country..I want to go ! The films are not the typical African sad story but show thriving and growing populations who are determined to improve themselves through hard work and dedication. I only wish the entire planet felt the same way.
This is a must see collection that will appeal to almost everybody. I hope this helps you decide to purchase the series as it's money well-spent that will give you hours of enjoyment!!!!!!

We enjoyed the dvd season 1 immensely. There are some people in the dvd that aren't in the books but it only improved the story for watching it and inserted humour where it was needed. We are hoping there is a season 2 available. We didn't see any of the episodes on HBO.

Great stuff - and it feels cultural too
Very feel good cinema.
In particular, look for the unbelievable portral by Anika Noni Rose - In every scene from first scene to final, be it comic or dramatic or tragic, she plays the character exactly the same way and it works in every single one. That's quite an achievement

My family and I absolutely loved these DVD's. My husband and I have read 9 of the 12 books so far, and although the films are not exactly the same, they too were wonderful, keeping the essence of the written books through and through. Our son (who has not read the books) loved the films as much as we did, and we all wish more films were made of the other books. We will keep hoping and looking for the next DVD!

This is a great video series thoroughly enjoyed it and gave it to friends as a gift as well. Delivery was spot in. Thanks