Lovely miniseries from 2009 starring Ruth Wilson, Naomie Harris, David Oyelowo, Roger Sloman, Ashley Walters, Benedict Cumberbatch.
The film begins right before World War II. Hortense (Wilson) and Michael (Walters) are Jamaicans who were raised together though not related. Hortense always assumed they would marry, but when she sees Michael kissing a married woman, she freaks. However, she never let go of the fantasy.
In order to get to London, though, which is her dream, she marries Gilbert (Oyelowo), another Jamaican. Once in England, they learn the hard lessons about the racism prevalent in the "mother country" and endure struggles.
The parallel story is that of Queenie and Bernard, both British - Bernard proposes and Queenie, not sure of her feelings, takes a chance and accepts. His father, shell-shocked from WW I, lives with them. When Bernard leaves for the service, Queenie meets Michael and falls for him. Meanwhile, she rents out rooms to Hortense and Gilbert. Thus, the two stories come together.
Someone wrote that "Small Island" draws you in - that's a great description. The characters are vivid, their stories poignant, and we care deeply about them.
It is so well made, and a beautiful story of lives intertwining and living through war and prejudice...and learning about love and friendship.
The film begins right before World War II. Hortense (Wilson) and Michael (Walters) are Jamaicans who were raised together though not related. Hortense always assumed they would marry, but when she sees Michael kissing a married woman, she freaks. However, she never let go of the fantasy.
In order to get to London, though, which is her dream, she marries Gilbert (Oyelowo), another Jamaican. Once in England, they learn the hard lessons about the racism prevalent in the "mother country" and endure struggles.
The parallel story is that of Queenie and Bernard, both British - Bernard proposes and Queenie, not sure of her feelings, takes a chance and accepts. His father, shell-shocked from WW I, lives with them. When Bernard leaves for the service, Queenie meets Michael and falls for him. Meanwhile, she rents out rooms to Hortense and Gilbert. Thus, the two stories come together.
Someone wrote that "Small Island" draws you in - that's a great description. The characters are vivid, their stories poignant, and we care deeply about them.
It is so well made, and a beautiful story of lives intertwining and living through war and prejudice...and learning about love and friendship.