The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

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.

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.

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.

Gentle, heart-caressing and unpretentious, the No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is the beautiful, acclaimed TV film of Precious Mambotswe, from the even more acclaimed, charming series of stories by Alexander McCall Smith.

Mambotswe is the only female detective in Botswana and, as such, the number-one female detective in the land. She is played by stunning and understated, Jill Scott who is perfectly cast in the role.

The film is an undemanding stroll, packed with gentle-suspense, wit and warm understanding, through an Africa known and loved by many.

The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is a delightful and memorable watch.

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.