I have no idea what is coming up in future episodes, but judging by the first episode I sense that this could be one of the finest BBC productions I have seen. The horrors of what happened in Danzig are detailed and to have the Polish language used was a powerful decision to have made. No more lets pretend, as so often happens when wrong casting is used. So far it is the superb acting of Mateusz Wieclawek and Lesley Manville that for me stand out. They took every scene they were in with an extraordinary sense of being, and not simply acting. The rest of the cast did well, and I long to see more of Sean Bean. This too goes for Helen Hunt, an actress I very much like.
I think too this series is timely with the rise of Fascism in Europe, and also could raise consciousness in viewers that a Third World War will not happen, and that we will be aware of that dreadful drift towards it if it comes over the horizon. One spoiler I will give away, and that is of the young German soldier who hesitates to kill and clearly does not want to. The humanity in that small cameo performance spoke volumes. We all have the capacity of being truly human, and all countries despite whatever side they are on have that capacity for humanity. The Mosley scenes at the beginning were a dreadful reminder for us in the UK of Fascism here and not to go down a similar path ever again.
Beautifully written, a potentially great series for the BBC to be proud of. For some younger viewers who think this is a costume drama I hope they are made to think again. I saw people there very much of today and also the class divide is very much the same.
Review of World on Fire
