Reviews

I saw this the other day at the London Film Festival and went in with no expectations, not having seen the short films it was based on. It was a fantastic surprise and i would put it right up there, if not in number one position, as the best film festival films i have ever seen. The pace and storyline were top notch and although some of the characters were a bit weak in substance and originality it took nothing away from my enjoyment of the film. This is one i would highly recommend to any film fan except those under 13. Indeed it is one i would be proud to recommend as it has a dark and dry sense of humour and an original twist on the Christmas tale. I will buy the DVD and happily see it again; I rarely say those words these days.

A sketch show which has tried to find it's way and clearly got lost. The use of modern hit music must've cost a few bob and is the only thing that works. There are clearly some good actors here but script and ideas are just inane and of no originality nor flair. Characters are weak and i suspect will carry little favour with the British public. If it wasn't for being on a BBC free-view channel i doubt it would have any regular followers. I watched through desperately trying to find a laugh and was left highly disappointed. i cannot imagine who at the BBC would commission such a thing - a complete waste of license-fee money - i expect complaints from the public and am interested to hear the thoughts of anybody; particularly from anyone who actually found this sketch show series bearable.

I just saw this last night at a private screening at the Coronet Cinema in Notting Hill, London with a Q&A with the film maker. I must say it was a lovely documentary which was well presented and well edited and the time flew by. One could argue it is not an objective piece but on the other hand it gives an honest portrayal of the Dalai Lama's thoughts and his strategy for peace and Tibet integration with China. It would be great if more people could get the opportunity to see it but I doubt a major UK broadcaster will air it either for fear of angering China or because not sensational enough to get monster ratings. It is like 'a day in the life of' docu but shot over 3 years. My personal recommendation is that everyone should watch it and take from it what they wish with the hope that the Dalai Lama's attitude is indeed infectious.