As a film treatment for a landmark TV mini-series, this is film marmite – you’ll love it or hate it. If you want a light and frothy sex in the city omnibus this is not it.  Many will find it hard watching and overly long, but if you others will revel in the space to develop characters and themes. If you only watch the first half an hour you will have seen one of the best pieces of acting I can remember – so good it took me by surprise – no spoilers, but after you’ve watched it see who plays the Rabbi.
For me, it was a beautifully acted and intellectually deep production. Honest and well-balanced characterisations. Telling a story of epic proportions, this tackles the rise of the AIDS crisis in the early to mid-1980s. Given the subject matter, it achieves a masterful mix of tragic insight and bitter-sweet comedy. Impossible to pick out a single actor as this is a true ensemble piece. Heartbreaking in its honesty and at times hopelessness of a character, but balanced with a vivacious joy for life and unwillingness to be defeated.

It does take effort to watch this for many reasons but the quality of the writing, acting and production values are none of them. I for one have been given an insight into humanity that at its best is a spark of pure genius. Highly recommended but allow time to watch and consider, it’s something that will stay with you.

Media Available:   DVDto buy/stream   Angels in America (Play)