‘Breathtaking’ war drama based on ‘perfect’ novel is available to watch for free
The series is a must-see for fans of war dramas
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The series stars Charles Dance(Image: ITV)
Enthusiasts of period war dramas can now enjoy a classic series completely free of charge.
ITVX is streaming the entire run of the programme, which originally comprised 14 episodes when it debuted in 1984.
Set during the twilight years of British rule in India throughout and following the Second World War, the drama has captivated audiences for decades.
Based on British writer Paul Scott’s celebrated Raj Quartet novels, the production featured renowned actors including Judy Parfitt, Art Malik and Charles Dance.
The series is The Jewel in the Crown, named after the opening instalment of Paul Scott’s quartet of books.
Reflecting on the original literary works, reader Juay praised them as “exquisite” on Goodreads.
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The show is about the final days of the British Raj in India(Image: ITV)
She commented: “The Raj Quartet (comprised of four novels) is my favourite work of fiction for the twentieth century. It is simply an exquisite experience to read this book, every word and image seem just about perfect.
“It is a complex, multi-layered story of two countries, their colonial relationship and eventual ‘divorce’ told from the many points of view of the supremely detailed characters Scott created.
“I think the Quartet is especially relevant today in terms of our ongoing problems with ‘Nation Building’ in the Middle East.
“The question of how one person (Sarah Layton in the book) can break away from the ties of nationality and chauvinism that appear to define us and eventually create one’s own identity is sensitively and beautifully detailed.”
The television adaptation has been billed as a “sweeping drama about the ruling and ruled classes of WWII India, trying amidst the turmoil to come to terms with the drastic changes taking place around them, knowing that their lives will never be the same again”.
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The series is streaming on ITVX(Image: ITV)
One viewer, Trpdean, praised the series as “marvellous” on IMDb, writing: “This series is captivating. The wonderful way in which strands of plot are woven throughout the series in new and interesting ways, the eternally memorable characters, the fascinating background of historical events, the series’ sympathy to people of every age, social and economic background, the charm of many of the protagonists.”
Another fan, Patnet, described the show as “breathtaking, tragic, complex, exhilarating and mysterious”.
Meanwhile, Snu_grad hailed it a “stunning piece of craftsmanship”, saying: “This miniseries is compelling, well-told, beautifully filmed, and superbly acted. With a powerfully moving script, it tells the story of the complex relationship between the British and Indian people at the end of British rule of the subcontinent.
“It has history, romance, action, mystery, and even a mild dose of sex and violence.”
The Jewel in the Crown is available to watch on ITVX.
LINK WATCH FULL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBJu2LdRB_Y&list=PLyx96n4FDKAZKR7TpkkrGwjfvIVxzL-UD
SOURCE: MIRROR