Mum Series 1-3 [DVD] [2019]

Excellent thanks

Arrived very quickly. Love it.

One of the best British TV shows for years. Up there with Detectorists. I just had to get this in physical media format. Shame it’s not available on Blu-Ray.

I loved this show when it was first screened on the BBC. It reminded me of the best of Mike Leigh, in that it is filled with quiet moments and stillness which mean far more than you first think.Lesley Manville plays the mum of the title, Cathy. She seems fairly quiet on the surface because she has recently lost her husband. She fills her life with the mundane tasks that keep her busy and much of what she feels is left unsaid.Peter Mullan plays Michael, a family friend who Cathy has known for a long time. He arrives at the house often making excuses and inventing tasks, so that he can visit. This is one of those relationships where neither party says what they think. He and Manville has incredible chemistry.Lisa McGrillis steals many scenes as Kelly, a soon to be daughter in law who spends much of her time at Cathy's house, attempting to help but achieving nothing. She is a well written character because beneath her giggles lies a lack of confidence due to her very critical mother.This is a show where you think there is not much happening. But it is well written and underneath the surface, this is a great comedy-drama because the characters are deeply flawed, and you feel like you know them. It explores grief, loss, isolation and family dynamics.I think it is one of the best shows I have seen on the BBC in the last 10 years and recommend you buying the box set because you will and up devouring it. But do tell your friends about it. Mum's not the word.

A much appreciated Christmas gift.

I have now watched all three series and I would say that, overall, it really is as good as other reviewers say it is. There's the odd occasion where the vulgarity (usually genuinely funny in other places) doesn't work and sometimes I did find myself saying to myself (not giving anything away here!) 'oh come on, get on with it!' What really does work all the way through is LM's performance - very downplayed, but played perfectly. All the other actors are good too. The other great strength of the three series is the 'human' element, and how we deal (or not, as the case may be) with real life, often difficult and painful, situations, which works very well with good observational comedy throughout. Happy to give this five stars and would recommend if you enjoy well written, comedy for grown-ups.

After much thinking, I eventually gave it 5*. The film is often so frustrating but, at the same time, so true to life though, perhaps slightly exagerated - no so sure, actually (exagerated). Selfish and callous children who are wrapped in themselves. Nasty sister-in-law who can't help coming up with unpleasant comments. A mum who is here to be the servant of the family. When does anyone ever stop to think of her feelings? What I thought annoying was that she did not seem to react and she certainly did not show that she was not happy EXCEPT that, every so often, she made little sharp remarks without stopping for reactions which would not have come anyway because noone wants to know. Besides, if she started to rebel, it would naturally lead to unecessary arguments which she does not want. Very cleverly analysed with an excellent ending!

One of the funniest things I've seen on TV in a very long time: a terrific script beautifully brought to life by the measured performances of the cast (with Lesley Manville and Peter Mullan both deserving of a special mention in this respect).