Tenko - The Complete Series [DVD]

'Tenko' is one of the few complete television series that I can watch regularly (every year at least) and enjoy just as much every single time. I was in my mid teens when it first appeared on BBC1 and I loved it even then. The subject matter was quite unique at the time (and unusual even now) as was the fact that the series was comprised of a largely female ensemble cast. It covers the entire period from the fall of Singapore to the eventual release and rehabilitation of the women some three and a half years later. Along the way, the main cast move between three very different internment camps. Costume and make up are to be applauded as the cast convey, very convincingly, the physical changes over the years - sores and sunburn and gashes and scars and, most of all, the effects of near starvation. Perhaps by today's standards, the brutality of the Japanese captors is not as vivid as it might be but it is nevertheless portrayed convincingly and their are many truly shocking moments, especially some of the scenes of torture, eg days staked out in the sun with no food or water! Inevitably, in some respects, it might seem a little dated now. The cinematography shows its age (some strange mixes of film and video) and its all quite 'talky'. Long scenes of dialogue don't seen to be 'a thing' anymore and its a shame. Here, it gives the stories and characters a real chance to breathe. SPOILERS BELOW**** The cast are generally excellent and it is wonderful to have some 30 hours to get to know most of these women - you really get to care about them. Of course, when it comes to favourite performances, such things are subjective. My own personal favourites were Stephanie Cole (who charts the journey of Beatrice Mason from cool, detached doctor to vulnerable, impulsive friend with such brilliance), Patricia Lawrence (whose starchy and unlikeable Dutch nun turns into one of the warmest characters in the series), Stephanie Beacham (bitchy socialite who quickly finds her heart) and perhaps especially Veronica Roberts! Roberts does amazing things with the character of Dorothy Bennett who starts off as a sheltered young wife and mother who loses both husband and baby, becomes a selfish and bitter bitch who sells herself to the guards for her own comforts, transforms again through unlikely friendships with Sister Ulrica and Blanche into a less selfish and more pragmatic woman and finally into a confident and successful businesswoman - its something of a tour de force! Arguably the main role is that of Marion Jefferson, portrayed by Ann Bell. Whilst I liked Bell very much - and its difficult not to like Marion - I do think that some of the other characters are more memorable. All the women have their moments even in the smaller roles and even though there were some actresses I was less fond of (Kate, Christina, Maggie) they all get at least a few moments in which to shine. Each series is quite distinct. The first charts the fall of Singapore through to Christmas in the first (very basic) camp. I suspect that this is the most true to life section - conditions are very poor and medical supplies are practically non-existent. We lose a couple of characters in series two as the women are moved to their next and more comfortable camp (I especially missed Nellie) but this series was my favourite. I suspect that it is less realistic in some respects as the plot moves into more soapy territory of mysteries and intrigues surrounding the new camp bitches Verna and Miss Hasan but, I have to admit, I loved it. The new characters are brilliant, not just Verna, Hasan and Marion's old school chum Lillian but smaller roles such as Daisy and Dr Trier, and this is where some of the best character growth comes into play. This is the series where Dorothy, Sister Ulrica, Mrs Van Meyer, Rose and even Marion herself become fully fleshed out people. Series 3 comes at the end of the war and deals largely with life back in the 'normal' world. Its good, although perhaps not as good as the first two series. Its a pity to lose Dorothy halfway through and I'm not too fond of 'Blanche replacement' Maggie. Its also a pity that all the new series 2 characters are dropped but the third series still has plenty of good stuff and perhaps this is where the likes of Ann Bell, Jean Anderson and Elizabeth Chambers have some of their best moments. The Re-Union is fun too - five years after the war ends - and its good to see what has become of the women. Perhaps the scene at Mrs Van Meyer's house (where the women are forced to relive some of their camp nightmares) seems a little forced in retrospect but obviously some threat and tension was needed within the programme and it all works well enough. I can't recommend 'Tenko' highly enough. Its really a splendid, landmark series and is (in my opinion) just as good today as it was back in the eighties.

Very good quality

This series was very good.my sister requested the complete series .she's extremely pleased

Tenko has to be one of my favourite tv series, even though I was not born during its initial run, I caught some repeats on one of the channels when I was about 16 and have wanted the series on dvd ever since. It has taken me until now (I am 28) to get this series and I can honestly say I really loved it all over again and had indeed forgotten much of the contents of the series since I had last watched it It is a most excellent, well acted and very powerful series and I think, always will be no matter how aged in time it gets. Everyone in this series is a great actress who takes her role seriously and portrays the situation so well you feel like you are actually watching the real camp. Tenko is by far one of the best series made and I would recommend it to anyone. I did not have any problems with the disks being mixed up like some people did, it is a shame that that has happened to some as I am sure it will have spoiled the enjoyment but in my case, the disks were all fine, in perfect working order and in chronological order too.

Both my wife and I never watched this when it was on TV in the early eighties. Her friends, even now apparently, often speak of it so she decided to order the complete box set. We watched S1 E1 last night and I, against all my expectations, enjoyed it. The picture presented of the smug and complacent British expats was, I think, pretty close to reality, certainly the Japanese assault (only just begun) was historically accurate and I decided that the British Empire, as it was then, really needed a swift kick up the bum, pity it turned out to be such a brutal one. The acting was more suited to a stage play combined with occasionally flimsy sets and obviously false backdrops, but not too bad for pre CGI days. Its not the realism we are used to these days so in many ways this turns out to be a time capsule of early 40's colonial life and early 80's entertainment style. The one character that really got up my nose was the life size cardboard cut out of the feisty determined nun, hopefully she will be a deserved early victim of the invaders. The other characters are all reasonably likeable and if not likeable at least interesting and not, unlike the nun, stereotypes. I especially liked the young Stephanie Beacham and hope she survives!! I hope my early impressions continue throughout the 30 odd episodes still to be watched. I'll post edits as I progress.

All good

Great box set, first watched it when it was on tv & it’s just as brilliant now. 👍

Loved watching this again

The series was made in the 80s WWII as the Japanese moved down the Peninsula English and Australian troops were ordered to surrender. Women were particularly harshly treated the Japanese did not want to waste resources on Imperial British Women. They endured a gruelling war and I recommend this series. It is entertaining but it brings their stories to life.

Esta serie de la BBC, que en su dia fue emitida por la televisión de Catalunya, es, para mi, una obra maestra. Es por eso que cuando he visto la oportunidad de recuperarla no he dudado ni un segundo. En esta serie la BBC se supera a si misma y ofrece un producto de gran calidad y de difícil igualar. Todo en la serie rezuma calidad y bien hacer, la ambientación, las interpretaciones magistrales, el reflejo de lo que fue en realidad es digno de ocupar un lugar muy prominente en cuanto a series televisivas. La he comprado en homenaje a este saber hacer tan magnífico.

Tenko is a wonderful series. My mother hooked me on it years ago. I was happy to find it and thought it was also worth the purchase of the all region dvd player. Also recommend old b&w film called And Three Came Home. Brings the horror of war home in ways that capture the mind and heart through the dramatic prisoner of war stories.

An amazing series dealing with the little known experiences of women in the Japanese internment camps in Asia during WWII. Gut wrenching watch at times and not a politically corrected version of people's every day speech and in the times context of speech ( which can make for difficult viewing at times BUT IS ACCURATE AND IN CONTEXT to how even decent people could say things we consider unacceptable today. Had to buy a universal blu-ray/DVD player to get this but worth every penny!

Loved this series when first aired . It is still as powerful now. Unflinching look at life in a Japanese prison camp during WW11.