First Angolan film l have ever seen. You have to make allowances for the poor production but this is not a bad watch. And it makes a refreshing change to see colonialism from an African perspective - and see a woman succeed in a patriarchal society.

I don't think anyone would confuse this with a staggering work of genius but l found it fascinating and enjoyable. It was intended as an East End slice of life and it is that, in a cartoony sort of way. But it is a world which has completely disappeared which makes for the fascination. The enjoyment comes from the wonderful performances, especially the amazing Barbara Windsor. She has played lovable and slightly dim cockney sparrers all her life but with a sharper script to work with she shows what a great actress she is. Hard to believe nearly 60 years later she is doing the same thing.

I read the book many years and given its length, assumed it was unfilmable and did not watch it upon release. How wrong l was- it's terrific. Over two hours long but never a dull moment. An outstanding central performance by David Bennent knits the whole thing together but it is a wonderful piece of storytelling.

I can see why many people would find this a bore. Some of the dialogue is clunky, some of the acting is poor, it's overlong and quite what the purpose of the flight is remains unclear. But it is engaging, there is genuine dramatic tension and it just about keeps it all going until the end. Not sure what the moral of the tale is but as Solaris long ago demonstrated, weird things can happen on space ships.

I am in two minds about this. On the plus side a gritty, real feeling drama with some remarkable scenes of horse taming, among others. On the negative side it's a bit of a mumble fest. I like the way the film is rooted in real lives and does not attempt to preach. I am also someone who likes longish shots of big skies, thunder doing the job of heightening the sometimes slight drama. Not for popcorn movie fans.