Search - Band of Gold: The Complete First Series on DVD

Gritty

Sandy Kay | Twin Cities, Minnesota USA | 04/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These women do not have lives like the "Pretty Woman" movie. Working "the lane" in this working class area is not glamorous or easy. In addition to the usual problems with stingy or creepy clients, judgmental neighbors, the local vice squad and, in some cases, abusive pimps, the women have to worry about a killer who is targeting prostitutes.

The drama centers around a group of four women (three prostitutes and a kept mistress who rents out rooms for the prostitutes to use) who befriend Gina, a single mother who turns to prostitution to pay off the loan shark who is threatening her. Just short of the amount she needs for the current arrears, Gina goes on the lane alone and gets into a car with the wrong man. Her murder is the unifying thread in the series.

The performances are quite good. The actors more familiar to American audiences are Samantha Morton, who plays a teenage runaway, and Geraldine James, who plays an older prostitute trying to compete with the younger women. Cathy Tyson does a marvelous job as a single mother whose work triggers cleaning binges.

I wish the next two seasons (or series in British lingo) were available so I could see what happens next for these women."

Band of Gold

Wingie | Pa | 05/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the best British series I had ever seen. I was sick to see they have a second and third series, which they have not made available on region 1 to be viewed in U.S. I hope maybe one day it will become available. I adore British movies and the British series, and Band of Gold series 1 is at the top of my list. If you love suspense you'll love this show."