Customer Reviews

For the Term of His Natural Life

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I saw this on TV, here in Australia a long time ago and only recently again on Pay TV and have straight away placed it in my shopping cart. It is the magnificent story of an Englishman who after learning he is the barstard son of another man is disinherited. He is then falsely accused of the murder of his true father and the theft of a watch and sent to a Penal colony in Van Diemen's Land (Now Tasmania) for the term of his natural life. It shows his struggle for freedom against the tyranny of British rule and countless altercations with other prisoners and a particular Prison officer. He saves the life of the Commandents daughter, but is tricked and sent back to prison. He strives for freedom and a possible return to England so he can reunite with his mother. It is a long program over 5hrs, possibly best watched over a couple of nights. Though if you're like me won't be able to turn it off.

Colin Friels is probably less known or acclaimed internationally than his wife Judy Davis. His effort in this miniseries though early in his career should have him right up there equally recognized. A great story and a miniseries collectable.

Great job. Anyone who read the book would know there is no way to do the whole thing on screen, but what a terrific job they did. I think even a novice would still understand the movie without the insider knowledge left out from the book.

Saw this mini series many years ago and enjoyed it very much. Was glad to come across it finally on DVD.

Although dated with a mildly cheesy script we found it enjoyable enough for even the teenage kids asking for the next disc.
The transfer is grainy but not to off putting.Although the cover shows what would appear to be a head line production for Anthony Perkins he only appears much later in the film.

This is adapted from a book written in the 1800's. It was considered a strong novel about the bad state of prisons. It is about a prisoner who is innocent, but his whole life, is accoused of killing another person. The film seems less severe than the book. As more sad things happen in the book. So get your hankey's out, it's a tear-jerker...