Prime Suspect 1 (1992)

Prime Suspect 1

Ordered this for my mom. Shipping was very fast. She loves the series. Have now purchased 1 thru 4-only three more to go! August 28, 2008

Helen Mirren Rocks

Storytelling at it's finest. Helen Mirren's performance in Prime Suspect was the springboard for Kyra Sedgewick's "Closer" and Holly Hunter's "Saving Grace". The first lady of this genre. August 8, 2008

Prime Suspect 1

I was very satisfied with the movie there was nothing wrong with it no skips or errors in the movie. It was mailed to me very fast. I was completely satisfied with my whole order.

Ann
Milwaukee Wi. USA June 26, 2008

Engaging

Helen Mirren has to be one of the greatest actresses I've ever seen. A compelling, riveting story which completely engages you, this is the first segment of a multi-part series made over many years. The series follows the heroine of the story, the first female police inspector to run a homicide unit, on the one hand contending with an overtly hostile "old boys club" , an idiot self centered live-in boyfriend, an unsupportive boss and a baby faced, likable serial killer.........and to add to her troubles she's got a tiny little drinking problem on the scale of "Godzilla has foot odor", all done in an understated, stiff upper lip, wry British humor style. A must have for any video collection. Highly recommended. June 16, 2008

Gritty Crime Drama....

1992's "Prime Suspect 1" matches up superb British actress Helen Mirren with her signature role as tough, ambitious and flawed Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison. In this, the opening production of what became a long-running series on PBS, DCI Tennison gets her big break when the lead DCI on a rape and murder cased dies of a heart attack. Tennison convinces her reluctant boss to let her take over the case but she must face down resistance from the boys club murder squad.

The story itself is an intriguing and gritty murder mystery that becomes more complicated in each of its four component episodes. What seemed like a basic rape/murder is complicated by the discovery of an additional body and the possibility that both murders, and others, may be the work of a serial killer. The investigation is hindered by a inside cover-up to protect the original investigating officer, and by a lack of definitive evidence. Tennison and her crew must sort through a frustrating series of red herrings and blind alleys to get to the truth. The writers of this production were wildly successful in maintaining the suspense to the very end.

DCI Tennison is a highly capable police officer but distinctly a flawed hero. She is smart, persistent, and empathetic with the victims in the case. She is prepared to overturn every available rock to find the killer, but only her skill in office politics keeps her from being taken off the case when she steps on toes within the department. Her relentless drive and ambition cause her to slight her relationships with her live-in boyfriend (Tom Wilkinson) and her family. Her ruthlessness in solving the case takes her right to the limit of the law and perhaps a bit more, while her heavy drinking and smoking foreshadow future health problems.

"Prime Suspect 1" is very highly recommended as a superb British police procedural and as the opening act in a long-running and very successful crime drama series. May 19, 2008

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