An intelligent script digs below the superficial understanding that some of us (including me) have of the dreadful events in Rwanda, while creating strong characters to drive forward a human story. The actors are more than up to the task of making this balance work. I am gripped and eagerly await episode 3.
108 Reviews
Brilliant yet maddening
paul2001sw-13 November 2018
Hugo Blick is arguably the most ambitious writer of television drama in Britain today, and he certainly restates his case with 'Black Earth Rising', his latest work, which is by turns brilliant, intelligent and maddening. The series touches upon an immensely difficult subject - the Rwandan genocide - and amazingly manages to give mass murder a delicate, nuanced treatment without hiding from the horror. The acting and direction are also first rate. And yet, I found the central character deeply unappealing (though impressively portrayed by Michaela Coel), a person who demands the right to set the terms of debate with an inner sense of absolute moral certainty. Blick's script allows for the fact that she might be a difficult person to be around; but not that she might be wrong. And if part of Blick's skill is to distill huge issues into personal dramas, there are perhaps unintended side effects, most obviously that the fate of a country seems to be in the hands of a handful of people, all of whom know each other extremely closely, but this goes uncommented upon. In some ways, these two issues coincide - that the good guys have the right to represent their nation is presented almost as a given. Yet while I can nitpick, it's a story that will remain in my mind long after countless police procedurals have been forgotten. It's worth your time.
Impressive and intelligent original drama - but didn't live up to its promise
Linrow11 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
With a very intriguing and original plot waiting to unravel before us, this must be one of the best new dramas I've enjoyed this year. Dealing with war crimes in Rwanda and the DR of Congo, top London prosecutor, played by the excellent Harriet Walter has been chosen to lead the prosecution at the Hague International Court of Justice. . . After watching to the end, I had ceased to care what happened to the lead character. The lead actor overacted so much that it was painful to watch her bombastic behaviour. We had to watch 5 characters vomit - separately and on quite different occasions - as a result of being shocked or otherwise affected by something that happened! The editor should have reminded the writer that there are other ways to show people's emotion than them throwing-up! Two men and 3 women vomited on screen - which is far too many and started getting very repetitive. The suspense was strung along far too long and when the truth was revealed it was a let-down because of the plot being so incredibly convoluted and depressing. Different people were seriously ilI, but not because of any valid reason connected to the plot. In the end I just thought 'Well, why the heck did they keep it a secret from her for so long??" LOL! Disappointing treatment of a very important subject many of us would have liked to understand better.
Probably the best drama I've seen in recent times
godgirl1 September 2019
I can't pretend to understand or ever really know the pain of the survivors of the Rwanda genocide but this drama has such strength in not only Michaela Coel's performance but in its script, its twists and turns, its depth and sensitivity to a painful and ultimately so desperately human tragedy that anyone who has the capacity to want to at least learn even at they watch how much the "great game" and its modern equivalents have repercussions beyond anything imaginable to most of us outside its direct impact.
Of course it's written from a Western lens and can never tell a "true" tale but it helps us, I think, to see how difficult, how complex and how deeply impactful the very things we take for granted today have had on millions of lives far away from ours, and even now, how a few powerful people keep trying to control everything, regardless of how lives are completely torn asunder to gain their wealth and power.
Don't let its pace or its great visual beauty put you off its underlying message. Everyone has secrets, everyone has pain and sickness and death will always walk amongst the living but sometimes the truth has to come out in order for us to move forwards. The reality of our world is one where some will always seek, through the vilest means, to sacrifice the lives of thousands for profit and power. Only though understanding that can we ever seek to encourage justice, change and hope.
Of course it's written from a Western lens and can never tell a "true" tale but it helps us, I think, to see how difficult, how complex and how deeply impactful the very things we take for granted today have had on millions of lives far away from ours, and even now, how a few powerful people keep trying to control everything, regardless of how lives are completely torn asunder to gain their wealth and power.
Don't let its pace or its great visual beauty put you off its underlying message. Everyone has secrets, everyone has pain and sickness and death will always walk amongst the living but sometimes the truth has to come out in order for us to move forwards. The reality of our world is one where some will always seek, through the vilest means, to sacrifice the lives of thousands for profit and power. Only though understanding that can we ever seek to encourage justice, change and hope.
I think I may have seen perfection at last...
glasslens9 October 2018
I have been writing reviews for this site for 17 years. Mostly films but also TV. Some great films, some very bad ones. Even the best ones had flaws - the acting was great but the direction was so-so etc. etc. But in Black Earth Rising, I think that I may at last have seen perfection - and I don't say that lightly. Where to start? I'll try to break it down then summarise.
Extrordinary complex but wonderfully constructed and written script. Acting to die for - from everyone. Certainly the best directed piece of film or TV I think I have ever seen. Blick's sense of timing is immaculate and his eye for detail stunning. Stunning visuals - the photography by Hubert Taczanowski is an example of perfection - the lighting, the perfect camera movement - just turn off the sound and watch each camera movement and each shot's lighting and composition. A masterclass - watch on a plasma or OLED not an LCD though. Perfect sound - every word, even every rustle of the actors clothes perfectly recorded with absolute clarity. The animated sections were a stroke of genius and so sensitively made. The music always a perfect choice - Lou Reed's Vanising Act especially.
There might be better made TV drama, but I have yet to see it.
I have come away from episode 5 absolutely mesmerized. Compelling, beautiful, powerful - stunning in every way.
Extrordinary complex but wonderfully constructed and written script. Acting to die for - from everyone. Certainly the best directed piece of film or TV I think I have ever seen. Blick's sense of timing is immaculate and his eye for detail stunning. Stunning visuals - the photography by Hubert Taczanowski is an example of perfection - the lighting, the perfect camera movement - just turn off the sound and watch each camera movement and each shot's lighting and composition. A masterclass - watch on a plasma or OLED not an LCD though. Perfect sound - every word, even every rustle of the actors clothes perfectly recorded with absolute clarity. The animated sections were a stroke of genius and so sensitively made. The music always a perfect choice - Lou Reed's Vanising Act especially.
There might be better made TV drama, but I have yet to see it.
I have come away from episode 5 absolutely mesmerized. Compelling, beautiful, powerful - stunning in every way.
Not what it seems to be......
s327616925 October 2018
Black Earth Rising is an interesting idea for a drama yet as is often the case with the mainstream media, the tale doesn't fit well with the truth. The sense that the US/UK and other Western powers are, fundamentally, a benevolent force, that has a parental role in Africa, belies the imperialist/colonial truth that lies at the heart of their involvement in this part of the world.
Now, as in the past, a lot of what takes place as far as the West is concerned in Africa is about money. This includes both buying and selling. Much of the political, economic and social instability and resulting conflicts we see in Africa, including atrocities, are exacerbated by Western interference and influence.
Knowing this, I could not warm to this drama. The back story itself was moderately interesting and the acting, I felt was fine. The UK does typically manage these kinds of drama's well in terms of choice of cast.
In short if a more frank approach had been taken I would have rated this series more highly. As it stands a 6/10 will have to suffice.
Now, as in the past, a lot of what takes place as far as the West is concerned in Africa is about money. This includes both buying and selling. Much of the political, economic and social instability and resulting conflicts we see in Africa, including atrocities, are exacerbated by Western interference and influence.
Knowing this, I could not warm to this drama. The back story itself was moderately interesting and the acting, I felt was fine. The UK does typically manage these kinds of drama's well in terms of choice of cast.
In short if a more frank approach had been taken I would have rated this series more highly. As it stands a 6/10 will have to suffice.
This show is TOO GOOD TO LAST LONG!
senegalstyle15 September 2018
I can't remember seeing a more honest tv show about a contemporary African problem (rogue warlords) and the way white people in the west make a very good living taking 10 to 20 years 'bringing them to justice' and pulling political and economic strings to get those cushy jobs ...
The beautiful lead character plays a Rwandan that barely escaped the genocide. She is reared in the UK by a liberal white adoptive mother who is also a criminal prosecutor for the ICC in the Hague. Her daughter is totally against prosecuting the only 'hero' in the war and it is creating conflict in the family with discourse and dialogue on both sides of the genocide issue that I personally have never heard in public before. They leave no stone unturned in this show, also giving an overview of worthless UN peacekeepers and the French army, still in Rwanda.
What I like/LOVE about this show though, is they don't give you the answer.
They present all sides and let you sort thru it yourself and come to your own conclusion. I hope it's not snatched off the air. It's very political and I'm very surprised it even made it on screen for one episode. I look forward to seeing the rest of the series and I hope that the BBC doesn't capitulate to the puppetmasters that control the media and pull the plug on this early.
Fingers crossed!
The beautiful lead character plays a Rwandan that barely escaped the genocide. She is reared in the UK by a liberal white adoptive mother who is also a criminal prosecutor for the ICC in the Hague. Her daughter is totally against prosecuting the only 'hero' in the war and it is creating conflict in the family with discourse and dialogue on both sides of the genocide issue that I personally have never heard in public before. They leave no stone unturned in this show, also giving an overview of worthless UN peacekeepers and the French army, still in Rwanda.
What I like/LOVE about this show though, is they don't give you the answer.
They present all sides and let you sort thru it yourself and come to your own conclusion. I hope it's not snatched off the air. It's very political and I'm very surprised it even made it on screen for one episode. I look forward to seeing the rest of the series and I hope that the BBC doesn't capitulate to the puppetmasters that control the media and pull the plug on this early.
Fingers crossed!
Slow
payasoingenioso12 August 2021
Powerful. Creative. Complex. Best Series I've Seen in Some Time
aj_wagner5 February 2019
This series, frankly, left me changed in ways I don't fully understand yet - changed, I think, about human condition. John Goodman was as solid as John Goodman can get, but it is Michaela Coel's (Michaela Ewuraba Boakye-Collinson's) performance that is riveting! You are never shown the scenes of the genocide directly. They are creatively gentled in animation that tells the story without showing the story, and in aftermaths that drive home reality without a bloody middle. I was grateful for that. I love a good mystery and this has many!...
And, I appreciate a deeper understanding of a history that seemed incomprehensible and far away at the time. Finally, I appreciated the complex view into the way in which White, Third World nations continue to profit from the mess we had a hand in both creating and in trying to repair. If you have a stomach for hope and despair, it doesn't get better than this.
Hope you got the stomach for it....
stowevermont23 June 2021
Deals with the Congolese Wars. One survivor fights for justice against her mother's murderer. I'm on episode 6 of 8 and at least every episode someone vomits. If that bothers you don't watch. It's apparently a real stomach churner.
Surprised at the low rating!
grantham-1512526 September 2018
This series is quality drama. It tells the story of a Rwandan girl now grown up who was rescued following a genocide. The series tells the story of the girl's pursuit of justice. Outstanding performances from the girl played by Michaela Cowl, Harriet Walter as her mother and a wonderfully nuanced performance by John Goodman. The supporting cast are great too I've watched to episode 3 so far and I'm totally hooked. Looking forward to the rest!
I Wanted To Love It - Important, But Confusing Drama & So Much Vomiting!
LorenBieg2 February 2019
I wanted to learn and feel new things about the Rwandan Genocide, and definitely did. But, despite some excellent acting and intelligent writing, I just couldn't follow all the dots in this detailed drama that wraps a human story that's too difficult to follow to do justice to the horror of what happened in 1994.
In the first episode, a wonderful and compelling argument is drawn along the lines of whether Africans should create their own solutions for their problems, or whether white Europe has a role. This theme was abandoned as quickly as the subplot of a Canadian officer who believes he's identified a genocide criminal in a local hospital. The rest of the series feels like it's trying to engage with a drama while it also explores the complexities of the events that led up to the genocide and their subsequent historical interpretation. Twists and turns proliferate, but I struggled to keep up.
Relative newcomer Micheala Coen is stellar as Kate Ashby, a struggling Rwandan who was adopted by an English prosecutor after her parents were killed by Hutus. John Goodman is a solid set piece, but does not sizzle like Coen.
And what's with ALL THE VOMITING. It's as if the writers insisted on one graphic vomiting scene of a varying color per episode. I'm not even joking.
In the first episode, a wonderful and compelling argument is drawn along the lines of whether Africans should create their own solutions for their problems, or whether white Europe has a role. This theme was abandoned as quickly as the subplot of a Canadian officer who believes he's identified a genocide criminal in a local hospital. The rest of the series feels like it's trying to engage with a drama while it also explores the complexities of the events that led up to the genocide and their subsequent historical interpretation. Twists and turns proliferate, but I struggled to keep up.
Relative newcomer Micheala Coen is stellar as Kate Ashby, a struggling Rwandan who was adopted by an English prosecutor after her parents were killed by Hutus. John Goodman is a solid set piece, but does not sizzle like Coen.
And what's with ALL THE VOMITING. It's as if the writers insisted on one graphic vomiting scene of a varying color per episode. I'm not even joking.
Ultimately disappointing
jdhb-768-6123430 October 2018
This is a series which started very strongly and demanded attention, but gradually sank into pretension and little more than symbolism. The story is a good one and there are good performances by all of the leading characters, but it just seems to get slower and more dreary as it goes along. Far too many
'meaningful' long shots and far too much time spent on trying to create what passes for 'atmosphere'.
The Rwandan genocide was a terrible thing and it deserved better treatment than this rather weak effort. The one good thing to come out of the series has been the appearance of several largely unknown, at least to me, actors whom we can hope to see more of in the future.
The Rwandan genocide was a terrible thing and it deserved better treatment than this rather weak effort. The one good thing to come out of the series has been the appearance of several largely unknown, at least to me, actors whom we can hope to see more of in the future.
This is not ADD background fodder
nicktatta3 February 2019
If you watch this film you appreciate the acting that is emotional but realistic...I can relate to the characters on the day to day life situations such as family and also on the moral implications of "taking sides" in regards to the atrocities from the African continent.
If you're looking for a good story that is intelligently unfolding...this is for you.
If you're looking for a good story that is intelligently unfolding...this is for you.
Outstanding!
ccmax3 February 2019
Thank you Netflix for an extrodinary production!
This series is so rich in every way that I found myself replaying parts to make sure I absorbed it all.
If you are a thoughtful person please do yourself a favor and watch this. Allow the time not to rush trough it and be sure to catch every detail.
Kudos to everyone involved in the making of this amazingly well produced series! I truly don't understand how anyone can give this a poor rating 🤔
Brilliant first three episodes, but another BBC TV show that doesn't work
dgjones-622588 October 2018
Yet another perfectly produced piece of TV by the BBC that would have never been made by another organisation. I thought the first three episodes were superb , the fourth, so, so, then the fifth...
This is a great story that deserves a dramatisation on TV that works. For TV drama to work, the viewer needs to care about the characters and unfortunately this one falls short.
I was wrong about the central characters that I thought would drive the show, and though I know where the story is going, I no longer care about the characters left to tell the story.
It could have been brilliant!
If the BBC wants to be a world player in TV, then stop being the old patronising auntie of the past.
This is a great story that deserves a dramatisation on TV that works. For TV drama to work, the viewer needs to care about the characters and unfortunately this one falls short.
I was wrong about the central characters that I thought would drive the show, and though I know where the story is going, I no longer care about the characters left to tell the story.
It could have been brilliant!
If the BBC wants to be a world player in TV, then stop being the old patronising auntie of the past.
Wasted potential and weird obsession with vomiting characters
astrid_broxx30 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I read a lot about the genocide in Rwanda, which is why I was curious about the show. Isn't bad, but it seems to me that the potential has been wasted. The description says it's a thriller, but it looks like the creators have forgotten about it. So in the finale we get a historical series, drama psychology, political fiction, adventure, detective-mystery, romance and melodramas.
They set themselves an ambitious plan to tell viewers about history of Rwanda, genocide, current situation, difficulties in prosecuting criminals and much more. Everything should be connected and at the beginning everything goes great - plot is focuses only on Kate, her mother and her boss, who is family friend. However, when new characters comes, creators decide to focus on them too - on their ambitions, past, plans and intentions. Their role in a plot for a long time is unknown, so when finaly they try to relate them with main thread, the whole story becomes illogical.
Although some of characters were very close to each other, there was no deep interaction between them or emotion in most dialogues. Also, I don't like idea of using animations. I think it doesn't fit to the atmosphere of the show.
Series would be much better with 5 or 6 episodes, instead of 8. After a gripping beginning around fourth episode, action slows down. The plot begins uninteresting, sometimes incomprehensible, too complicated and thriller turns into a bad drama.
I totally don't understand why screenwriters suddenly decided that everyone would be sick. In several episodes each other vomit, has cancer or other illnesses. Viewers hear about someone treatment or medical visit. But these details don't affect the main topic, characters or action at all! I seriously would like to know what discussion about Eunice Clayton's ovaries and fibroid brought to the story?
Meanwhile other threads have been left unexplained - like that one with a soldier who was shot in a hospital. We don't know who shot him, why and what happened with commander.
Not much is known also about Kate's disease. Looks like screenwriters forget that she has it and reminded at the end. At the start, things look serious, but later (despite serious problems, mother's murder), Kate is doing great. No crying, depression, sadness. What happened? A wonderful recovery?
They set themselves an ambitious plan to tell viewers about history of Rwanda, genocide, current situation, difficulties in prosecuting criminals and much more. Everything should be connected and at the beginning everything goes great - plot is focuses only on Kate, her mother and her boss, who is family friend. However, when new characters comes, creators decide to focus on them too - on their ambitions, past, plans and intentions. Their role in a plot for a long time is unknown, so when finaly they try to relate them with main thread, the whole story becomes illogical.
Although some of characters were very close to each other, there was no deep interaction between them or emotion in most dialogues. Also, I don't like idea of using animations. I think it doesn't fit to the atmosphere of the show.
Series would be much better with 5 or 6 episodes, instead of 8. After a gripping beginning around fourth episode, action slows down. The plot begins uninteresting, sometimes incomprehensible, too complicated and thriller turns into a bad drama.
I totally don't understand why screenwriters suddenly decided that everyone would be sick. In several episodes each other vomit, has cancer or other illnesses. Viewers hear about someone treatment or medical visit. But these details don't affect the main topic, characters or action at all! I seriously would like to know what discussion about Eunice Clayton's ovaries and fibroid brought to the story?
Meanwhile other threads have been left unexplained - like that one with a soldier who was shot in a hospital. We don't know who shot him, why and what happened with commander.
Not much is known also about Kate's disease. Looks like screenwriters forget that she has it and reminded at the end. At the start, things look serious, but later (despite serious problems, mother's murder), Kate is doing great. No crying, depression, sadness. What happened? A wonderful recovery?
Amazing
elizrug27 September 2018
This series is gripping. The story is intriguing and interesting, and the acting is spot.on. I don't understand how anyone can call it boring, because it is definitely anything but that. I'm not sure why anyone has issue with the musical score. I think it fits perfectly. Its a perfect juxtaposition.
Great story but...
jiballini6428 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
What's Kate got so much to be pissed off about? And what's with all the vomiting??? John Goodman acts well as does the actress who plays Eve, the others? Not so much. As many have said, it is extremely slow and VERY preachy. Apropos of nothing, Kate's earrings annoy the beejeezus outta me! Oh, and EVERYONE is having medical "issues". Hooley dooley.
All our faces look the same
babumaclean1 November 2018
I really enjoyed the show but had to laugh at the doctor's line in the first episode about white people finding it hard to tell African's faces apart. I laughed because Micheala Coel, whilst a great actress, has a face that is just so obviously from West African heritage and not Tutsi. Having lived and worked with Rwandans of many backgrounds over the years and knowing that people were killed in the genocide just because of how they looked it is hard to put this on one side.
Good, Bad, Excellent, Flawed
thinktalkaction22 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Episode 1 set a plausible scene, with credible characters played by an excellent cast. The writing is direct and cuts to the chase quickly though the scenes move through quickly, ensuring that you're drawn in and buy into the storyline.
But in a bid to set the scene before moving quickly on, some flaws do appear.
In Epidode 2, the scenes played out at The Hague International Criminal Court, are just too implausible. This is a trial of significance, an infamous war criminal is on trial, yet security is lax, implausibly so - as if it's a planning consent hearing.
Wouldbe assassins manage to pass weapons through a security X-ray machine in a farcical scene that is more slapstick than high clever drama. And when the events play outside the ICC, the lack of a security response cheapens an otherwise good storyline.
Which diminishes the viewing pleasure. Blick is s clever and creative director, and the DOP brings elegance to the screen.
Episodes 3 and beyond need to steer the plot away from the rocky shore and deliver on the promise.
But in a bid to set the scene before moving quickly on, some flaws do appear.
In Epidode 2, the scenes played out at The Hague International Criminal Court, are just too implausible. This is a trial of significance, an infamous war criminal is on trial, yet security is lax, implausibly so - as if it's a planning consent hearing.
Wouldbe assassins manage to pass weapons through a security X-ray machine in a farcical scene that is more slapstick than high clever drama. And when the events play outside the ICC, the lack of a security response cheapens an otherwise good storyline.
Which diminishes the viewing pleasure. Blick is s clever and creative director, and the DOP brings elegance to the screen.
Episodes 3 and beyond need to steer the plot away from the rocky shore and deliver on the promise.
Brilliant!
helenaappleton24 September 2018
Could have been great.............
alexthomaspp19 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
John Goodman was great - as he consistently is, plot was good and am sure that a lot of viewers learnt more about the Rwandan tragedy than the average person knows. Could have had a stronger cast...........the female lead was almost irritating to watch - while she could have been thanking her good fortunes, she comes off as arrogant, rude and entitled - she generally looks off the whole series. And there is a lot of puking..............yet, all in all a decent series.
Too many plots and a terrible main character
steve_bowlesy17 February 2019
This show has about 3-7 different plots depending on how you interpret it which is a lot for one season. They also threw in an extremely dislikeable main character, who you hope you will grow to like but she maintains the whole way through. They could have spread this story over at least two seasons.
Astonishing Drama
jpolywog-5235411 October 2018
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