The 2018 mini-series 'Black Earth Rising', starring Michaela Coel, has been hailed as 'perfection' and the 'best drama in recent years' by fans as the eight-episode political thriller lands on BBC iPlayer.
Plot and Characters
The series follows Kate Ashby (Coel), who was raised in Britain by her adoptive mother, Eve, but was born in Rwanda. Kate follows in the footsteps of her mother, a high-profile British prosecutor in international criminal law. Working for Michael Ennis (John Goodman), Eve is forced to confront her early childhood in the Rwandan genocide as she takes on a case prosecuting an African militia leader in the International Criminal Court.
Themes and Reception
The series delves into challenging issues including race, justice, personal integrity, and self-determination on a global scale. One IMDB reviewer said it was the 'best' war drama they had seen in recent times. They wrote: '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.'
Another fan said they felt they had seen 'perfection at last'. They added: '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. But in Black Earth Rising, I think that I may at last have seen perfection - and I don't say that lightly.'
Technical Mastery
The fan highlighted the stunning visuals by Hubert Taczanowski, perfect sound recording, and the genius animated sections. The music, including Lou Reed's 'Vanishing Act', was described as a perfect choice. They concluded: '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.'
'Black Earth Rising' is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.
