Hayden Kane There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Deanna There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

Curt Watching it is like watching the spectacle of a class clown at their best: you laugh at their jokes, instigate their defiance, and "ooooh" when they get in trouble.

Logan By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

kris-gray I enjoyed this series when it was first broadcast and do so every time it is repeated somewhere, currently on the Drama channel. I always felt it ended too quickly with only 2 series set in the camps, there could easily have been another set there before the one in Singapre. I was also disappointed when the character of Blanch was written out, bad enough when Rose died but we never saw Blanche's passing just the camera panning past her grave marker.If you have never seen it I can only say you should as soon as possible either when it is repeated again on either Yesterday or Drama, or buy the DVD box set and watch it over and over again. My only criticism, and you may guess from my title, is the on set catering must have been good, I've never seen such well fed prisoners of Japan, Kate Norris and Dorothy are almost obese!! Not one would look so healthy after four years of imprisonment! I should also like to mention the lack of hairy legs, but then I'm just being picky.One of the best series of the 80's from Auntie Beeb and highly recommended.

chrissso Many of the BBC WW2 television series from 1970 to 1990 leave something to be desired. Shows such as Secret Army, Island at War, Wish Me luck or Enemy at the Door certainly illustrate unique historical settings and perpetuate the WW2 narrative, but the way they were produced is a problem. They feel low budget, stagey, over dramatic, slow paced and frequently utilize annoying close up camera shots of character faces. 1981's Tenko is no exception, suffering from all of the aforementioned, but there's something about Tenko that grows on you. Simply put it is the story arc and its resulting character development.The series features a very compelling cast of characters and the journey these women travel is quite remarkable; from the posh life of a British colony … to the fall of Singapore in February 1942 … through four years in Japanese POW camps … to sudden freedom and the effort to fit back into society after the most devastating war of all time … to their reunion five years later … their characters and relationships are developed magnificently.It is not an easy watch. At times it is a full on chick flick filled with dramatics, small talk and female problems. The 30 plus episodes are filled with desperation, suffering and tragedy but the journey and historical context are well worth the effort. Noteworthy is the fact the series illustrates the British colonial system in its fading glory as well as the post war power vacuum that it created (communist power grab). The series shows us an amazing and unpredictable journey of a group randomly thrown together, under the worst possible conditions. It teaches of the cruel mortality of war (note Rose's death). Finally it shows us how such an experience shape characters and friendships and life decisions for generations. It is a remarkable series! 9 of 10 stars!POST: Other films addressing the Japanese POW camps; Changi, Three Came Home, Paradise Road, The Railway Men and Unforgiven

jjackiek I have seen this series when first viewed by BBC. I thought it was one of BBC's best and would love to view it again. Is there some way to obtain copies of this series here in the U.S.? I don't think I have ever seen such a group of talented actors together in one series or movie. The setting was very realistic, although I don't remember where this series was filmed. I certainly would like to find out. Was this series based on someone's actually experience in a Japanese prison camp? Was it based on a book? The characters were so real, its hard to imagine that someone did not actually experience the events that took place. I would appreciate any information about where I could obtain this series.

BritishFilms1 I watched all of this series when it was repeated on UK Drama very recently.It is about some British and Dutch women who are captured by the Japs in 1942 Singapore and held in P-O-W camps.The first series concentrated on the women adjusting to captivity, the main characters being commander Yamachui, leaders Marion Jefferson and Sister Ulrica, officious Dr Beatrice Mason, elegant snob Rose Millar, "Raj"-style older woman Sylvia Ashburton, young mother Dorothy Bennett, cockney Blanche Simmons, nurses Kate Norris and Nellie Keene, Chinese Christina Campbell and wealthy and selfish Mrs Van Meyer to name a fewThe second series saw the women split up in new camps struggling to survive the brutal conditions of new commanders Sato and Miss Hassan and slyness of new leader Verna Johnson.The third series saw the women liberated and back in Singapore trying to get their life back together again.Tenko is a very well-made example of the suffering of female P-O-W's in 1942-5 Mayala and you should watch it, not to be entertained but to be educated as well