This five-part BBC documentary series, written and presented by Jeremy Paxman, explores the British Empire in terms of its legacy and impact on modern life. I found it both compelling and entertaining, a perfect introduction to a topic that nowadays is rarely heard about (sometimes, it seems, for good reason!).
Paxman is a perfect choice for our host: he's enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and he has a way of asking his interviewees cutting questions that get to the heart of the matter. Another reviewer describes his presence as 'celebrity casting' but misses the point: Paxman not only presented but wrote this series, a real labour of love for him.
The documentary features mucho globe-trotting, with plenty of beautifully-shot locations around the world. The topics covered explore all of the main aspects of Empire: warfare, suppression, family life, exploration. Paxman treats his subject in a balanced way; there's no sneering at all, instead he looks at the topic from every viewpoint. I'm as patriotic as the next Brit, and I found EMPIRE a thoroughly splendid show.
Paxman is a perfect choice for our host: he's enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and he has a way of asking his interviewees cutting questions that get to the heart of the matter. Another reviewer describes his presence as 'celebrity casting' but misses the point: Paxman not only presented but wrote this series, a real labour of love for him.
The documentary features mucho globe-trotting, with plenty of beautifully-shot locations around the world. The topics covered explore all of the main aspects of Empire: warfare, suppression, family life, exploration. Paxman treats his subject in a balanced way; there's no sneering at all, instead he looks at the topic from every viewpoint. I'm as patriotic as the next Brit, and I found EMPIRE a thoroughly splendid show.