Lynda La Plante's Civvies [DVD]

This is a pretty tough watch. A hard hitting gripping thriller of a series back in 92. Things haven't changed, this is as relevant today as it was over two decades ago when it was only shown once on tv.It was a lovely shock to see it on sale after years of looking but not finding it.' a group of former soldiers struggle with the harsh realities of Civvie Street. They had seen and experienced some shocking things in the army, they thought those tough times were over and that they would return home to their loving families and a life of relative peace only for their worlds to fall apart. Some wounded, some mentally scarred, all haunted and unwanted. Someone once said something apt ' "They promised us homes fit for heroes...instead, we got heroes fit for homes."This is a difficult watch. Like the best of 'Cracker' and it is worth it.

A forgotten tv drama classic, probably due to the controversy that surrounded the series when it came out in the early nineties. The tale of a bunch of ex paratroopers trying to reconnect to civilian society after dealing with serious trauma in Northern Ireland really struck a chord with me at the time. And today it hasn't lost any of its punch with a great early performance from Jason Isaacs but also great support from the original Joey from Bread (Peter Howitt) who went on to become a Hollywood film director. There is also a minor role played by the legendary Peter O Toole as an old world gangster.Musically iconic as well with Dire Straits 'Brothers in Arms' played regularly. The theme tune was also utterly brilliant and was performed by Lennie James who also plays one of the squaddies (a brilliant actor currently playing Morgan in The Walking Dead).

Considering that Civvies was developed in the early 90s, it was just what I expected it to be: a good cast performing in that melodramatic way which was typical of those days, and a fair plot – yes, quite predictable, but enjoyable all the same.Fact is, we’re now used to watching TV series like Homeland or Generation Kill, which are more sophisticated and often involve intrigues and action. Civvies is an unpretentious story of how a team of British soldiers, who spent years fighting in Belfast, have to adapt to a daily civilian life, coping with jobs and family matters that seem pretty meaningless after all they went through.So don’t expect coup de théâtre or American-style-superheroes/special effects… Overall rating: it’s OK!

Didn`t take much notice fist time around, so thought i`d give it a go. Found it very watchable, and I did enjoy the lads stories. it was one of those series that screamed out for a sequel, but alas never materialized. Taking into account the age of this production, it wasn`t that badly made. Recommended viewing for the 50 somethings.

This is a classic 6 part series. I watched it when it was first broadcast early 90's and never saw it again. My 20+ year wait is now over. Thanks for finally releasing this. To anyone who hasn't seen this, forget the 3- star reviews, this is well worth a 5. Great story showing the highs and lows of ex Para's trying to cope in civvie street. Fantastic performances from all especially Peter O'Toole who plays the local godfather. Don't hesitate........just buy it NOW.

I chose the above rating from a strictly personal point of view. Although this is very well filmed, scripted and with an excellent cast of actors and characters, I found it fairly violent and very depressing. I usually like Lynda La Plante's productions, but though this is very life-like and I'm sure really realistic, I finally had to give up on it: maybe just too near the truth.

The effect of military training and the involvement in combat is vividly displayed in this excellent series which has been rescreened .

Been looking for this series on DVD for a while so was pleased when I saw it advertised.As always arrived when stated . So happy with my purcase