I loved this novel in 2003; when I first saw the film I liked it but not as much as the book; Judi Dench is fantastic but the character in the novel is even more complex and clever.

I'm loving the film second time around on BBC2.

I watched this. I was completely blown away by Dame Judi Dench's performance as always. I had terrific empathy with her character and the story. Wonderful script, cast...it was fantastic. Best drama of the year by far.

Glad you enjoyed it; do please read the novel; far more subtle and clever; the Judi Dench character is more sympathetic and less predatory. Excellent film but brilliant book.

I will do JK. Thankyou.

It was the little things in the sceenplay where Judi Dench is in the bath smoking a cigarette and talks about the 'true lonely' and the contrast of those who 'have no clue.'.... 'the drip drip drip of the weekend stretching before you and the only highlight being a trip to the launderette...'

Christ. What a brilliant actress she is!! Remarkable.

And Heller should have won the 2003 Booker. Vernon God Little, also good, won instead. Judi deserved an Oscar; so I think did Blanchett. Both she and the boy were gorgeous which, in itself, was brave (paedophiles are normally portrayed as grubby old men and their "victims" as terrified small children).

Sadly Zoe's next novel, very Jewish, was less good and a rather difficult read - because of Scandal I persevered and quite liked it, but nowhere near as much.

The Fat Controller wrote:
It was the little things in the sceenplay where Judi Dench is in the bath smoking a cigarette and talks about the 'true lonely' and the contrast of those who 'have no clue.'.... 'the drip drip drip of the weekend stretching before you and the only highlight being a trip to the launderette...'

Christ. What a brilliant actress she is!! Remarkable.

Agreed, Cate Blanchett was absolutely fantastic too. I can't believe we appear to be the only ones who watched this JK. But you are of course one up on me because you've read the novel. But the TV drama was pure bliss. I have always adored Judi Dench btw.