Tanamera: Lion of Singapore [1989] [DVD]

Noel Barber's first novel. Having been a top class foreign correspondent with a leading newspaper for many years and lived in Singapore, as well as writing two acclaimed histories covering the fall of the island in 1942 and the post-war fight against the communists in what was then Malaya, Noel Barber has woven absolute historical fact and personages into this wonderful saga, which touches on the rise of Singapore and then concentrates on the lives of two leading families, one English and one Chinese, from 1921 until 1948. His journalistic style ensures that there is no superfluous padding and that the story races along at such a speed that one never wants to apply the brakes. As always with Barber's novels, there is a perfect ending that enhances the pleasure of reading such a well written and truly memorable book.

Draw the curtains, light the fire, and watch the men in dinner jackets swanning around in Malaya... I got this because I wanted something else to watch after Jewel in the Crown, another 80s series, this one from the BBC. While Tanamera was not as good as Jewel in the Crown, I did enjoy it and even watched the whole series at one go while having a duvet day!The background music is far too intrusive, butI enjoyed the locations and period details. Have bought the book too, as other viewers have commented that it's better than the TV series.Recommended if you like end-of-an-era Colonial dramas, with jungle warfare thrown in.

Loved the story - one of the best of Noel Barber. You should read the book really. This is a worthy look at the locations - I wanted to see a bit of Singapore, having been there many years ago and lived in SEA. The acting is dire, the direction is bizarre but I enjoyed it anyway. You can see what they were trying to do, I just hope it didn't cost them too much - but it was ITV in the 80s. Some background location shots are played over several times and it became quite good fun to spot them. You might like it but you need to be doing something else at the same time!

I've read the book several times and used to have the VHS recording so it was good to see it again.

Tanamera - Lion of Singapore [1989]I thought this was great when I watched it first time around on t.v.And I sat glued to my chair this time captivated as I watched it on DVD.A good story.Marvellous actors.Have the tissues close at hand and be prepared to shed a few tears as it is sad.But it does have a happy ending.I will not go into details as I do not want to give the story away.I will certainly be watching this over and over again.

Reasonably priced and for charity

An epic story based on one of Noel Barber's wonderful books. It is a very accurate historical story and a joy to watch especially if you have ever lived in Malaya or Singapore. Old and young viewers alike will enjoy this video as it is also a romance.

Having read Noel Barber's book many years ago and loved it we looked forward to watching this. What a disappointment. The story line had been badly chopped about and the two 'stars' were wooden and unconvincing and the entire production was badly put together. Since watching the film we have read the book again and enjoyed it thoroughly so it wasn't the passage of time that had changed our opinions. We would not have given any star but had no choice but to give it one.

I've been looking for this movie for years I used to have it on vhs but lost it I was so happy to find it on dvd a great love story .

E' una bella storia, anche se un po' datata. Avevo letto il libro tempo fa, e mi è piaciuto vederne la tasposizione in immagini. E' un prodotto molto curato

Since we lived in Singapore for a couple of years this really was interesting. A great story