Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19355 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-03-03
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Formats: PAL, Closed-captioned
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 467 minutes

Synopsis
The extraordinary story of Cecil Rhodes (Martin Shaw), the 19th-century British businessman who changed the shape of Africa and became the wealthiest man in the Western world. This lavish drama recreates the violent and destructive diamond rush in which thousands of men lost their lives, and the wars which divided the nation and devastated its people.

Customer Reviews

Splendid Martin Shaw!
Martin Shaw said that he believe this is his best work, and he is perfectly right! English audiences have not been happy with this portrayal of Cecil Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia, shown as a racist, a tyrant, a homosexual and a delusional crazy man. I'm not sure of the historical accuracy of the series, but as a work of fiction, it's a total success. As for me, I don't think it's necessary for a work of fiction to be accurate!

A very important point is that the series is subtitled. As a hard of hearing person, I do need the subtitles to fully enjoy the story. I owned thie series in video tape, but there was no subtitles and that made it difficult for me to understand.

So thank you to the editor for including the subtitles in this DVD release!
Nicole, in France

"Commercial flop" still worth watching
I am surprised to read that this was a "commercial flop", in view of it's high entertainment value.
Martin Shaw has created a believable Rhodes, in all his racism, sexism and class snobbery; he has also given us some idea of the monster's charisma, drive and vitality. A great performance.
I didn't like the structure of flashbacks using the baroness as a focal point. Perhaps it was a desperate measure, as Rhodes himself appeared to have no significant females in his life; no mother, sister, girlfriend, wife, daughter or close female friend...quite a problem for the scriptwriter. Frances Barber did her best, but it might have been better just to accept that this was "boy's own" stuff and not try to bring in a significant female character.
Wonderful exteriors, shot in South Africa, and some good acting from the rest of the cast.
In spite of the above criticisms, I found it a serious, informative and entertaining watch. I just wish there had been no editing to make the series fit onto two DVDs. A third DVD could also have allowed for some worthwhile extras, such as an interview with the lead actor/writer.
Well worth buying, however.

Rhodes
Excellent series. Very informative with superb acting from all cast members. Once you start watching be prepared to stay glued to the screen until the end.Rhodes [2008] [DVD]