This 1981 BBC production has some good things, especially Michael Aldridge as 'Fa', and some other good performances. Judi Dench is rather wasted. At times it can be confusing as to which character is which. Some parts (eg at the refugee camp) are pretty limp. The very generous length (400 mins) is probably too long; the whole thing needs more tightening up and more 'life'. The best episode is possibly the first one. The character of Linda is very pallid compared with the recent BBC Pursuit of Love, and not just because everything is more decorous. ( )