Tenko

Tenko is a television drama, co-produced by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) and the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). A total of thirty one-hour episodes were produced between 1981 and 1984, followed by a telemovie, Tenko Reunion, in 1985.

Analysis

The series was praised for its bold storytelling, and outstanding performances from its leads. Despite its comparatively modest production values, it has been favorably compared to big-budget versions of what is essentially the same story, such as the Bruce Beresford film Paradise Road.

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"Tenko" can also be regarded as an interesting fusion of historical drama and soap opera, with its focus on the more personal aspects of living in the camp and its handling of issues such as rape, stillbirth, lesbianism, suicide, abortion and euthanasia within the context of 1940's morality.

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