And wow boring. I'm amazed by all these positive reviews. This is shallow, uninteresting tripe. Nice cinematography captures definite period feel, but, wow, who cares. BORING. Apart from the lead a poor use of talented people. A reviewer on another site said (and I agree wholeheartedly), 'If you're watching this because you think it's about the origins of James Bond, think again. As Mr. Fleming would tell you, the prototype for Mr. Bond was actually Sydney Reilly, a real life spy that nearly usurped Lenin. Probably the best dramatization of Reilly is called, "Reilly: Ace of Spies," and stars Sam Neill. Highly recommended.' "Reilly: Ace of Spies" is riveting. This is not.

This is Ian Fleming as he would have so loved to be, produced in the style of his Bond character: women can't resist him, his bad behavior is indulged because he's just so bloody amazing, and a bomb that takes out the structure surrounding him as he seduces his prey leaves him not only unscathed but still dapper. From what I've read of and interviews I've seen with Fleming, he didn't possess the charm, charisma and confidence portrayed here. The piece is visually pleasing but not particularly accurate in historical details: style of speech, mannerisms and dress have a modern sensibility (Mu's leather outfit is one glaring example, and Fleming saying "nuclear" rather than "atomic" - if it's to be believed he would have discussed it with anyone - for another). There was also some artistic license with the Operation Mincemeat/Man Who Wasn't There bit. The cast is first rate and make the best of what they're working with. If you want to a bit of fun along the lines of a Bond movie, this should do the trick. If you're looking for information about the "real" Ian Fleming, keep looking.

The first time I heard they were making a show on Ian Fleming i was pretty excited. But i had some reservations too. Firstly because being a huge Bond fan i didn't want something similar to nor too remote from the Bond movies. It had to be a careful balance between the fantasy world of Bond and the real life of Ian Fleming. Next as it was going to be a mini series it had to be fast paced and concise. Not too brief leaving the spectators wanting more. And to say in all honest opinion i absolutely loved the show! Dominic Cooper and Laura Pulver had the perfect on screen chemistry. Both complemented each other perfectly. The storyline revolved around both the personal and professional life of Fleming. The atmosphere was very real. The war scenes weren't the best CGI has to offer these days but nonetheless excellent enough to keep me glued to the screen. I wouldn't go as far as to call the show perfect, but it's as much near perfection as i had wished it would be. Laura Pulver's character as a strong and composed woman and Fleming's character as the cold hearted playboy spy set ablaze the screen. The performances were brilliant. All in all, shaken not stirred!

Ian Fleming (Dominic Cooper) is a disappointing playboy with a wealthy and well connected family. His brother is the shining star of his mother. He has a great love Muriel Wright (Annabelle Wallis), and a love affair with the married Ann O'Neill (Lara Pulver). His boss is Real Admiral John Godfrey (Samuel West), and assistant Second Officer Monday (Anna Chancellor).Those who complain about the authenticity really miss the point of the series. His actual career is probably lost forever to time and state secrets. This is a marrying of Ian Fleming and James Bond. Quite frankly, I don't know why nobody has made feature movies about a semi-fictionalized Ian Fleming before. It's a great way to do a Bond movie while skirting the copyright. And you can use Fleming's name right up top maybe even 'The Man who would be Bond'.This one does it as well as it can be done on TV. The action could be bigger. Dominic Cooper is a bratty playboy writer who turns into a brilliant intelligence officer struggling against the system. All the James Bond ideas are there intermingled with the real Ian Fleming. That's the charming part of this series.