The Slap - Nur eine Ohrfeige

While the title (and premise) of the series do come off as comical, The Slap is daring to take Network TV viewers to a place where we question our choices and our way of thinking. One small decision can spiral into a massive event that drastically changes everyone's lives around us. We have no idea what personal issues another person may be dealing with, or how we may affect them.

What each episode of this compelling miniseries forces us to do is confront a different controversial issue in today's society, and decide what we believe is right. Some people may argue that these characters are cliché and melodramatic. But the truth is, we all know people exactly like them, and we are guaranteed to confront some of these issues within our own lives. When these events occur, there's no predicting how another person will behave. The Slap is a guidebook to show how we should react, when others don't know how. We need to set the example, to prevent the disasters which happen in this series.

Society still has a long way to go. But by watching this series, we may gain some insight into being better people and caring neighbors.

After reading The Slap, and thoroughly enjoying it, I was quite skeptical when I heard a mini-series was being made about it. On seeing the first episode I realised that finally someone, somewhere had created an on- screen production that was really true to the original story.

Each episode is completely engaging, and though it might take a rather pessimistic view on life it isn't wrong either. I definitely recommend this to anyone, whether you've read the book or not. With so many talented actors, and such an engaging story line there isn't really a lot of room for error.

Definitely one of the best things to come out of Australian television since the original Underbelly series. 10/10 from me.

First, there are 2 versions of this mini-series, and I highly recommend this 2011 Australian version over the 2015 version. This one is somehow far better. (I've been watching quite a few shows coming out of Australia lately and they all seem to have a special something that rises them up above others--all the ones I've seen have a very unique take on things, be it subject matter or the views and lives of the characters they present. Quirky, interesting, and very original, I'll say for these Aussie productions.)

That being said, get ready for a truly intense mini-series. This show manages to bring out fierce emotions in even the meekest of people, really riling you up no matter which view or whose side you take--and you will take sides, believe me. And if you think you're all on board with one of the characters after watching the first episode, be sure to tune in for the next of the series as each successive episode will focus mainly on one of the other characters, allowing you to slowly get to know what life is like for each one, and as their deep dark secrets are slowly revealed. Not a sit back, relax and fall asleep thing by any means.

This series is dark and the characters not particularly likable, but they are never one dimensional. Every time you thought you thoroughly hated a character, they would reveal some other aspect of themselves that would make you like them a little. The multi-layering of the stories and the characters make this compelling viewing. There will be people you know that share some of their characteristics- maybe even yourself. It is not an exploration of happy families, but an exploration of our flaws. I haven't read any of Tsiolkas' books, but have been inspired to do so. I even loved watching the opening titles every week and am sad the series is over.

A long time since I originally saw it but I've never forgotten it. Fabulous character development and story twists and turns. Australian tv dramas just get better and better. Intricate and rewarding. I'd watch it again for sure.