Quintessentially British

source: Quintessentially British

There is nothing 'British' about this documentary at all. It does not reflect modern British life and what the average English, Welsh and Scottish person thinks about being part of the union of nations we call Britain. This is simply another collection of mostly privileged people from southern England who give their take on what makes that island so special. From hereditary peers in the House of Lords to the owner of one of Englands finest shoemakers, this ticks all the boxes to have the average American think we are an island of prudes. I heard the words 'English' and 'England' as much as I did Britain. With no interviews and footage in either Wales and Scotland, and only a 30 second glimpse of the Pennines in N England this can hardly be described as a British documentary. Boat clubs, St George's crosses and English castles/palaces - it truly serves to help cement our reputation as a nation of toffs. Every viewer should understand that todays Britain is vastly different from the one shown in this documentary, starting with the fact that we don't all live in south east England.

Not sure the reason for this documentary. Though it isn't really a documentary it's more of a love letter to the English, particularly the upper class English. Not a single mention of the rest of the British Isles. Scotland? Wales? Hello? This sadly plays to the stereotype that most people outside of Britain think, that everyone is effectively Hugh Grant from Four Weddings and a Funeral. The London cab drivers feels a nod to the common person and comes over forced and painful to watch. Too much focus in London, and ironically, a London that most British people will never get near let alone feel it represents them. Could have been so much better.

source: Quintessentially British