Broken (TV Show)

1 Min Read
Title — Broken
Available on — BritBox, Prime Video, iTunes
Production Country — United States
Release Date — 2019
This investigative docuseries shows how negligence and deceit in the production and marketing of popular consumer items can result in dire outcomes.

đŸĒļ Story & Synopsis

In the British TV series “Broken,” viewers are introduced to the character of Christina Fitzsimmons, portrayed by Anna Friel, a mother of three who faces a downward spiral after losing her job. Struggling to make ends meet, Christina is forced to sell her possessions and finds it challenging to even afford groceries. When her mother passes away, Christina seizes the opportunity to continue receiving her state pension by not reporting her death.

However, Christina’s actions do not go unnoticed by her sister, Mariella, who becomes suspicious of her behavior. Meanwhile, Father Michael Kerrigan, played by Sean Bean, a Catholic priest in a northern English city, grapples with his own personal demons as he tries to help Christina navigate her increasingly dire situation. Father Michael, a modern and unconventional priest, must balance the challenges of his parish with his own inner struggles.

The series delves into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of seemingly small actions on people’s lives. As Christina’s troubles come to light and Father Michael strives to assist her, the narrative unfolds to reveal the interconnectedness of the characters’ lives and the profound effect they have on each other.

🧑 Cast & Crew

Actor Role Crew
Sean Bean Father Michael Kerrigan Director: Ashley Pearce (4 Episodes 2017), Noreen Kershaw (2 Episodes 2017)
Writer: Jimmy McGovern (6 Episodes 2017), Shaun Duggan (1 Episode 2017)
Anna Friel Christina Fitzsimmons
Adrian Dunbar Father Peter Flaherty
Paula Malcolmson Roz Demichelis
Mark Stanley P.C Andrew Powell
Muna Otaru Helen Oyenusi
Paul Copley Joe Kerrigan
Steve Garti Eddie Kerrigan

đŸ’Ŧ Reviews and feedback

Lights, camera, action! Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the world of “Broken” – a series that’s more captivating than a cat video on the internet!

Imagine if Sean Bean, the master of dramatic roles, stepped into the shoes of a priest trying to navigate the murky waters of human struggles. Well, that’s exactly what “Broken” offers – a stellar performance by Bean as Michael Kerrigan, a priest in an English city grappling with his own demons while guiding his parishioners through life’s hurdles.

The storyline of “Broken” is like a rich tapestry woven with threads of compassion, faith, and redemption. It delves deep into the lives of vulnerable individuals, shining a light on their hardships and triumphs. The series beautifully explores themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the unyielding power of hope in the face of adversity.

One cannot help but be mesmerized by the exceptional use of religious symbols and rites in portraying Kerrigan’s journey. It adds layers of depth to the narrative, making it not just a story about a priest but a profound exploration of faith and humanity.

The performances in “Broken” are nothing short of spectacular. Sean Bean’s portrayal is not just outstanding; it’s extraordinary. He brings an emotional gravitas to the character that is both moving and thought-provoking. The supporting cast also shines brightly, adding richness and authenticity to every scene.

Now, let’s talk about pacing and direction. The series strikes a perfect balance between moments of quiet introspection and heart-wrenching drama. Each episode unfolds like a carefully crafted piece of art, drawing you in with its raw emotion and poignant storytelling.

The cinematography in “Broken” deserves special mention. The visuals are stunningly beautiful yet hauntingly evocative. Every frame is meticulously composed to capture the essence of each moment, immersing you in Kerrigan’s world with its stark realities and fleeting moments of grace.

As for production design and special effects, “Broken” keeps it real and gritty. There are no flashy gimmicks or over-the-top CGI here. Instead, the focus is on authenticity and rawness, mirroring the harsh truths that lie at the heart of the narrative.

When it comes to editing and dialogue, “Broken” excels in creating impactful moments that linger long after the credits roll. The dialogue is sharp yet poignant, conveying deep emotions with brevity and precision. And the editing seamlessly weaves together different storylines, creating a cohesive narrative that leaves you wanting more.

Now for some binge-watching tips! To truly savor “Broken,” immerse yourself in its world without distractions. Let each episode sink in slowly, allowing yourself to feel every emotion that washes over you. And don’t forget to have tissues handy; this series will tug at your heartstrings like never before!

In conclusion, “Broken” is not just another TV series; it’s a powerful exploration of faith, compassion, and human resilience. With stellar performances, captivating storytelling, and breathtaking visuals, it’s a must-watch for anyone craving depth and substance in their entertainment.

Rating: 9/10

So grab your popcorn , settle into your favorite spot on the couch ī¸ , and get ready for an emotional journey unlike any other with “Broken.” Remember: sometimes it takes brokenness to find true strength!

Pros Cons
Outstanding performance by Sean Bean Uncertainty of a second season
Exceptional use of holy symbols Obvious message
Compassionate and thoughtful drama Timely but ignored message
Important and timely portrayal of poverty Occasional silly moments
Strong performances by all actors Subject matter may be tough to watch
Compelling storytelling Potential for slipping into misery porn

Feedback

  • Broken (TV Series 2017- ) - IMDb

    Sean Bean inhabits the character of the priest- his humanity and spirituality encourages a desire to reconnect with faith at its most meaningful level. He portrays a tortured but beautiful soul. He deserves an accolade for this part along with Jimmy MGovern- one of, if not the best writer and social commentators of our time.helpfulâ€ĸ523

  • Broken (British TV series) - Wikipedia

    Brokenis a six-part British television drama series, created by Jimmy McGovern, that first broadcast on BBC One on 30 May 2017. The series focuses on Michael Kerrigan (Sean Bean), the priest of a Roman Catholic parish in a northern English city, who despite suffering from his own troubles stemming from a traumatic childhood, tries to guide several of his most vulnerable parishioners through the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

    Broken
    Genre Drama
    Created by Jimmy McGovern
    Written by Jimmy McGovern

    Nick LeatherColette KaneShaun Duggan

  • Broken: Season 1 | Rotten Tomatoes

    Beautiful and bittersweet,Brokenbreaks little new dramatic ground, but its tense, tragic ruminations on the meaning of faith more than make up for any familiar ground it treads.

    Season 1 – BrokenWhere to WatchBroken — Season 1

    Buy Broken — Season 1 on Fandango at Home, Prime Video.

    What to KnowCritics ReviewsAudience ReviewsCast & Crew

    Sean BeanFather Michael KerriganAnna FrielChristina FitzsimmonsNaomi RadcliffePauline PickeringAoife McMahonYoung Michael’s MotherEileen NicholasRosie LuntTony GuilfoyleFather Patrick

  • Broken review - Jimmy McGovern blasts us with his misery cannon in this ...

    Forgive me Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was … Sean Bean! Through the lattice, playing a Catholic priest – Father Michael Kerrigan – in Jimmy McGovern’sBroken(BBC1). You don’t think of Sean Bean – Richard Sharpe, Ned Stark, -Boromir – as being cut from that kind of cloth. But he makes an excellent priest: a good listener, principled, pious, compassionate. Not without his own -issues – flashbacks to a troubled past, an abusive childhood, a complex relationship with his mother and more than a little creeping doubt. But I’d want that – questioning, rather than blind faith – from my priest. I’d be happy to confess my sins to Father Michael.

  • Broken (TV Series 2017- ) - Episode list - IMDb

    Father Kerrigan reaches out to a parishioner in dire straits. Having to cope with his frail, elderly mother prompts Kerrigan to reflect upon the conflicts in society and question how much of an impact he can have.Father Kerrigan counsels an enigmatic gambling addict, while a devoted mother is desperate for his help after her mentally ill son suffers a psychotic episode. New parishioner Roz confesses a dark secret to the priest.The events of the night leave the community in shock. Father Kerrigan comforts P.C. Powell, who is being pressured to back up his colleague’s questionable version of events. Roz remains determined to go through with her plan.

⚠ī¸ Explanation (Spoiler)

In the series finale of Broken, the BBC One show created by Jimmy McGovern, viewers are taken on a deeply emotional journey through the crisis-ridden world of the Catholic Church. The protagonist, Father Michael Kerrigan, portrayed with quiet immensity by SeÃĄn Bean, struggles with doubts, despair, and feelings of failure and fraudulence throughout the series.

The show delves into the moral dilemmas faced by Father Kerrigan, echoing McGovern’s recurring themes of priests burdened with terrible truths they can’t reveal due to the seal of confession. The narrative weaves together the lives of parishioners facing various hardships, from a woman hiding her mother’s death to a mentally ill boy killed by the police.

One particularly poignant episode tackles the debate between the letter and spirit of the Bible regarding homosexuality, showcasing a powerful performance by Ned Dennehy. The series doesn’t offer neat resolutions, mirroring the imperfect nature of life and human struggles.

SeÃĄn Bean’s portrayal of Father Kerrigan as a tormented yet compassionate figure is a departure from his usual roles as tough guys and adventurers. His performance, along with those of Muna Otaru and Paula Malcomson, adds layers of depth to the characters of Helen Oyenusi and Roz Demichelis.

The finale episode is structured around a tense inquest, a riotous wake, and a redemptive funeral, all intertwined with flashbacks to Kerrigan’s haunting childhood. The unresolved nature of some storylines, reminiscent of Dennis Potter’s work, adds to the raw and authentic feel of the series.

Ultimately, Broken serves as Jimmy McGovern’s poignant reflection on the Catholic Church’s struggles and redemption, urging viewers to keep the faith and continue doing good despite the challenges and imperfections of life.

đŸ‘Ē Parents Guide & Age Rating

TV-14

Age Rating:

The TV series “Broken” has an age rating of 15.

Parental Guide:

Parents should be aware that “Broken” contains themes and scenes that may not be suitable for viewers under the age of 15. Here is a detailed parental guide:

Sex & Nudity There are occasional scenes of intimacy and sexual content, including suggestive dialogue.
Violence & Gore The series features instances of violence, including physical altercations, references to crime, and emotional intensity.
Profanity There is the use of moderate to strong language throughout the episodes.
Substance Abuse Some scenes depict characters using alcohol and discussing addiction-related issues.

Parents are advised to watch the series beforehand to determine if the content is appropriate for their teenagers aged 15 and above, as it may contain mature themes and intense situations.

đŸ“ē Streaming and where to watch

streaming service extra information
BritBox You can watch Broken – Season 1 on BritBox.
Prime Video You can watch Broken – Season 1 on Prime Video.
iTunes You can watch Broken on iTunes.

❝ Quotes and Cult

  • The whole scene makes me cry, but this line just breaks my heart every time.
    marie-francel
  • No more promises were made so none could be broken.
    Laura Linney
  • I don't have any rules 'couse I would always be breaking them so it would be a waste of time.
    Iris Apfel
  • He shot a clown once.
    Temperance 'Bones' Brennan
  • I don't understand. And I am not used to not understanding.
    Temperance 'Bones' Brennan
  • For someone with no spine, you've sure got a lot of balls.
    Beth

🤖Broken Reddit Talks

Broken: A TV series that explores the complexities of faith and community

Broken is a TV series that delves into the complexities of faith and community, as seen through the eyes of Father Michael Kerrigan, a Catholic priest who is struggling with his own beliefs. The series follows Father Kerrigan as he attempts to help his congregation navigate the challenges of modern life while also grappling with his own personal demons.

The series has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by priests and the challenges faced by the Catholic Church in the modern world. However, it has also been criticized for its bleak and depressing tone.

What did people think of Broken?

The response to Broken has been mixed. Some viewers have praised the series for its realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by priests and the challenges faced by the Catholic Church in the modern world. Others have criticized the series for its bleak and depressing tone.

Some of the topics discussed on social media about Broken include:

  • The challenges faced by priests in the modern world
  • The role of the Catholic Church in society
  • The importance of faith and community
  • The struggle between personal beliefs and the demands of the Church
  • The impact of the Catholic Church’s sexual abuse scandal

Overall, Broken is a thought-provoking and challenging series that explores the complexities of faith and community. It is a series that is sure to spark discussion and debate.

Top discussions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Broken worth watching?

Broken is definitely worth watching, especially for Sean Bean’s outstanding performance as a priest struggling to bring the face of God to broken and frail humanity. The series is visually stunning and makes exceptional use of the holy symbols of the Church’s beliefs and rites.

What is the story of the series Broken?

The series focuses on Michael Kerrigan (played by Sean Bean), a Catholic priest in a northern English city who, despite his own traumatic past, guides his vulnerable parishioners through the trials of everyday life. His character is complex, trying to reconcile his personal struggles with his duty to his parish.

Is there a series 2 of Broken?

Currently, there is no guarantee of a second series of Broken. Despite the positive reception from fans and critics, lead actor Sean Bean is expected to move on to other roles. The future of the series remains uncertain.

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