McCall Smith's story is the perfect tribute

Published on Monday 24 March 2008 09:26

The No1 Ladies Detective Agency **** BBC 1

WITH the passing of director Anthony Minghella last week, there was always going to be a bittersweet tinge to the screening of his latest film last night.

But it was the perfect tribute. While his interpretation of Alexander McCall Smith's story began with a death and a funeral, the ultimate emotion the viewer was left with was hope.

Hope that perhaps the Botswana that exists in the mind of the main character Precious Ramotswe – and in that of her Edinburgh creator – does actually exist in modern day Africa.

For it appeared a magical place both scenically and socially. The importance of respect for your family, friends and country ran through the story like an old-fashioned morality tale – making it perfect for Easter Sunday.

After the death of her father, Mma Ramotswe (played perfectly by American jazz singer Jill Scott) sells the cattle he's left her and sets up her own business – Botswana's first ladies detective agency. She waits a while for clients, but soon they're coming thick and fast.

For fans of the book there were discrepancies – a gay hairdresser who helps her set up business, the appearance of her first husband Note at her father's funeral, his lawyer also became a more important character – but these could all be forgiven as the whole movie was obviously crafted with love for the three central characters, Mma Ramotswe, her friend Mr JLB Matekoni and her secretary Mma Makutsi.

A sequel is a must, but just who to fill Minghella's shoes is now the question.