Three Girls (2017)

Three Girls – a miniseries in three parts – is a drama set in the north of England in the beginning of the 21st century. The topic is the Rochdale child sex abuse ring. The drama, which is based on a true story, focuses on three young girls who were victims of what is known as on-street grooming.

Here is some basic information about this drama which premiered on British television (BBC) in 2017:

** Director: Philippa Lowthorpe

** Writer: Nicole Taylor

** Released on DVD in 2018

** Available via Amazon Prime Video

** Run time: 3 x ca 58 minutes = ca 174 minutes

The cast includes the following:

** Maxine Peake as Sara Rowbotham – a social worker

** Lesley Sharp as DC Margaret “Maggie” Oliver – a police officer

** Ace Bhatti as Nazir Afzal – a public prosecutor

** Molly Windsor as Holly Winshaw – Girl A – who is 14 when the story begins

** Ria Zmitrowicz as Amber Brown – Girl B – who is 16 when the story begins

** Liv Hill as Ruby Bowen – Amber’s sister - Girl C – who is 15 when the story begins

While this drama is based on a true story, it is not a documentary film. It is a dramatized version of events. Not everything happened exactly as show here. But the basic story is true.

The words spoken in the courtroom (in episode 3) are taken from the official transcript of the case.

Since this drama is based on a true story, the basic facts are part of the public record. They are not a secret. Therefore it is not necessary for me to offer any additional details here.

What do reviewers say about this drama? Here are the results of two review aggregators:

** 83 per cent = IMDb

** 100 per cent = Rotten Tomatoes

On Amazon UK there are at the moment more than 30 reviews of this product. The average rating is 4.8 stars.

As you can see, the ratings are very high. If you ask me, the numerous positive reviews are fully justified. Why?

The script is well-written and the actors play their roles well. The drama is captivating, dramatic, and in many cases highly emotional. In addition, it is based on a true story.

The topic is very important. In this drama, the story about the Rochdale case is told very well. Because the topic is so serious, I cannot say you will enjoy this drama. But I do think you can appreciate it.

If you watch this drama, I am sure it will make a big impression on you. I want to go all the way to the top with this product. I think it deserves a rating of five stars.

PS # 1. Sara Rowbotham, Margaret Oliver, and Nazir Afzal worked as consultants on the three-part drama. Google their names to find more information about them.

PS # 2. Margaret Oliver left the police in 2012. Sara Rowbotham was made redundant in 2014. Nazir Afzal left his job as a public prosecutor in 2015.

PS # 3. The Betrayed Girls is a documentary film that was shown on British television (BBC) in 2017. Director: Henry Singer. Run time: 90 minutes. In this film, which is available online, you can meet the real Sara Rowbotham, the real Margaret Oliver, and the real Nazir Afzal.

*****