When property developer Jamie is given the task of removing a group of tenants from a building his boss wants to redevelop he knows it won't be the easiest of tasks… the last person given the job quit and emigrated to New Zealand! These aren't ordinary tenants; they are a group that all dress in black and many believe is actually a cult; even the locals who seem rather feral give them a wide birth. As expected they rebuff Jamie's offer but he is intrigued by them; especially their leader Emily. They know his intentions but don't attempt to prevent him from entering the building; indeed they invite him to come to their 'open day'. Here he learns the true nature of the group, how they fund themselves and the somewhat unconventional relationships between them. As the story progresses he is drawn into their world just as it is about to implode; their only protection is that people fear them; as soon as one person stands up to them their aura of menace has gone and they are suddenly vulnerable.This isn't one of Stephen Poliakoff's best productions but it is still reasonably entertaining. The cast features plenty of well known actors; including Trevor Eve, Joely Richardson, Anna Friel and Jeremy Northam all of whom put in solid performances. The initial premise works well; the idea of a group acting like a cult but actually getting by selling high end Japanese electronics is rather fun but I couldn't buy the locals; they seemed almost feral, intimidating anybody from outside but steering clear of the group until a child confronts them. Before it was broadcast it was clear that the BBC weren't convinced they could sell it on the premise alone and aired trailers that strongly implied Anna Friel would get undressed; viewers who tuned in to see an attractive actress completely naked won't be disappointed but that really shouldn't a selling point for a good drama. As well as the nudity there is some swearing that some viewers might not like; although it is probably not the sort of programme that would appeal to people who might be offended. Overall I'd say it is worth watching if you are a fan of Stephan Poliakoff's other works; just don't expect too much.

This film is about a concept which most people don't tend to think about: how could a group of people isolate themselves from surroundings which they don't like and manage to lead a paradisiac life? Admittedly the story is sometimes a bit silly, but if you complain about these things you're missing the point, which is about how willing people might be to leave their current life, job, wife, etc. I really liked this film, and it's a shame it's not available to buy.

Stephen Poliakoff is a true genius and this is him at his best. The Tribe, in my opinion, succeeds on many levels. On one level it is a simple tale of seduction and cultural repression but on the other hand it can be seen as a statement for the state of society today. It represent what society does to those people who seem different towards them. They are no threat towards anyone but as they decide to go their own way in life the rest of the world seem to feel that they need to do something about them. Poliakoff's use of startling colours and majestic sweeping settings help to create a world which is the one we live yet so distant and alien like it doesn't seem to have any connection to ours at all. I feel this is one of the greatest T.V programmes of all time and highly underrated for what it is. As the BBC never felt fit to release this on any format, in any country it is very hard to get hold of. But it is worth checking out if you can lay your hands on a copy.

I'm slightly more in favour of summing this film up as stylish art than I am of condemning it as pretentious crap. There is some good camera work, good editing, and occasionally an evocative mood. There are some good performances, but film does have its limitations - it's a TV movie, but a good one.If the central theme of the film is the tension surrounding those who dare to be different and their rejection by society then it is hardly surprising that by siding with them the film attracts negative comments. Or it may be that it is just crap. Except the BBC don't make crap films. We may not like what they do, but the production quality, scripts, etc. are always excellent.So I'll come out in favour. It may not be high art, but at least it's got style and something to say.