Change Your Image
topchook
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
1864 (2014)
This one has it all
History, drama, passion, violence, despair, poignancy and love - no wonder this series swept me up quickly. As someone who knew nothing about the Danish Prussian war in 1864, I needed to spend time googling whilst watching this epic drama. Another heartbreaking tale about the egos and arrogance of those in power and their complete disregard for the slaughter of so many men.
I've now watched so many Scandi TV dramas that it's even got to the point where I recognise so many of the actors, I can also play the game of "Where have I seen that actor before?" Better still, I can scroll through the cast lists here and find the answer!
Berlin Station (2016)
So disappointing
I persisted for 2 and a half episodes but no, I still had no idea what was going on and nor did I care.
Despite admiring Richard Armitage as an actor and usually loving spy thrillers, I could not get into this series at all. His American accent was not quite right and the casting of Leland Orser's in his CIA role was a strange choice.
The only mystery for me was whether Thomas Shaw was wearing a wig.
Arvingerne (2014)
Danish drama to keep you hooked
I really enjoyed the Danish drama series, "The Legacy". It features more self-absorbed, narcissistic, self-destructive characters than I have seen in a long time. I'm not sure there are any likable main characters - it's more a case of degrees of difference in their selfishness. This show really reinforces the expression "Monkey can't buy you happiness." It traces the lives of a family thrown into turmoil after receiving news of their inheritance. The acting is superb - enough to make you despise, loathe, pity or feel contempt for this family and their behaviour. Recommended.
Øyevitne (2014)
Gripping Norwegian drama
Norwegian drama/thriller "Eyewitness" was my latest Nordic noir binge. Six episodes - each one increasingly had me on the edge of my seat. The story begins with two teenage boys witnessing a brutal murder scene. This series reminded me a little of Irish thriller "The Fall", in that we learn early on who the killer is. Suspense is heightened by the race to solve the crime before the killer finds the eyewitnesses. This gripping thriller also explores other contemporary issues in society: bikie gangs, addiction, sexuality and relationships. Talented cast - can't wait to watch more Norwegian drama series. Highly recommended crime series.
Ennemi public (2016)
Brooding Belgian crime series
Psychopathic child murderer Guy Beranger is released from prison into the care of monks in an abbey. The Local villagers' justifiable fear for their children's' safety is realised when children begin to go missing. This 10 part Belgian thriller with its brooding characters took a little while to hook me in, but as the story unfolded the pace picked up. The seemingly austere Inspector assigned to protecting Beranger has her own demons from her past to deal with. Great setting for such a story (an isolated village in the Ardennes forest) - an area about which I knew nothing. The ending left a possible opening for a second series. Recommended