One of the best Mexican TV series I've seen. Characters were nicely relatable and varied (especially women! So nice to see that!), although some side characters were a bit stereotypical, they were played in warm & at times humorous but not over the top way, resulting in some laughs. Story line was good and kept my attention well and I loved the way 1970s was portrayed so vividly. Also the portrayal of police corruption vs the ordinary hero protagonist was such a refreshing take compared to Hollywood "copaganda". Definitely recommend this to anyone interested in crime, Mexico, 1970s fashion and culture or good TV over all!
13 Reviews
Chilango charm and perfect nostalgia.
cmsukmx28 February 2023
Mexico can guarantee a reality stranger than fiction, although Belascoarán does it's best to prove otherwise.
This 8/10 is completely biased, being a Chilango myself, albeit from a very critical viewer. The casting, dialogue, and settings are all exceptional, believable, immersive, even for what most would think is a surrealist storyline.
I've never read the 70's novels, or heard of them until this Netflix series dropped, I'd like to think that they've been seamlessly transported onto the silver screen.
This is a series that doesn't pretend to be anything other than good humoured entertainment with a romantic flare of the little guy standing up against evil.
I hope that these three episodes are just the beginning of an epic journey.
This 8/10 is completely biased, being a Chilango myself, albeit from a very critical viewer. The casting, dialogue, and settings are all exceptional, believable, immersive, even for what most would think is a surrealist storyline.
I've never read the 70's novels, or heard of them until this Netflix series dropped, I'd like to think that they've been seamlessly transported onto the silver screen.
This is a series that doesn't pretend to be anything other than good humoured entertainment with a romantic flare of the little guy standing up against evil.
I hope that these three episodes are just the beginning of an epic journey.
Surprisingly Enjoyable
albertval-695605 December 2022
Breezy, fast-paced. This is one film that doesn't take itself seriously and it works. The viewer is entertained as a result. The cases that Belascoaran works on are not really difficult and sans dizzying twists. But they are engaging and the viewer follows the stories enthusiastically till the end.
The film shows how he tackles each case: with aplomb and comedic touch. The illustrations that overlay the screen to further explain the cases Belascoaran is working on are cleverly done. This, as well as funny Silverio Palacios, as Belascoaran's casual sidekick Gilberto, add to the film's playful quality.
The actors, particularly Luis Gerardo Mendez, dish out realistic portrayals of their roles; nothing is cheesy or grandstanding.
As detective stories go, this one has a better vibe than "The Poison Rose" (2019) starring John Travolta.
The film shows how he tackles each case: with aplomb and comedic touch. The illustrations that overlay the screen to further explain the cases Belascoaran is working on are cleverly done. This, as well as funny Silverio Palacios, as Belascoaran's casual sidekick Gilberto, add to the film's playful quality.
The actors, particularly Luis Gerardo Mendez, dish out realistic portrayals of their roles; nothing is cheesy or grandstanding.
As detective stories go, this one has a better vibe than "The Poison Rose" (2019) starring John Travolta.
Old typical!
vinaykumar2013 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Belascoaran, PI is a wonderful detective series that features a grounded and relatable protagonist. Luis Gerardo Méndez's portrayal of Hector is witty and engaging and deserves recognition.
The acceptable adaptation in these episodes definitely warrants a crack at the other books in the series and the continued appearance of this intuitive investigator.
The comedy aspect of the series is handled as well as it never feels overdone. There's a good balance struck between the humour and the drama of solving a serious case of murder. Hector is only quippy when required and doesn't scramble the tone of the series.
Well, it's once again good to see Paulina Gaitan on screen after Diablo Guardian.
The acceptable adaptation in these episodes definitely warrants a crack at the other books in the series and the continued appearance of this intuitive investigator.
The comedy aspect of the series is handled as well as it never feels overdone. There's a good balance struck between the humour and the drama of solving a serious case of murder. Hector is only quippy when required and doesn't scramble the tone of the series.
Well, it's once again good to see Paulina Gaitan on screen after Diablo Guardian.
EXCELLENT SERIES
skyycop13 October 2022
This is a Excellent Series, Good storyline and fresh ideas
A bit quirky yet interesting, You will enjoy each Episode an each gets better than the last one. I hope that a second season is already in the works , Because it truly deserves another season . You watch the character develop into a good Detective and solve cases that the police completely ignore and make any attempt to solve. Naturally corruption is envolved in a case that gets solved. You will truly enjoy watching this series and look forward to each episode and want more. A second season is a absolute must , So put pen to paper and get started on a couple of new seasos.
Mexican modern day Dragnet
shaun-3523819 October 2022
With the English dubbing it came across to me like one of those American 1950's detective shows where the main character narrates as well as acts. Difference being it's modern and Mexican.
I'm not sure how much comedy is intentional and how much is due to the English dubbing.
So far each episode which is lengthy is a different case.
Stories aren't overly original but other than the obvious cliche they seem to avoid them.
Cast is good, acting is ok.
Unlike other Mexican and Brazilian series it's not a soapie and isn't slow paced at all.
To be honest I hadn't planned on watching but it came up on Netflix and was glad I hit play.
More a 7.5 than a 7/10.
I'm not sure how much comedy is intentional and how much is due to the English dubbing.
So far each episode which is lengthy is a different case.
Stories aren't overly original but other than the obvious cliche they seem to avoid them.
Cast is good, acting is ok.
Unlike other Mexican and Brazilian series it's not a soapie and isn't slow paced at all.
To be honest I hadn't planned on watching but it came up on Netflix and was glad I hit play.
More a 7.5 than a 7/10.
I felt well entertained
tommybonn14 October 2022
My first thought: Oh dear, a crime series from Mexico. And then I was pleasantly surprised. Exciting, with the right pinch of humor and imaginative. And with really good actors.
Yes, you can also produce good series away from Hollywood. At least under the aegis of Netflix. As already proven by Narcos.
Hector Belascoaran Shayne, a well-heeled engineer, quits his job, leaves his wife and tries his hand at private investigation. And his first case is a vicious wife-killer. Not quite new the story of the first episode, but well interpreted.
The atmosphere of the series, set in the 1970s, is also appealing.
Yes, you can also produce good series away from Hollywood. At least under the aegis of Netflix. As already proven by Narcos.
Hector Belascoaran Shayne, a well-heeled engineer, quits his job, leaves his wife and tries his hand at private investigation. And his first case is a vicious wife-killer. Not quite new the story of the first episode, but well interpreted.
The atmosphere of the series, set in the 1970s, is also appealing.
Quite boring, but interesting scenery
sepit9128 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
So, the same dude played a dirty cop in narcos mexico, and did the exact same thing there, investigating. Basically he acted quite similarly too.
The first and the third episodes are quite boring, but the 2nd episode is absolutely compelling and interesting. The older hot mom and the super cute daughter could distract anyone for a while. Great acting from them and their writing. They were presented really well. Well done from all crew.
Apparently it's based on a book, and while the episodes are like mini movies, probably a lot of context is left from the books. Still, characters are presented well. My favorites are the detective's sister, and his "colleagues".
Gf not very likeable, expect in the beginning when she was introduced. Sex scenes also off putting, please, no.
Something throws this show to be unconvincing, like shooting the main police chief in the head in his office and running away without any consequences. Also didn't quite get the reason in the 3rd. Not very realistic all in all, 20% superhero action basically. Just explained like "this is mexico", doesn't sound right.
It's definitely something else. Worth watching even though first and last are not so good, still watchable. Let's see does net-cancel-flix make a 2nd season, or was it only three books? I have to check them out.
The first and the third episodes are quite boring, but the 2nd episode is absolutely compelling and interesting. The older hot mom and the super cute daughter could distract anyone for a while. Great acting from them and their writing. They were presented really well. Well done from all crew.
Apparently it's based on a book, and while the episodes are like mini movies, probably a lot of context is left from the books. Still, characters are presented well. My favorites are the detective's sister, and his "colleagues".
Gf not very likeable, expect in the beginning when she was introduced. Sex scenes also off putting, please, no.
Something throws this show to be unconvincing, like shooting the main police chief in the head in his office and running away without any consequences. Also didn't quite get the reason in the 3rd. Not very realistic all in all, 20% superhero action basically. Just explained like "this is mexico", doesn't sound right.
It's definitely something else. Worth watching even though first and last are not so good, still watchable. Let's see does net-cancel-flix make a 2nd season, or was it only three books? I have to check them out.
Humoristisc intriguing, need more
gvdeschamps16 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This has been a positive surprise. Already showing his skills as an actor internationally in Narcos; Luis Gerardo Mendez is getting his time to shine as the main actor in this serie of only 3 episodes sadly.
Will there be more? I really hope so. The Three episodes relateret to one another while the viewer really get a feel of that early 80's in Mexico. The humoristic tone throughout the serie helps the viewer not to go to deep into details and enjoy the detective work and character connection throughout the season.
Only 3 episodes, hopefull there will be more
PS: Where can I get Keli cola with lime ? I really need to try this now.
Will there be more? I really hope so. The Three episodes relateret to one another while the viewer really get a feel of that early 80's in Mexico. The humoristic tone throughout the serie helps the viewer not to go to deep into details and enjoy the detective work and character connection throughout the season.
Only 3 episodes, hopefull there will be more
PS: Where can I get Keli cola with lime ? I really need to try this now.
Great writing and acting with good sense of humor.
pcanov31 October 2022
Light hearted yet very well acted, really enjoyed each episode, the fact that it ended the way it did, makes me thing (hope) for q second season, only 3 episodes, me Mendez is probably one of the best Mexican actors at the moment and had very good chemistry with Paulina Gaitab, super hot by the way, is set in the 70s which a golden era for Mexican cinema so it definitely ads a touch of nostalgia, at least to us that are familiar with them.
I'll keep my fingers crossed as I really look forward for season 2 and more, I know there's plenty of material so, why not?
Definitely a must see highly recommend.
I'll keep my fingers crossed as I really look forward for season 2 and more, I know there's plenty of material so, why not?
Definitely a must see highly recommend.
Strong start but fizzles out quickly
qui_j20 October 2022
This series from Mexico starts off quite strongly, but fizzles quickly. The story soon becomes filled with too many subplots, not all of which have relevance to the main plot. The story starts to lose continuity through poor editing and jumps in the story sequence that leaves viewers quite baffled as to how the sequence of events jumped from A to C without going through B! The plot eventually becomes so confusing that there is complete loss of interest by the time the final episode comes around. The acting is passable but the audio is poorly done with moments where the dialog becomes inaudible because of the loud soundtrack drowning out the voices of the actors. This happens more than once.
With a little more focus on ensuring story continuity and sequencing through proper editing, and ensuring that the dialog isn't drowned out by background music, the series is quirky and different enough to be quite entertaining.
With a little more focus on ensuring story continuity and sequencing through proper editing, and ensuring that the dialog isn't drowned out by background music, the series is quirky and different enough to be quite entertaining.
As average a crime movie as they come
plupu6627 December 2022
A cookie -cutter murder mystery made for the American audiences. Some gore, some drama, an oh-so-good guy, an oh-so-corrupt policeman and, of course an oh-so-gorgeous (and brave!) girl. The evil guy is also extremely stereotypical.
Of course it is on Netflix - and the quality of films on Netflix is continuously going down.
South American cinema has so many gems, but Netfilx chooses just the ones that don't require much thinking. (As a matter of fact, low IQ seems to be a requirement for Netflix films.) I have been fooled again by high IMDB ratings and glowing reviews. Don't waste your time with this mediocre film.
Of course it is on Netflix - and the quality of films on Netflix is continuously going down.
South American cinema has so many gems, but Netfilx chooses just the ones that don't require much thinking. (As a matter of fact, low IQ seems to be a requirement for Netflix films.) I have been fooled again by high IMDB ratings and glowing reviews. Don't waste your time with this mediocre film.
Many Changes
israel-palancares30 October 2023
It wasn't bad, but eliminating characters and modifying the verbality of the story, the mysticism of the story get lost.
To start, why not show the original drink CoCa Cola on the show? Great opportunity for sponsorship and it would maintain the fidelity of the addictive drink in the Mexican society. Hector, Carlos and Eliza are European descendant, yet they all look more Mexican than the plumber. Hector is taller, whiter, and attractive.
The Belascoaran series are books that reflect a great deal of the reality of corruption and misery than Mexico experience. It is relevant and it gives a chance to the Latin-American community to see the true history true the eyes of a character such as Hector.
Why is Hector's brother not part of the story, is Carlos whom inspirers his brother to fight the cause and stick it to the big men. Why is La Chica Cola de Caballo so accessible, she was a shadow that appeared only when she wanted. Why was Hector so monogamous, he was a lover boy, slept with the clients even the young girl he rescues in the bowling alley. Carlos is a great character that provides direction to Hector, Carlos and Eliza are the pieces that Hector is lacking in his disturbed personality.
Finally, I know it's hard, but when it comes to the regional speech call "albur" the double meaning of making something serious a grotesque yet funny way to talk, specially among the "lower classes". You miss a great chance to introduce great comedy to the series.
Why so cheap, why the need to compress a book in one hour or less.
Paco Ignacio Taibo II is a great author that needs his work well rendered. He is not just a writer but a savy historian.
To start, why not show the original drink CoCa Cola on the show? Great opportunity for sponsorship and it would maintain the fidelity of the addictive drink in the Mexican society. Hector, Carlos and Eliza are European descendant, yet they all look more Mexican than the plumber. Hector is taller, whiter, and attractive.
The Belascoaran series are books that reflect a great deal of the reality of corruption and misery than Mexico experience. It is relevant and it gives a chance to the Latin-American community to see the true history true the eyes of a character such as Hector.
Why is Hector's brother not part of the story, is Carlos whom inspirers his brother to fight the cause and stick it to the big men. Why is La Chica Cola de Caballo so accessible, she was a shadow that appeared only when she wanted. Why was Hector so monogamous, he was a lover boy, slept with the clients even the young girl he rescues in the bowling alley. Carlos is a great character that provides direction to Hector, Carlos and Eliza are the pieces that Hector is lacking in his disturbed personality.
Finally, I know it's hard, but when it comes to the regional speech call "albur" the double meaning of making something serious a grotesque yet funny way to talk, specially among the "lower classes". You miss a great chance to introduce great comedy to the series.
Why so cheap, why the need to compress a book in one hour or less.
Paco Ignacio Taibo II is a great author that needs his work well rendered. He is not just a writer but a savy historian.
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