Nyrkki (2019– ) User Reviews

Best Finnish series yet!

[HlenSki · 8/10 · 4 January 2020]

Absolutely stunning visually! As a vintage fan, I loved the authentic feel of the early 1900's in the show. The outfits, the style, the hair, the suits, the furtinute, the settings, the cigarettes, the music... Beautiful!

The performance of Uusivirta, Grabowsky, Vauramo and Petersson were very enjoyable. Parviainen in the lead I found to be a bit too restrained and aloof. Great at moments though, especially in the final episode! I would have loved to see what Kosonen would have done with her character, since her fight scene was a breath of fresh air!

Sure this show had some stumbles, but all in all it created a very intriguing fictional world of espionage and betrayal. I've never seen this type of storyline and energy in Finnish productions. Great pace and twists!

Can Be Confusing

[westsideschl · 7/10 · 31 July 2021]

If you're not a Finland history literate person and/or a follower of '50s West vs. East (e.g. Mostly U.s. & USSR) cold war goin'ons then take notes early on as to who's who. A lot of characters; a lot of scene jumps; a lot of not knowing allegiances.

Plusses and minusses

[malccochran · 7/10 · 11 February 2022]

It's a great idea. The production is a bit reminiscent of the surrealistic European films of the early '60s; and it becomes increasingly (literally) theatrical with studio shots and lighting. But potentially most confusing is the illogical action. One example: what seems likely to be a 99% certain death somehow becomes a 1% survival. Another, an killing is interrupted by the "timely" arrival of a distraction. The broad plot remains but details have to be simply ignored. The most obvious is how a mysterious person can obtain and sell a huge quantity of arms.

If we ignore this, we have a drama with endless twists, turns, and action.

And maybe, just maybe, they know something not in our history books!

Finnish Cold War Film Noir Done Right

[Phantom_Duck · 9/10 · 23 May 2020]

The Finns are a dark and twisted people. A romantic comedy from Finland is dark. It is a barren and cold place.

This is real film noir, as good as it gets.

Perhaps the best spy flick I have ever seen? Real trade craft, not the "Good Guys" always win, car chases and explosions. There are no good guys in the real world. Or in 1956 Helsinki.

Finnish title is Nyrkki which means Fist, as in hand, so a bit of a play on words translated to English. Since it was funded by BBC and SBC Australia, the Finns were having a go. Dark and funny those Finns. >FIST was the Finnish Security Intelligence Service now known as SUPO. Helsinki and Berlin were Ground Zero during the Cold War. This film gives you that feel of uncertainty.

Shadow Lines draws a hypothetical plot based on real world events that took place in 1956. The height of the cold war. Historically accurate, amazing acting, breathtaking direction and cinematography.

Subtle and suspenseful. This is a gem. With all characters, Finns, Russians, and Americans speaking their native tongues and subtitles this is not a casual watch. Rather an immersive experience.

Not to be watched if the kids are running amok, the phone is ringing or you are distracted. You will miss all the subtlety. Rainy day and nothing on the agenda? Get the popcorn, the dogs and the blankets. Always cold in Finland!

decent spy series about 1955 Finland cold war moment.

[surfisfun · 7/10 · 28 April 2021]

Watch with English subs.

Good production.

Many languages , need subs.

A bit hard to follow historically.

Like another reviewer said, its got flavor of The Americains.

Recommended.

Very Good

[crumpytv · 9/10 · 19 August 2020]

I enjoyed this, but you have to concentrate. If you are not familiar with Finnish/Russian history and politics it is difficult to understand a lot of what is going on, so I would recommend a binge watch. The best Cold War thriller I have seen for many a year.

Unexpected...

[hamlet-16 · 9/10 · 24 February 2020]

I really know nothing about Finnish post war history. I have a vague knowledge of the Soviet invasions in the 1940s but that is about it so this cold war thriller is new territory.

A slow burn series that drew me in bit by bit and with quite a number of unexpected twists.

Who are the real heroes in this? That is perhaps the most difficult question of all.

But atmospheric design and music, quality acting, a script that seamlessly moves between Finnish, Russian, English and Swedish is a fine mix.

Recommended for lovers of cold war spy thrillers. But be warned, it is quite violent and explicit.

Excellently Told Spy Story

[njdvmajd · 9/10 · 16 January 2022]

Very good show with complicated layers of storylines. Told like the viewer is reading a great novel. Told slowly and meticulously, without any wasted time/energy, and developed perfectly. Top show for sure. Constant action. Don't look away, or you're sure to miss something.

Wonderful. True. Diamond

[grevin2-76-473598 · 9/10 · 4 January 2021]

Unexpectedly wonderful. Finnish noir cold war series? Oh yes. I loved everything about it. Cannot wait for the second season. A true diamond that waits viewers worldwide to discover it.

Finland does Breaking Bad

[nicholas-610-899841 · 9/10 · 24 June 2022]

Best spy/political (small p) intrigue I've seen since The Bureau. A thoroughly enjoyable watch if you don't mind waiting a bit for answers.

I loved the dance/shootout scene in the opening episode of season 2. The use of the music and the gun drama was straight out of Breaking Bad.

pretty good show

[kingeider-189-365078 · 8/10 · 8 November 2021]

I liked this, I agree with the reviewer who said it could be confusing, it might help to watch the two seasons closer together in time than I did, I waited about a year between the two and struggled to keep up somewhat. It is very, very well acted, there is little to complain about there, EXCEPT perhaps for the American CIA (OSS?) agent whose cover is a musician. I found him a little unbelievable. But the story is pretty good, there are double and triple crosses and allegiances switched back and forth, at least apparently.....I'll leave it to you to try to pry the connections apart, might take a wrecking bar to do it, though.... There are some really stunning performances from female actors in this, the roles of Helena, Aune and the "Finn fatale" Tabe are really well done. Remind me not to cross Finnish women!!

Solid entertainment

[mart-45 · 9/10 · 13 July 2023]

When one thinks of Finland in the 1950s, one might mostly picture a sleepy, peaceful country that only made headlines when they hosted the Olympics and groomed the Miss World. However, this series is ripping this image apart and reveals the country that took some beating in the WW II and finished on the wrong side, as a hotbed of espionage, a melting pot of ideologies, as inflammable as the Bay of Pigs was to be some years later. Often over the top, this series gleefully revels in it's own artificiality and bridges the gaping plot holes with stellar acting, solid direction and beautiful visuals. Some googling would enhance the viewing experience, but even without any previous knowledge about the politics of the era, the well drawn characters and the incredible plot twists make the narrative click.

Good, but not the best !

[hilanocarvalho · 8/10 · 1 November 2020]

It resembles The Americans, emphasizing personal and psychological dramas beyond firing-fightings and murders. It is a good espionage TV Series, but it is not as breathtaking as The Americans is. By the way, I´ve watched the latter for uncountable times and it is by far not only better than the finnish series, but also than all the other similar ones. I don´t know, I guess the cast is not as great as The Americans´. The final episode could´ve been better as well. Anyway, I hope the second season will be better.

One word...Google

[jonesestherc · 8/10 · 11 January 2022]

OK, so here's the deal. NOT A SPOILER ALERT!!!! SHOULD READ BEFORE WATCHING The show begins in 1955. Finland is technically it's own country but it's under Soviet Union's Dictator/ Bad Guy/ Communism "you could be executed for stealing an orange" Rule (as well as that evil dudes federal police, the shady as f$&k The KGB). Some people in Finland want to still be Communists but be separate ("doesn't answer to Moscow") from the Soviet Union and have a Finish (but Russian ideology influenced) President who supports Communism. The main characters and plot revolve around several of these people. They also happen to be "The Security Police" to make sure this happens. Lastly, there are people in Finland that want to be "influenced by the west" and believe in Democracy like the Americans. The show is about these three sides.

A Chilling Game of Cat and Mouse in the Land of the Midnight Sun

[Arik_P · 9/10 · 28 December 2023]

For those who crave espionage thrillers that crackle with icy tension and keep you guessing until the very last page, look no further than Nurkki: Shadow Lines. This Finnish series, a masterclass in weaving together historical intrigue with pulse-pounding action, will have you glued to the screen, desperate to untangle the web of secrets that shrouds the fate of a nation.

Set against the backdrop of a Cold War-era Finland, Nurkki: Shadow Lines plunges us into a world where the CIA and KGB are locked in a desperate struggle for control. The stakes couldn't be higher: the future of a neutral nation hangs in the balance, and every move is fraught with danger.

At the heart of the story lies Nurkki, a Finnish intelligence officer caught in the crosshairs of this international power play. A man of quiet resolve and unwavering patriotism, Nurkki finds himself navigating a labyrinth of lies and betrayals, where shadows blur the lines between friend and foe.

The series masterfully captures the paranoia and claustrophobia of the Cold War era. The ever-present threat of nuclear annihilation hangs heavy in the air, and the characters' choices carry the weight of history on their shoulders. The writers expertly blend historical accuracy with fictional intrigue, creating a world that feels both authentic and utterly gripping.

But Nurkki: Shadow Lines is not just about politics and espionage. It's also a character-driven drama that delves into the complexities of human relationships. We witness the toll that constant suspicion and fear take on Nurkki and his loved ones, and the series doesn't shy away from exploring the moral ambiguities that arise in such a high-stakes environment.

The performances are uniformly excellent, with each actor bringing their characters to life with depth and nuance. The series is anchored by the stoic yet captivating portrayal of Nurkki by [actor's name], who embodies the quiet heroism of his character with every subtle gesture and steely gaze.

Nurkki: Shadow Lines is a triumph of storytelling, a series that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It's a chilling reminder of the fragility of peace and the human cost of political gamesmanship. If you're looking for a truly exceptional thriller that will leave you breathless, this is it. Don't miss this gem - dive into the shadows of Nurkki and experience the heart-stopping game of cat and mouse that will decide the fate of a nation.

Highly recommended for fans of: John le Carré, Tom Clancy, The Americans, spy thrillers, historical dramas, Finnish cinema.

Extra good points

The series' stunning cinematography, which captures the stark beauty of the Finnish landscape and the claustrophobic intensity of the Cold War atmosphere.

The nuanced portrayal of Finnish culture and history, which adds depth and authenticity to the story.

The unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

I hope this review does justice to the brilliance of Nurkki: Shadow Lines. Now go forth and lose yourself in its chilling embrace!

Nyrkki in finish translate to Fist.