FOREIGN SERIES: “Paradis City.” / "Victory or Death." / “To the Ends of the Earth.”

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“Paradis City” (Amazon Prime) Swedish futuristic crime/drama. Swedish Minister of the Interior Eva Basarto Henriksson is abducted during a speech in Järva, a lawless "special area." Amid chaos and gunfire, police retreat. Officer Fredrika, blamed for the failure, seeks redemption by enlisting Emir, an ex-MMA fighter and criminal. During the rescue attempt, a tunnel collapses, trapping them beneath the rubble.



       Scandinavian political thrillers are cool. Fast-paced, tight scripting, engaged acting. No frills, no chasers, no soap operatic gloss--all “business.” Such as this fine series, which I hope, would spawn a Season 2.

        The synergy of Julia Ragnarsson as Fredrika and Alexander Abdallah as Emir also keep the thrills unpredictably palatable. I want more. 🎥💻📽


"Victory or Death" (Amazon Prime) Chilean historical drama set during Augusto Pinochet's regime, focusing on a group of young people who choose armed resistance against the dictatorship. 



       Mariana Di Girólamo and Nicolás Furtado portray rebel leaders Cecilia and Rodrigo. Gabriel Urzúa is their pursuer Bareta. 

       My issue with this supposedly engaging political feature is it feels like it is running per a template of stereotypes. Sra Girolamo and Sr Furtado, who both look like daytime soap stars than weary guerrillas, emote Lifetime TV cliches. Sr Urzua is the same. 🎥💻📽


“To the Ends of the Earth” (Amazon Prime) British period drama, adaptation of the trilogy of novels of the same name by William Golding, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jared Harris.


       Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, the series is fascinating and intriguing but definitely, another gem from PBS’ Masterpiece Theatre. The story isn’t really about the obvious perils of a long sea voyage but this is all about the engaging characters in the ship. It requires a bit of navigation per “old” English language but it’s all good. Absolutely a Cumberbatch showtime. 🎥💻📽

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