Boardwalk Empire (2010 - 2014)

Blog Rating: 8.80 out of 10

Today I want to talk about a series that has me completely hooked: Boardwalk Empire.

Since 2010, this HBO series transports us to the time of the 1920s in Atlantic City, where the prohibition of alcohol and the rise of organized crime make this city a place full of vices and pleasures. The story follows district treasurer Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, played by the talented Steve Buscemi, who runs his empire with cunning and violence.

Steve Buscemi as "Nucky" Thompson

But what really makes Boardwalk Empire such a unique series is its impressive production. Every detail is carefully designed to transport us to that time: the gigantic sets, the dramatic lighting, the music of the time and the impeccable costumes. It is as if we were watching a live play.

Kelly Macdonald as Margaret

In addition, the series addresses very interesting topics about politics and corruption in the United States during that time. The figure of Nucky Thompson is fascinating, as he blurs the lines between legal and illegal and uses whatever method is available to maintain his power.

But it's not all politics and crime in Boardwalk Empire. The series also shows us the daily life of ordinary people in Atlantic City, from tourists visiting the famous boardwalk to workers struggling to survive in a city full of dangers.

In summary, Boardwalk Empire is an essential series for any lover of history, crime, drama and good television. Its impeccable production, smart script, and talented cast make each episode a unique experience. So if you haven't seen it yet, don't wait any longer.

The Killing (2011 - 2014)

Blog Rating: 8.60 out of 10

"The Killing", a series that has been adapted in different countries, but this time we will talk about the US version.

The plot revolves around the murder of Rosie Larsen, a 17-year-old girl who was found dead in Seattle. Two detectives, Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder, are in charge of investigating the case and discovering the culprit. But not everything is so simple, since the investigation will affect the political career of a young mayoral candidate and will test the personal lives of the detectives.

Mireille Enos as Sarah Linden

What makes "The Killing" special is that each season focuses on a single case, unlike other series where detectives solve a different case each episode. Also, the series takes its time to develop the plot and characters, allowing the viewer to get more involved in the story.

The actors are exceptional in their roles. Mireille Enos stars as Sarah Linden, a dedicated detective but with personal problems that make her vulnerable. Joel Kinnaman stars as Stephen Holder, Sarah's partner, an ex-cop undercover with secrets of his own. Together, they form a dynamic duo that keeps the viewer glued to the screen.

Joel Kinnaman as Stephen Holder

Another remarkable aspect of "The Killing" is its setting. The rainy city of Seattle is the perfect setting for a crime series. The photography is impeccable and the music creates a tense and mysterious atmosphere.

In summary, "The Killing" is a series that cannot be missed if you are a fan of the crime genre. With an intriguing plot, well-developed characters, and an impeccable setting, this series is a gem not to be missed.

Escape from Sobibor (1987)

Today I want to tell you about a movie I saw called "Escape from Sobibor". The film is based on the only documented successful revolt at a Nazi death camp in occupied Poland during World War II.

The story takes place in the autumn of 1943 in eastern Poland, where the Nazis exterminate several prisoners every day, who are separated and women and children are immediately admitted to the gas chambers, like most men. However, some of them have not yet broken away and are rallying around Red Army soldier Alexander Pechersky and planning a revolt to free as many prisoners as possible.

The movie is very well made and makes you feel the horror of the concentration camp. The images are authentic and immerse you in the dense atmosphere of the camp.

Unknown and sometimes inexperienced actors unfortunately often act too stiff. However, Rutger Hauer does his job very well and is convincing throughout the film.

In short, "Escape from Sobibor" is a movie that makes you feel the horror of the concentration camp and shows you the bravery of those who fought for their freedom. Despite some small details, the movie is very good and will keep you on your toes until the end. If you like history and movies based on true events, you should definitely watch "Escape from Sobibor".

If you are looking for a way to enjoy the movie, you are in the right place! I invite you to review the following links:

Luther - Murders and psychological warfare (2010 - 2019)

 Blog Rating: 8.75 out of 10

This British series is about the life of a troubled but brilliant police detective at work, separated from his wife he loves passionately and who is torn between solving serial murders he investigates and his attempts to rekindle his marriage. 

His wife has found a new man, and he is in a relationship with a slightly crazy and narcissistic woman who killed her parents and her dog. Luther's stories show him in his daily life where he constantly has to solve new cases, and at the same time he has to fight a psychological battle against the woman who follows him and that does not make his life exactly easier.

Ruth Wilson as Alice Morgan

Idris Elba plays Luther, the chief inspector of the London police, a charismatic character, hard and bright. The rest of the actors are also good, especially the crazy woman interpreted magnificently by Ruth Wilson, who is sometimes a good help and other times she is looking to ruin Luther.

Some episodes are of high quality, are varied and offer some memorable scenes quite hard and brutal. Luther is exciting and offers unexpected twists in some episodes, it is a good series of crimes really recommended.

Anne with an E (2017-2019)

Blog rating: 8.80 out of 10

I must admit that I have not read the novel on which this series is based (Anne of Green Gables written by Lucy Maud Montgomery and published in 1908), but it is a very well constructed work with beautiful characters and moving stories of hope and people of good soul.

Each chapter is good for the heart because they are simple stories like its protagonist, an orphan girl with red hair, freckles and a very long tongue. Anne is hyperactive and full of imagination, and comes to change the monotonous life of two brothers, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, due to a simple mistake.

Amybeth McNulty as Anne

In the first chapter Matthew Cuthbert goes to the train station to look for a boy to help at his Green Gables farm on the outskirts of the city of Avonlea, but instead he finds the young red-haired girl who starts talking to him in a well educated way but almost without taking a break, about how happy and excited she is about to become part of his family. 

This misunderstanding lasts most of the episode, and perhaps at the beginning it is difficult to get used to her rhythm and use of words, but during the course of the series you will become fond of her because of how well constructed her character is. And not only Anne, but the others around her.

R.H.Thomson as Matthew

The dimension of the protagonist Anne of 13 years, who asks to be called with an “E” to sound more distinguished, is considerably wide and actress Amybeth McNulty (who is actually 15 years old) conquers perfectly with her character, playing an Anne who, besides being talkative, nervous, funny, impulsive and happy, hides her dark side. Excessive imagination will lead her to imagine splendid, as well as spooky things. In the series we see how the girl silences the traumas she acquired when she worked in other houses previously helping with chores, and we will discover them and suffer them along with her.

As we mentioned, the first one is Matthew Cuthbert, an affable, gentle and quiet man. Marilla is the name of the sister, the most hostile, coarse and apathetic of the two, becoming the perfect villain for Anne at the beginning of her stay at this farm. Here we will see how she will transform her personality thanks to the experience of living with her new daughter, a simply masterful performance.

Geraldine James as Marilla

Then Marilla's neighbor and friend, named Rachel Lynde, appears. She welcomes Anne to the hard life of people who don't think about the other. There will also be the unconscious judgment of the small classmates of the school, or their mothers, or the bestiality of the young boys. But we will also have the best friend, Diana Barry (Odd Squad), and the only classic companion who understands her and she falls in love, Gilbert Blythe, played by Lucas Jade Zumann.

As we will see, Anne is the key piece that assembles everything, and at the same time transforms these characters, which help to highlight each dilemma and important theme that appears in each chapter. The series discusses many universal themes, such as forbidden love, death, lies or using imagination to defend oneself from the traumas lived, the difficult adaptation to new places, fatherhood / motherhood and traditional loves. However, Anne with all her wonderful imagination, innocence, intelligence and transparency, gives a different, new, fun and modern look to all this, fighting against the outdated vision of the other characters of advanced age.

The look of other female characters will also appear, from an independent old woman who never married, to a group of feminist mothers, who want their daughters to have a future studying and not waiting to serve or marry a man.

In summary, this Canadian series adapted by the winner of 3 Emmys awards for Breaking Bad, Moira Walley-Beckett, is a magnificent work that masterfully illustrates the reality of the time and that through its simple stories conveys a feeling of hope in these times of excessive reality.

Title: Anne With an E

Direction: Niki Caro, David Evans, Amanda Tapping

Screenplay: Moira Walley-Beckett (Novel: Lucy Maud Montgomery)

Cast: Amybeth McNulty, Geraldine James, R.H. Thomson, Dalila Bela, Lucas Jade Zumann, Aymeric Jett Montaz, Helen Johns, Christian Martyn, Kyla Matthews, Corrine Koslo, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Ella Jonas Farlinger, Stephen Tracey, Kyle Meagher, Janet Porter, Helene Robbie, Tyler Barish.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

 Blog rating: 8.85 out of 10

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

Three years after the mythical and seemingly insurmountable initial film, a sequel arrived that made the saga evolve in an unimaginable way, taking it to a new level. Reason why this is undoubtedly one of the most important films in the franchise.

Harrison Ford as Han Solo

After the destruction of the Death Star, Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and other rebels, as well as Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Wookiee Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) starships Millennium Falcon, founded a new secret base, on a remote snowy planet. However, Darth Vader (David Prause, voice of James Earl Jones) manages to establish the whereabouts of the rebels, and follows the order to storm the fortifications.

Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia

In this episode we will meet one of the best characters in the saga: Master Yoda. The most lively puppet in the world, releasing the most absolute wisdom and with a characteristic way of speaking that we all know, will be in charge of teaching Luke different ways of fighting using his powers.

Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker

The duel of lightsabers that happens is one of the best of the chapters that make up the saga: Violent, long, exhausting, very hard and with a perfect balance between spectacularity and realism. When the fight is about to end and Luke is already exhausted and wounded, there is a time when the camera is placed on Skywalker's back, and we see him tiny trying to contain the wild swords of a gigantic Vader. After this, we know what is coming: The loss of the hand and the mythical phrase ... "I AM YOUR FATHER".

Although George Lucas appears modestly in the credits as the author of the plot and executive producer, the so-called "Episode V" is considered almost exclusively his creation.

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Release Year: 1980

Country: United States

Duration: 124 minutes.

Director: Irwin Kerschner.

Screenwriters: Leigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasdan, George Lucas (History).

Production: Gary Kurtz

Composer: John Williams (Oscar nomination).

Genre: Action, Adventure, Science fiction

Succession (2018- )

Blog Rating: 9.40 out of 10

Logan Roy (Brian Cox) is the owner of Waystar Royco, one of the largest media corporations in the world. Of his four children, Kendall (Jeremy Strong) is the only one who works in the company and seems to have the confidence of his father to take control of the business.

Brian Cox as Logan Roy

   

However, upon turning 80, Logan reveals that he has no intention of relinquishing control of Waystar, completely foiling Kendall's plans and embarrassing him in front of his brothers. In addition, the millionaire wants his children to sign a document that will allow his current wife, Marcia (Hiam Abbass), to have two votes in the assembly that will elect his successor. This fact is logically not welcomed by Kendall, Roman (Kieran Culkin), Connor (Alan Ruck) and Shiv (Sarah Snook), who are extremely concerned about the decisions his father is making.

Jeremy Strong as Kendall Roy

After an afternoon of family sports, Logan suffers a stroke while returning home by helicopter. Now, with Logan in the hospital, the family must act quickly to prevent this tragic event from profoundly affecting the company's stock. It is here where all the intrigues begin to be plotted to pursue the leadership of the companies.

Despite the ongoing machinations to take control by most of the sons, there is always room for scenes that include a certain amount of black humor.

Kieran Culkin as Roman Roy

As the daughter Shiv decides to work for a Senator who is an enemy of her father, politics is also involved in these power struggles.

With each episode we realize how conflicted the relationship of the Roy family is, to the point that Logan even uses one of his media outlets to spread false news about the drug use of one of his sons.

Sarah Snook as Shiv Roy

The lack of friendliness, the dirty language and the lack of empathy say a lot about the Roys: with extremely individualistic points of view, neither supports the success of the other.

Everything in Succession revolves around interests: what we see throughout ten episodes are rich people fighting each other trying to get something that makes them feel good. Loyalty and honesty are definitely not values ​​that stand out in their actions.

Each of the sons of this dysfunctional family battles for their own interests: Kendall with his permanent struggle for power, Roman with his black humor and his obsession with the father's assistant who could be his mother, Shiv in her constant dilemma between loyalty to her father and her husband and Connor in a more relegated role but who also tries to obtain a share of power through politics.

Definitely a plot that manages to balance well the moments of drama and humor, mainly thanks to the great performances of the actors.

This is Us (2016 - 2022)

Blog Rating: 9.35 out of 10

Fortunately, it is still possible to find television series that are capable of translating the problems of daily life into a wonderful story.

The simplicity of its plot is one of the most attractive aspects. And it is incredible how a simple narration of daily events can compete with series with a lot of action and special effects, capturing its audience with emotional and unforgettable moments.

Milo Ventimiglia as Jack

"This is Us" chronicles the lives of five members, four of whom have birthdays on the same day. On father Jack's (Milo Ventimiglia) birthday, his wife Rebecca (Mandy Moore) gives birth to triplets; who later participated in the story.

Randall (Sterling K. Brown) a successful businessman who decides to visit his biological father, Kate (Chrissy Metz), the sister who struggles with being overweight, and the comedy star Kevin (Justin Hartley), who in a constant search for his future work ends with his successful television career. All this is just the starting point of a series full of surprises and very good and continuous "raccontos" that allow us to investigate the history of all its characters.

Mandy Moore as Rebecca

The greatness of the series is its ability to transform everyday life situations into great stories. From the beginning of the relationship between Rebecca, the rich girl from a wealthy family, and Jack, the poor working-class boy, to the situations that each of their three children must face.

Kate in the continuous struggle with her weight meets Toby (Chris Sullivan), who falls in love with her and supports her in all her insecurities.

Justin Hartley as Kevin

Kevin on his side tries to become a serious theater actor and tries to leave behind his past as a light TV actor.

And Randall knows his biological father who abandoned him in the time of his excesses.

The good script of the series is essential so that the characters who are becoming more and more lovable move us in many of their moving scenes, not without deep drama.

Chrissy Metz as Kate

The narration of the story that permanently resorts to flashbacks (which, being very well identified, do not risk making you lose the thread) helps us to get to know each of the characters more deeply, Randall's compulsion, the need Kevin's care and Kate's complexes.

Without realising it, we are witnessing many dramas of daily life such as alcoholism, domestic violence, drugs and war, as well as different points of view regarding adoption, homosexuality, weight disorders and frustrated dreams, among others.

Sterling K. Brown as Randall

All the actors have a remarkable performance and the acting is of a very high level. The quality of the dialogues is remarkable, which allows you to easily build a bond with each character.

It is without a doubt one of the best TV series of the last few years.

Niles Fitch (Randall), Hannah Zeile (Kate) & Logan Shroyer (Kevin)  

Directed by Ken Olin, Chris Koch, Glenn Ficarra, John Requa, George Tillman Jr and others

Cast: Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley, Susan Kelechi Watson, Chris Sullivan, Ron Cephas Jones, Donald Todd

Writers: Dan Fogelman, Laura Kenar and others.

Awards: Won 4 Primetime Emmys. Another 55 wins & 266 nominations.

Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)

 Blog Rating: 8.80 out of 10

The spaceship of Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), who carries the intercepted secret drawings of the Death Star, a military space station whose firepower allows her to destroy entire planets, is attacked by the forces of the Empire under the command of Lord Darth Vader (David Prowse, voiced by James Earl Jones).

Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia

The princess manages to enter data into the memory of the R2D2 droid (Kenny Baker) and send it along with another robot, the protocol droid C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), to the desert planet Tatooine, where they accidentally reach Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) ), who lives with his uncles, farmers Owen (Phil Brown) and Beru (Shelag Fraser) Larsov.

Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker

Unfortunately, Leia's ship is boarded by the Empire and Commander Darth Vader captures Leia.

From the extract of a holographic message, Luke learns that R2D2 must deliver a message to Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) and then Luke is involved in a war with the Empire.

This chapter also stars: Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Peter Cushing (Moff Tarkin) and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca).

Harrison Ford as Han Solo

Star Wars is the first part of the now legendary trilogy "Star Wars", released in theaters in 1977, changed the way of watching movies of several generations. The success was immediate and engendered an incredible fanaticism that elevated the masterpiece to the rank of object of worship throughout the world. At first glance, the story does not seem simple, but George Lucas knows how to intrigue the viewer from the first minutes.

David Prowse as Darth Vader

History is quickly woven around a search but in reality it is not a simple matter: to restore peace and freedom. Luke Skywalker, whose goal is to become a Jedi Knight and thus follow the path of his dead father. He will find his path following Ben, a former Jedi.

Alec Guinness as Obi Wan Kenobi

The visual universe of Star Wars is undoubtedly one of its great assets. George Lucas easily mixes sandy steppes, space and high-tech ships with characters of all kinds (humans, talking hairy monsters and other amazing creatures).

Kenny baker as R2D2

Anthony Daniels as C3PO

The success of this first episode far exceeded the expectations of George Lucas, a director with a unique mind and an extraordinary imagination. The director did not want to sacrifice any detail of his story under the pretext of the lack of technical possibilities: the film was the engine of many new science fiction movie techniques.

Peter Cushing as Grand Moff Tarkin

Lucas's film, which broke all box office records, revolutionized special effects and was also very well received artistically (ten Oscar nominations).

The adventurous fairytale of space not only revolutionized the cinema and the concept of ticket office success, but also settled deeply into our collective memory. Even people who have not yet seen Star Wars know Darth Vader, Yoda, lightsabers or John Williams' immortal fanfare.

STAR WARS is an integral part of our pop culture.

Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca

Star Wars 

Release Year  : 1977

Genre           : Fantasy, science fiction, adventure, action

Country        : USA

Duration       : 121 minutes.

Director        : George Lucas.

Screenwriter : George Lucas.

Composer     : John Williams.

Cameraman  : Gilbert Taylor.

Swedish poster (1977)