njcpace Reviews

Okkupert (2015–2020)

Compelling, relevant, beautifully-made series

[10/10 · 1 February 2019]

My husband and I loved this suspenseful, enjoyable series, and whether or not you like international politics, you'll love the writing, characters, and suspense. We Americans laugh at the idea of another country occupying our country for any reason--resources, hegemony, greed, control, revenge, whatever...but small countries with strategic locations, or with newly discovered gold, oil, rare minerals etc., can quickly become militarily and politically violent hot spots, whether via larger bordering countries (or even larger faraway countries) who decide to take what they want instead of negotiating/paying for it (or taking no for an answer.) Great acting/characters/overall beautiful filmmaking excellence. Besides a straightforward plot about an increasingly oppressive occupation and "what to do?" as it escalates (remember that Norway was occupied by Germany during WWII, so they have memories)--the film references all the nuanced implications, complexities and questions that arise around any occupation--ever so lightly-- in this balanced consideration of aggression and patriotism, borders and politics and war, where all competing perspectives, reasonable and unreasonable, are generously weighed. I never realized how hard it is to run a country! Or to be a political or diplomatic leader with a natural set of biases, ways of operating, patriotism--and a conscience too. Now that we've watched both seasons (4 gripping episodes a night) we'll watch it again tonight! BTW, Norway is 3rd in the world in gas reserves, 11th in oil resources, so it's all plausible given the situation in this series--and in the world we live in now, too, where many countries have been occupied/invaded. I also LOVED all the fascinating Nordic cultural differences evident in the background--gentle parenting, emphasis on family, focus on (thoughtful) law, policing and incarceration procedures and habits, non-violence and environmental awareness too.... Enjoy!

The Deuce (2017–2019)

Superb

[10/10 · 2 October 2018]

This is a superb series. So informative, impressive, moving, funny, compelling, beautifully written, directed, acted. We also loved The Wire so we're not surprised. (We're on Season 2, Episode 10). If you are not comfortable with the realities of sexuality (and sexuality-and-money), or with the perspectives of poor black (and white) street criminals and victims, please watch this and learn. The first three episodes, explicit on the gritty awful violent demeaning desperate lives of the young and poor and ignorant caught up in the sex trade are hard to take, but staying with the series is so rewarding. Like life, the series is paradoxical, which is where the wonderful wit comes through. I so appreciate the talents assembled here to make this brilliant and worthwhile "long movie" and bring it to life. I have no complaints, only the deepest respect and appreciation for this long all-American story. Can't wait to finish Season 2 and looking forward to many more seasons!