farshidkarimi Reviews

Shardlake (2024– )

Why not telling the truth?

[5/10 · 2 May 2024]

This series is an interesting medieval murder mystery. The setting is beautifully dark and bleak. The atmosphere is great, the fog is constantly hanging, skeletal monastery, eerie light filtering through the fog and the mysterious surrounding. It is just great. But, as one of the reviewers rightly and correctly said what is the mania of trying to shove down our throats the false idea of people of color being in charge in Tudor England? Why can't they just show th and say the truth. What's is wrong with depicting an England in its true sense at that time? Are they trying to decry racism? Well, if this is the reason and cause, then they miserably failed.

Mammals (II) (2024)

BBC Earth + David Attenborough = Perfection

[10/10 · 3 April 2024]

BBC Earth + David Attenborough = Perfection.

When BBC Natural History Unit couples with the legendary broadcaster and naturalists, Sir. David Attenborough, a nature gem is created. No need to watch all the episodes not even the first episode to confidently rate it a 10 star.

The first episode deals with the nocturnal animals showing amazing behavior and never seen before behavior. The amazing cinematography amazingly captures captivating scenes and behavior of different animals prowling in the dark, seeking food and shelter.

It is amazing that the more we delve into the natural world through the lenses of the cameras, the more we discover that the nature holds many secrets to flaunt.

I thank all the crew involved and appreciate the amazing voice of the legend.

Ireland's Wild Islands (2023)

Great Series

[9/10 · 12 February 2024]

This series is just a feast for the eyes and the musical feast for the ears (the songs punctuating the scenes are amazing). I am certain that the guy presenting this series has taken a leaf out of Colin Jhonson's book in his documentary titled " Ireland Edge of the World". The presenter made a really good copy of the pace and routes, and means of traveling (whch is a boat) of Colin Jhonson. However, he did the copying is an amazing way. The songs accompanying the scenes are spellbinding and fit the landscapes and the locations where he travels. His voice is really good, but definitely he does not hold a candle to Sir, David Attenborough.

All in all, it is a great series and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in documentaries about nature.

Life on Our Planet (2023– )

I expected better

[6/10 · 25 October 2023]

The producers of this series should have watched Prehistoric Planet (2022) and Planet Dinosaur (2011) both by BBC. The said series have been made almost accurately based on experts' opinions. They were narrated by Sir David Attenborough and John Hurt, with their soothing voiceovers.

The narration is almost incomprehensible. I think Morgan Freeman must take that big blob of chewing gum out of his mouth before starting to narrate documentaries. I think he was tired, munching on a blob of gooey chewing gum.

The animations are not as solid and sharp as the ones in the above said documentaries. The animations in the said series looked so natural that sometimes I wonder how anyone could create them so vividly.

The first episode was a bit rushed, juggling through different periods, leaving me confused about the eras.

I would recommend prehistoric planet and planet dinosaurs. A much better watch.

Planet Earth III (2023)

Simply Enthralling

[10/10 · 23 October 2023]

What a heartwarming, soul-nourishing artwork created by BBC and narrated by the legendary gem, Sir, David Attenborough. I have been waiting with bated breath for this gem of a documentary series. This is a wonderful respite from all the chaos and destruction (of course by us, human beings) unfolding on our beautiful but tumultuous Planet Earth. This series diverts our mind and thought away from all the turmoil and mayhem that we, human beings, are inflicting upon this beautiful earth. The Earth and the Mother Nature are hurting, they are badly wounded and injured by our evil deeds, negligence and unbridled consumption and waste production.

The scenes are just bewitching and mesmerizing like always, the cinematography does a stunning job of bringing the majesty and wonder of the Planet Earth before our eyes, budging us to think a bit more about what bad deeds we are doing to this beautiful Planet.

I hope such series, while amazingly awe-inspiring, serve as a wake-up call, a warning to us of where we and this beautiful planet may be headed if we do not wake up from the slumber, duped by consumerism, conflicts and extravagance.

Kudos to the crew and salutes to the legend, Sir David, for creating this awesome respite and making us aware of the wonders and pains of our beautiful Planet Earth.

Ancient Empires (2023– )

A Very Good Series

[8/10 · 11 October 2023]

I really enjoyed and liked this series. It contains a lot of information about these ancient figures in a new light. I have read and watched some books and movies about them. However, there is new information in these series which I never read or heard. The cinematography is good, and the fact that they have dramatized this series adds to its attraction.

There are some gripes about the series which I believe come from a dislike some viewers harbor towards some of the experts for the comments they have made previously on a historical TV series.

I believe, we have to watch and look at this series with a mind that needs to know new information about these ancient characters, not who the experts are.

It is a good series and I recommend it.

Unknown: The Lost Pyramid (2023)

Zahi Loves himself so much

[1/10 · 22 July 2023]

When I first heard about this documentary, I was on cloud nine because I thought I was going to watch a documentary revealing some mysteries surrounding the "Lost Pyramid". But, very soon (a few minutes into the documentary), I was utterly disappointed. I think this movie has been ordered by Zahi to put his egoism and his deep obsession to look like Indiana Jones on display to self-glorify.

It is sad to see that precious antiquities were mishandled by some so-called archaeologists, who were highly focused on self-congratulation than taking care of the precious objects.

I think these guys need to be trained and taught about digging by "foreigners", so that they would be humble and savvy for future exploration of tombs and burial chambers.

The Last of Us (2023– )

Overhyped Tripe

[1/10 · 28 March 2023]

Why this show receives such high rating is beyond me. Why this show got so much raves? What is so special about it, making it so highly-rated? There is nothing new in this series, but the same boring cliche, things that have been done to death. Humans being infected by some kind of bacteria, they turn into zombies, the zombies bite other humans, they become zombies too. Anything new here? The main female actor is so spoiled and irritating and she loves guns and violence. They embark on a journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape and encounter some boring individuals. Again, nothing new here.

I just dont understand why someone would like this boring overhyped piffle.

Wild Isles (2023)

Gorgeous

[10/10 · 26 March 2023]

When Sir David Attenborough and BBC team up to produce a documentary movie/series, we do not need to watch it and then rate it. They make marvelous documentaries together. This rule applies to this documentary series too. They seem to have turned inside to the wildlife of Britain. As gorgeous are the documentary series they have made about Africa and other parts of the world, this one is massively gorgeous. The scenes are amazing, the creatures displayed are beautiful and beautifully shot. Cinematography is top-notch. Sir Attenborough is doing a great job of making us aware of the natural world, the animals and their fragile future. His documentaries are eye-opening. His narration adds to the beauty of this series.

1923 (2022–2023)

Do they Think we are Stupid?

[5/10 · 7 March 2023]

It can not be compared with Godless or 1883. They are far better. Honestly, the write or the director think we are stupid? Jacob Dutton and his cowboys put the noose around the neck of 5 adversary cowboys. Then mount them on horses and leave them so that the horses will start moving, and the cowboys will be dangling from the noose. They leave and four horses on which other cowboys are mounted start moving causing them to be hanged, except, Banner, His horse receives a divine message " Oh dont move because the series should go on". The horse does not move during the night and next morning the Divine Powers send another horse. Still the horse on which Banner is sitting does not move. The second horse comes along, "docks" to Banner in such a way that he (his hands are tied behind him!!!!) can take out a knife and cut the rope tying his hands !!!!. Still the horse does not move to hang Bannaer !!!.

Another scene: A hyene strikes terror among workers and civilians in a camp in Africa !!!. No one can get rid of him !!!! (despite all the civilians have guns!!!!!). They call for Spencer to help them rid of the hyena !!!!.

He comes with his disloyal fiancé (they just keep eating and devouring each other). They climbed a tree to avoid wild animals. In the tree they continue their hungry devouring of each other. When a lion pride and a clan of hyenas come to eat a dead elephant frightening the lustful couple in the tree, a convoy of armed men in cars come to rescue them. They easily dive off the pride of lions and hyenas (but they asked Spencer to come to help them rid of a single hyena!!!!!!)

Donkerbos (2022–2023)

Slow but Good series

[8/10 · 2 March 2023]

I have run into this series when I was looking for something good to watch. The high rating encouraged me to give it a try. The plot is really good. However, the acting is a bit superfical and slow, as if they actors were playing in a theater. They seem to suffer from lethargy, too slow. Cinematography is good when it is dark and when the actors are in the jubgle. But, when they are in rooms and houses, the filming looks amateurish. Another thin that is bothersome is that the language switched from (badly-accented English) to Afrikanaas, making it confusing, compelling the viewer to resort to subtitles.

All in all it is a good series.

Tulsa King (2022– )

Old and Creaky

[5/10 · 24 January 2023]

Sometimes it takes only a few minutes to discover that a movie or series is good or bad. We have an ex-con released from prison to unleash a spree of senseless beatings and bullying and there are no cops around to be reported to or stop him. I just dont understand why Stallone had decided to be part of this series. Missing his roles in some of his rather good movies? He is old, heavily facelifted, creaky and wobbly. His joints are calcified, his limbs hardened with age he can not move like he used to in his movies when he was young. Stallone try to keep your dignity, you have had your time. Let the good memories be kept in the minds of your fans, do not ruin your once good reputation for the sake of some bucks.

The Killing (2011–2014)

Good Series

[8/10 · 9 January 2023]

I had long wanted to watch this series but I hesitated. Finally, I gave it a try and yes I really liked it. The plot and characters are good, acting is nice the suspension at the end of each episode made me want to watch the next one. However, I have one complaint which is about Season 03. The teenage girls (Bullet and the other one) interaction and lesbian tendencies of them was out of the place and irrelevant. There was too much time wasted on their relationship. The time could have spent on the police work of Linden and her colleague. Also, the interaction of the prison guard and the prisoner accuded of killing his wife was too much. But, yet, it is a good series.

Predators (2022– )

Disjointed and Scattered

[6/10 · 28 December 2022]

When I stumbled across this documentary series, I got happy because I had been searching the net to find a new documentary (series) about wildlife. However, my expectations soon dashed to the ground. The episodes are in a great rush! Multiplce scenes of animals and insects are shown in a matter of seconds without dwelling on anyone of them for even a minute. One second the desert is scorched, next second we have thick billowing clouds and immediately rain for 5 seconds and then we have lush green meadow and the sun blazing down, all in ten seconds. Many scenes have been shown in other documentaries thousands of times, nothing new. AND, the narration is awful.

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Stupid, Just Stupid

[3/10 · 24 December 2022]

I really do not understand the ravings and the high score for this dull dreary and boring film. Honestly, what was in the mind of those behind creation of this garbage? The scenes are great, the music is wonderful, the houses are really beautiful. But, all this does not make a film good. First, what was wrong between these two main weirdos? Whar was the cause of their row and falling out? Where was the movie going? What was the point of the movie? What did the other guy chopped off his wingers? And yet he did not any pain no infection? Was he trying to show his love? Was a masochist? Honestly, I do not understand what was wrong with them and why this movie even was created.

Dont waste time on this silly dull movie.

Mr Inbetween (2018–2021)

Entertaining but ...

[8/10 · 10 December 2022]

Come on ! This guy and his pals go around the town and streets on a killing spree, using machine guns and machete, in broad daylight and at night, intimidating people with acid, not afraid of hiding his face when encounters the wife of one of his victims (he later found to be innocnet) and no one investigates all these crimes??? No police asks why all these killings happen? Who the perpetrators are? The smashed cars, bullets casings in the streets and no one raises any questions as to what all this is about?

Are you telling us that the australian police is so inefficnet? People are so indifferent in Australia? No one even notices this wild wild west rampage of killing and maining???? No DNA analysis, no fingerprinting, no hair alalysis? NOTHING???

I like the seriesm but not realistic at all.

1899 (2022)

snail paced and Boring

[5/10 · 6 December 2022]

I had high hopes for this series. However, when I started the first episode, half way through it I felt drowsy and my eyelids went heavy. Well, I struggled to finish the first episode. Then I said it might get better as the series progressed. NO, it became more boring and slower. From a so-called mysterious ship to an unpleasant mix of gay scenes to a woman grooming a Japanese girl to become a prostitute (all on a ship bound to journey to America !!!) and then a mutiny totally unmatching to all this mix. I continued my struggle to watch another episode, but the thing became a snoozefest. Then, I gave up and deleted the whole series off my laptop. I would not recommend this series, it is a dizzy amalgam of unmatching themes mixed to make a moring series.

Our Universe (2022– )

I love David Attenborough

[7/10 · 24 November 2022]

I wanted to give this series a "1" because of incomprehensible mumbling of Morgan Freeman. But the amazing cinematography and the computer-generated footages and images took hold and I gave it a "7". I have watched hundreds and hundreds of documentaries, mostly wild life. The concept this series carries is new: connection of wildlife and nature to the stars. I knew that we are made of stardust, nothing new to me but this contained in a documentary series is really interesting. My only gripe is the unintelligible voice and narration of Freeman. I think they should have given him a drunkenness test because I think he was drunk when he was narrating this series. There are some good narrators out there, why him? David Attenborough would raise the ranking of this series even to 9. I am sure it is the gripe of many viewers too.

Summer Time Rendering (2022)

Whats with the Hype?

[6/10 · 12 November 2022]

Please somebody tell me who is who and what is what here in this series. I had high expectations of this series, considering the high rates and that it was a thriller. The first episode set the stage for a good story, time travel, and trying to find a murderer. However, fron episode two onward, it jumped the shark. This are repeated in a confusing way, flashbacks complicate the confusion. You do not know if a scene is NOW or the PAST. There rae senseless violence scenes or scenes of poinless fightings. Anime series should be consistent and not too confusing to allow the viweer enjoy it, not to forve the viwers move backward tens of times to understand what is going on.

Island of the Sea Wolves (2022– )

Stunning Visuals, Lacking Story

[6/10 · 18 October 2022]

The visuals (though oversaturated) in this series are amazing, closeup shots are breathaking. Great cinematography does not make a great documentary series. It lacks a story, just some animals going around their life without anything spectacular about them. It jumps from one animal to another without an interesting story. It is supposed to be Island of sea "wolves", but we see an island of jumbled shots of different animals. The series could have depicted lives of the wolves, their relationship, how they raise their pups, how they hunt and how theu keep their relatiionship. The scenes, though stunning, are not new.

Super/Natural (2022)

Amazing New Discoveries about Animals

[9/10 · 2 October 2022]

I have watched hundreds of wildlife documentaries, showing amazing behavior and abilities of animals. When I started watching this series, I though I would not see anything new but stunning footage of animals using new filming technology. Each episode depicts some animals that are common features in many other documentaries, such as elephants, hyenas, squirrels, warthogs and the sort. Things seems common too at first and one may say "oh I have watched it before" but as the episode moves on, amazing animal abilities and behavior emerge. These abilities have mostly been discovered recently and are so mindboggling that one says "oh is it really true" with bafflement.

I really enjoyed this informative series and marvel at the beauty and majesty of the animals we selfishly kill, poach and infringe on whose habitats for our arrogant needs and ambitions.

Monster (2022–2024)

Too Much Glenda yet Good Series

[8/10 · 28 September 2022]

The series is good and the main character plays his role engrossingly well. The path to become a deranged serial killer is depicted rather well. However, I think there could have been more details on how he had become the monster that he was. My gripe is the amount of time wasted on Glenda and the black community and the victims, which deviated from the main theme of what caused him to become such a dangerous psychopath. The time wasted on Glenda (specifically) could have been spent on how he stalked his victims and how he buried them and the opinion of doctors on how he was what he was. And, at the end of the series, I do not know why but I felt pity for him. He was born with that monsterous attitude.

Frozen Planet II (2022–2023)

Astonishingly Beautiful

[10/10 · 21 September 2022]

As with other BBC documentaries about Our Planet, this one is also glorious. The cinematography is unrivaled and scenes are maginificently beautiful and rare. The animal behavior may seem unpleasant, but isnt it about survival? I have read the reviews and I see people gripe about the "brutal, heartless killings". They become hungry and they have to quench their hunger. There is no hate no spite and once they are fed, they do not harm another animal. It is their instinct. Lets look at humanity. Are the animal behavior depicted in the series more brutal and grislier than the atrocities the Humanity commits? We are currently having a war on our hand in Europe. Humans are perpetrating the most heinous crimes against each other, raping women, grinde them to bit and bury them to hide any trace of their crimes. They even rape men in this war, mass graves, homes pulverized to mangled mess of concrete and bars. The destruction we wreak on the world, deforestation, greenhouse gases pumpd into atmosphere, pesticides, insecticides, chemical fertilizers dumped on the land and plants, overfishing, poaching, infringing on natural habitats of animals, causing COVIS19 and the trail of destructions goes on and on

Honestly, can the natural animal behavior shown in the series be compared with all the odious thins we human beings do againt each other and our Beautiful Planet?

Patagonia (2022)

PataHUMANia

[4/10 · 20 August 2022]

Honestly, I did not enjoy this so-called documentary. It is full of humans. I expected to see the amazing nature of patagonia but instead saw so many people.

After watching the first minutes of the first episode I fast forwarded almost all the episodes.

The Northman (2022)

I liked it but

[6 June 2022]

It is like a promotion movie advertising a cult, the cult of old Nordic. Too fantasized.

The natural scenes are pretty but the movie lacks weight or substance.