I’m not entirely sure how many of you caught Wallander when it was shown on BBC, but you should definitely look it up. I must admit I’d never heard of it until someone else recommended it to me. Wallander is a three part crime drama, with each episode being almost feature length it’s certainly a commitment and worth it.
Some beautiful shots...
The drama follows murder investigator, Kurt Wallander, and is based on Henning Mankell’s novels. The first episode kicks off the series with some fantastic character building, stunning cinematography and a compelling story line, the kind that makes you want to watch the next one. While watching it I almost paused it at a few scenes purely because of how beautiful it was shot. Kenneth Branagh starts as Kurt, and plays him well, showing the character’s vulnerability and strength. Still recovering from a divorce and trying to deal with his Father’s illness whilst solving crimes, ups and downs, I was drawn in completely.
A great combination of characters and cinematography
However my irritated, critical side triggered as it tried a little too hard to shout “this is in Sweden!!” They all drove Volvos and Saabs, and any glimpse of correspondence was written in Swedish, then it’d throw you off course with all the characters being well-spoken and English. I personally would have preferred it to be all Swedish actors and subtitled in English.
Despite this I thoroughly enjoyed the first episode (much more than the other two), put it on your “to rent list”, as the story is brilliantly emotional, well written, wonderfully shot and directed. Love it!
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