Inderes has many good leisure threads, from training to music, but I’ve been missing one! Series and movies. In the darkness of the evenings (in the eternal darkness of Helsinki), one could sometimes entertain one’s mind a little, switch off, and surrender to the will of the blue light.
Let’s freely discuss (ex TV) series and movies, recommend, ask for suggestions, and give reasoned reviews. You don’t have to like everything, and not all entertainment is for everyone. However, let’s not trash others’ suggestions and mentions just by saying ‘that’s total crap’. Nor is the intention to just throw out individual good series or movies, but rather to genuinely give a short elevator pitch for them, and if desired, some kind of personal review of what one liked about the work in question.
The highly popular Breaking Bad came across me everywhere. A dark humor crime drama that was praised at work, by friends, and the internet was full of glowing reviews about the series. I’ve previously enjoyed similar series, so I thought I’d give this one a chance.
The main character of the series, Walter, found out he had lung cancer, and he starts cooking meth (methamphetamine). I watched three episodes of the series, and I had to stop. I have never, ever, as in never, encountered a series that starts so poorly and slowly. In addition, the original hype around the series led to far too high expectations. The series has been “on hold” for me for about 10 years now, and I’m not at all sure if I want to give it another chance. It was that bad.
The Last of Us
I actually got excited and started this series today. I’m on episode 6/10, so the first season of the series hasn’t fully unfolded for me yet. The next season should be released next year.
The series features a type of parasite/virus that spreads from person to person in a pleasant apocalyptic USA. These disease carriers then jog after the living and try very hard to spread the disease as effectively as possible. The only problem in a society on the brink of destruction is not just these zombies, but also the people who reveal their true nature when the end of the world is around the corner.
Normally, as an adult, I haven’t been fond of zombie content, but now my interest won out. The series is based on a game (of the same name) that is over ten years old, released on PS3. The game is, to my understanding, one of the most awarded games of all time, having won over 200 “Game of the Year” awards. The plot and characters, in particular, have been praised. I haven’t played the game myself (yet), but the series has already captivated me strongly, and I absolutely have to play the game through at some point!
The series is not a traditional Walking Dead brain-mashing zombie flick; instead, it has a real and progressing plot. In tight situations, stealth is often preferred over mindless shooting. This is familiar to us careful investors: money or ammunition is not wasted. In my opinion, the main actors of the series are absolutely amazing in their roles, and Bella Ramsey, in particular, gives a fantastic performance portraying 14-year-old Ellie.
Despite my preconceptions, I dare to give this a strong viewing recommendation! Already, the series would fit on my list of favorite series.
A few truly reliably excellent (in terms of quality) series giants that can be recommended to anyone without hesitation. All are crime series, but they would deserve their place on the list even if they were about making ice cream or passive index investing. It leans a bit heavily on HBO, but that’s what created the golden age of series and, through that, streaming platforms, which brought us Game of Thrones, Squid Game, Stranger Things, and Succession.
OZ (Kylmä Rinki)
A pioneer of modern television when it comes to storytelling. Consistent high tension, balancing episodic and longer story arcs with character development. The world was polarized, if one chose to see it, long before social media. Yet, in its midst, everyone was human among humans. The series’ superpower was that no character was untouchable or safe in Emerald City prison.
The Wire (Langalla)
David Simon’s Magnum Opus. It tells of the intricacies of individual and community coexistence in a way that no other has yet managed. OZ’s strengths taken to the fifth power. The series’ superpower is its incredibly polished storytelling. Breaking Bad comes close in its depiction of themes and would deserve to be on the list, had it not already been mentioned in the previous post.
Peaky Blinders (Gangsteriklaani)
Cillian Murphy and Tom Hardy, with the help of the screenwriters, elevate charisma and impactful characters to a level that doesn’t pale even next to the first two Godfathers. The series’ superpower is that it makes British gangsters seem cooler than Al Capone’s drive-by shootings with a Tommy Gun from car doors in the smoky neon glow of Chicago clubs.
Sopranos
I watched this again recently. And I realized that in its symbolism and themes, it achieves a perfection of detail and a dissection of the depths of human nature comparable to Breaking Bad. But it does so in a way that none of the series’ characters are sympathetic due to their actions and thoughts, yet you end up caring about the fate of almost all of them. The opposite of antipathy is sympathy, but the series harnesses the viewer’s empathy in a way that online discussions should be given five years of detention to study as an example.
Edit: Bonus mention:
Fargo
As an anthology series, it does everything in such a way that the problems of anthology series simply don’t exist. And perhaps, as a calculation, the sum of its parts is more magnificent than any single-story series. After a perfect plot, one can still be interested in a new one. After a perfect setting, one can still be excited by a new one. After a superbly perplexing and magnificent character, one can be charmed by a completely different and more surprising one. When a plot twist out of nowhere has dropped your jaw onto the coffee table, it then drops from there to the floor and later sinks to the center of the earth.
Do yourself a favor and watch the whole series. If the slower narrative of Breaking Bad doesn’t appeal to you, you can try watching the series’ prequel, Better Call Saul, first. The prequel is at least as well-made but lighter and more humorous. The whole thing should work perfectly chronologically.
Well, as a heavy user of streaming services, this is a delightful thread for me. Below are some series recommendations from different genres. P.S. these are not official recommendations from the Sampo Group
The Penguin (HBO Max)
The best series of the year on my list. As the name suggests, it’s about Batman’s villain. The atmosphere is dark, the scenes and dialogues throughout the series are meticulously polished, and the storytelling is excellent. Best of all, however, are the amazing performances (especially Cristin Milioti, who even overshadows Colin Farrell at times). It’s worth watching the latest Batman movie, released in 2020, as a foundation, because the series is a direct continuation of it.
Shogun (Disney+)
If The Penguin was the best series of the year for me, Shogun comes right after it. When a series is set in 17th-century Japan and features Hiroyuki Sanada, it can’t go wrong. Visuals, performances, and storytelling 5/5.
Reacher (Amazon Prime)
For action lovers. It’s based on Lee Child’s Jack Reacher book series. Alan Ritchson (kids today won’t remember Blue Mountain State) fits the role of Reacher much better than the shorty Tom Cruise. Funny and entertaining. You can even watch it when you’re a bit tired, as it doesn’t require much thought.
Fallout (Amazon Prime)
A post-apocalyptic sci-fi western set in the same-named game. Captivating, funny, and action-packed. Those who have played the game will certainly get much more out of it, but it’s not a necessity. A little background research wouldn’t hurt, though.
From (Season 1 on Netflix, Seasons 1-3 on Mtv Katsomo)
A Lost-type (no surprise, as it’s from the creators of Lost) horror series that has somewhat gone unnoticed. A group of people from different parts of the country get stuck in a small town they can’t leave. On top of that, figures crawling out of the forest spread terror at night.
It’s easy to get hooked on the series because you want to know what the mystery is all about in the end. My wife and I toss around different theories about it while watching the series. It’s also a series that’s easy to dislike entirely if this type doesn’t appeal to you. In my opinion, it’s an underrated series that has improved its pacing as the seasons have progressed. A couple of times, though, the story has stalled for too many episodes.
Industry (HBO Max)
Kind of like London’s Billions, but with more drugs and debauchery (might not appeal to everyone). Plenty of financial jargon. In my opinion, it’s a must-see series for investors. It has improved its pacing as the seasons have progressed.
Yellowstone (Seasons 1-3 on Netflix, Seasons 1-5 on Showtime)
An engaging cowboy drama with plenty of action. The plot of the series from beginning to end is that someone is trying to take the land of John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner. Sometimes it’s Native Americans, sometimes evil financial bigwigs from New York. The best part of the series, however, are the interesting characters. The series evokes a feeling that it would be nice to live on a ranch surrounded by wild nature. On the other hand, there’s a lot of work involved, and nature is full of wild animals, snakes, and insects, so it’s safer to follow the action from the comfort of your couch.
Peacemaker (HBO Max)
A continuation of the DC Universe’s Suicide Squad movies, so it’s worth watching those first. When James Gunn writes and John Cena stars, the result can only be hilarious action in a superhero setting. Plus, the series’ soundtrack is 5/5 (e.g., Hanoi Rocks prominently featured).
Cobra Kai (Netflix)
If you watched The Karate Kid as a child and liked them, you’ll like this too (anyway, you should watch them first). What are Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence up to 30 years after the All Valley karate tournament? Is Johnny not really a villain after all, but merely misunderstood? Amazingly, the series has managed to maintain its interest for six seasons already (the current season is the last). While the nostalgia blasts from the movies have been milked dry, the series’ focus has successfully shifted from Daniel and Johnny to new characters. The fight scenes have continuously improved.
Rick and Morty (HBO Max)
Animation. A mildly alcoholic, unfiltered scientist bumbles around in space, on different planets, and in different dimensions with his grandson, encountering all sorts of creatures. If anyone claims that season 3, episode 3 “Pickle Rick” isn’t the funniest thing ever, they are wrong.
Arcane (Netflix)
Animation. I don’t know why, but I only started watching this recently. It’s based on the League of Legends video game series. The story is captivating (rich upper class vs. lower class) and grips you from the first minutes. The animation is absolutely brilliant.
Blue Eye Samurai (Netflix)
An animation where a samurai goes on a revenge quest (how else?). The animation is beautiful, and the storytelling is top-notch. Violent fight scenes are not spared. Episode 5, in particular, is one of the best in terms of storytelling that I’ve watched.
Chainsaw Man (Crunchyroll)
Finally, a random animation pick whose absurdity appeals to me. Long story short: a teenage boy makes a deal with a chainsaw dog demon, turns into a chainsaw himself, and joins a group that hunts demons. Awesome, right? Plus, the opening theme is a banger.
If I had to name one series, it would be this one. A series that is popular with many Finnish authorities, even the Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Suojelupoliisi) was a fan of it.
The TV series tells about a department of the French secret service with spies operating around the world. The series has been praised and lauded, even by somewhat more official bodies, for its realism, but what adds to its appeal is how the series is largely based on the genuine experiences of former agents.
In my opinion, the series doesn’t try to be anything or pursue uniqueness, for example, but I think it’s a genuinely different series in a positive way. The characters seem authentic and are not caricatures, and the actors are incredibly skilled at conveying deeper, various emotional states in such a way that it’s even difficult to watch in its own way. The series is executed really well and with high quality, and not too many compromises have been made – it certainly isn’t for everyone, but it offers a comprehensive experience, especially for those who enjoy a wide variety of series and films, and if you truly like to intensely enjoy series, perhaps even challenging yourself a bit, then you should check this one out.
For some, this might be difficult or boring, and there aren’t any special action scenes or anything like that.
In my opinion, you get the most out of this series if you give it your own quiet time without any other distractions; of course, you can watch it “more casually,” but then I don’t think you can immerse yourself deeply enough into the world of the series. In my opinion, this is a very comprehensively and excellently made series, and I rarely have a clear favorite in anything, but when it comes to TV series, it is definitely Le Bureau des légendes.
In my opinion, there aren’t good enough trailers for the series, but its soundtrack is commendable, and the opening track of the soundtrack really brings out the atmosphere of the series.
A nerd here waiting for the first series/movie I haven’t seen yet.
Recent quite positive surprises have been:
Rematch (Max) about Garri Kasparov’s trials while playing against the first “AI” Deep Blue.
On the horror side, Midnight Mass was a surprisingly good horror series.
Of the previously mentioned, I really must recommend re-watching The Sopranos and Breaking Bad, and for younger people, a first watch as well. It might initially seem boring and the scenes long by today’s standards, but the content eventually hooks you and is full of truly brilliant acting.
In short. I can continue the list and justifications for other series as well, but here are a couple of old ones that I’ve watched at least five times and immersed myself in these worlds with all my heart.
The best and most significant foreign series in history and the father and mother of many series: Twin Peaks While watching this, both as a young person and older, I have cried, laughed, been scared, and felt the vibe. You just get lost in that world. I have “forced” both our sons and my wife to watch this. Especially the first 10 episodes are pure gold. Towards the end, unfortunately, there are also filler episodes and nonsense. And the music and atmospheres…
The greatest and most legendary domestic series in history is: Raid It’s just so great overall. Nice plot. Excellent casting and legendary lines! I know almost all the lines by heart. The movie made after the series also works excellently, which is a rarity in itself.
I’ll get back to more recent favorites later. If you don’t like these, then there must be something wrong with you. Seriously. Get help
Seinfeld, all 9 seasons are currently available on Netflix, at least.
Can be recommended to those who are amused by their own, others’, and strangers’ quirks, eccentricities, and neuroses.
As a bonus; even though the main characters are permanent, and the series certainly has continuity like in life, the episodes are, on the other hand, standalone. So, 25-minute episodes can be watched even during tight schedules.
The Office. Both British and US versions.
Genre: Mockumentary, Workplace comedy and Situation comedy.
Available on Netflix and Katsomo?
Caricatures of office workers presented in a touchingly accurate and funny way.
Cobra Kai is indeed a wonderful series that shouldn’t have the right to be as good as it is. It’s funny but deals with a wide range of themes, and the character development throughout the series is excellently executed.
I’ll throw in one of my own favorites from recent years, available on Netflix.
Suburra (and the sequel series Suburra Eterna)
A stylish crime series from the underworld of the eternal city. In the battle for construction rights in Rome’s suburbs and regional control of drug trafficking, three individuals, rejected in their own circles, seek their way to power and form alliances to challenge the leader of Rome’s underworld, Samurai.
These underdogs try to survive between warring criminal clans where personal and family interests clash. Corrupt politicians, the mafia, and the Vatican are also in the mix.
The beautifully made series depicts how enemies become friends, and how far people are willing to go for power, money, and family.
The first two seasons, in particular, are superb, but the final third season and the new series Suburra Eterna, which continues the story, are also quality entertainment.
Before the series, a film called Suburra was also made, which I haven’t seen, but which I understand is loosely related to the events of the series. However, not watching it doesn’t hinder enjoying the series in any way.
In addition to the series’ quality standing up to any other production, the Italian environment and language add their own touch. I mainly watch American series (as do probably many others here), so it’s great to sometimes find products from different cultures as well.
Many even good series leave me feeling empty, uninspired, and banal afterwards, making me wish I had spent the time I used watching them on something else.
That hasn’t been the case with these series. I’ve been utterly captivated by them.
Mysterious Cities of Gold
Japanese-French animation from 1983. This is a children’s story. It has some absurdities and elements that might be too much for a cynical modern and quality-conscious adult. However, for those who want to leave their preconceptions at the door and let themselves be carried away, it offers a magnificent atmosphere, great storytelling, and visual fireworks with hand-drawn illustrations whose use of color is a feast for the eyes. This is a unique whole.
PLANETES
This anime series about orbital debris collectors offers detailed and credible physics modeling, as well as distinctive characters, drama, and humor.
Jeeves & Wooster
An aristocratic bachelor (Hugh Laurie) prone to awkward situations blunders about, and his loyal valet (Stephen Fry) subtly cleans up the messes. Great witty banter and situational comedy with good actors and authentic period depiction.
Other mentions (not as strong recommendations as the above)
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Humor cleverly set up for everyday situations. (DISCLAIMER: I haven’t watched it all, but all 10+ episodes I’ve seen have been good)
Legend of Galactic Heroes
I have watched 2 episodes of this epic space anime. I realized this requires a fair amount of concentration and regularity, so I postponed it for a better time. Based on two episodes, however, this seems like something I don’t want to miss.
Firefly
A great “western sci-fi series” that unfortunately was cut short due to its political charge.
Brooklyn 99 Season 1
A so-called police comedy. I have only watched the first two seasons. The second season was nowhere near as good as the first, so I didn’t watch further. However, the first season hit the spot and tickled my funny bone.
P.S. Cobra Kai Season 1 also watched sometime and it was really good! Seems I’ll have to watch it all the way through sometime.
Follows a team of British intelligence agents who serve as a dumping ground department of MI5 due to their career-ending mistakes
That’s a brief description of this spy thriller series, which also features a good amount of black humor. It’s based on Mick Herron’s books.
I only discovered this series this year, and then I binged the first three seasons in quick succession just before the fourth one started airing on Apple TV.
Dexter was really good. So was Californication. Oz was already mentioned. I’ve watched Salkkarit for 25 years but I can’t recommend it. Narcos is cool.
Hey, awesome, lots of recommendations! A couple of series have already made it onto my to-do list. Thanks also for the encouragement to give Breaking Bad another try. I’m weighing this!
Lost
What to do when a plane crashes on a deserted island, which turns out to be surprisingly difficult to locate on maps? Will someone come to help, or will a new civilization begin its triumph on the uninhabited island? In my opinion, the series is a good mix of realistic events and a touch of fantasy, which has woven a truly delicious plot that continues from the first season all the way to the last episode.
The first time I watched it, I thought it was an OK production with a weak ending. The second time, I considered the series high-quality, and the third rewatch elevated it really high in my favorites. There are characters for every taste, and many are quite multi-dimensional.
There’s plenty to watch for many seasons, and in addition to the skillful script and actors, you also get the bonus of the magnificent landscapes where Lost was filmed. Strong viewing recommendation!
Prison Break (Pako)
When Michael Scofield robs a bank, he gets caught, and everything seems to go wrong. Or does it? By chance, Michael ends up in the same prison where his brother is awaiting his death sentence. This begins a race against time, and Michael must find a way to escape from behind the walls to freedom. It helps a bit if he can smuggle the prison blueprints inside with him.
The thoroughly tattooed Michael, in my opinion, delivers a truly magnificent performance. Prison Break has had many seasons, but like almost all series, the first seasons are clearly the best. I would say that seasons 1-3 are truly excellent, and from there on, still good. The latest season is mediocre. Seasons 1-3 of Prison Break are perhaps the best I have ever watched on TV. I’ve seen them many times.
The series features very repulsive people whom you learn to like as the series progresses. The criminals Michael gets to know are not stock market schemers, but real criminals with harsh sentences. The protagonist’s integration into the underworld is eagerly followed in the first season, where everything is wonderfully calculated.
An amazing, amazing series.
Spartacus
Boobs, more boobs, swords, violence, and lots of shirtless men - plus a touch of history. What’s not to like?!
Spartacus, imprisoned in the gladiatorial school of Capua, was a Thracian soldier. He began training as a gladiator in Quintus Lentulus Batiatus’s gladiatorial school, where after a difficult start, he began to emerge as a true beast on the battlefield. Battles progress, opponents grow tougher, and the stakes of the game increase. Eventually, Spartacus sets out to fight against all of Rome to end slavery.
It should be mentioned that the series’ main character (season 1) dies of lymphoma, and thus the main actor changes for the second season. I greatly liked the actor from season 1, Andy Whitfield. The actor, who trained himself to have an amazing physique, honors the character of Spartacus and succeeds wonderfully in his role.
The series contains a LOT of violence and nudity. It is not a family series. Blood is shown, and killings made with a gladiator’s tools are sometimes shown in close-up. Sex scenes are also not lacking from the series, so watching the series with one’s own parents might also be a bit awkward.
The cast of the series is quite fit, so visually alone, it’s nice to watch men and women whose bodies are like God’s whips.
Plot-wise, the series is good and enjoyable to follow! A lot happens, and you shouldn’t fall in love with anyone, because in this series too, no one is given immunity from the hands of death.
I recommend the series to dusty stock market researchers who crave a bit wilder action than what index investing has to offer.
I’ve watched many movies and series over the years. Also, I don’t always know if I would still like that particular movie if I watched it again. So the question is surprisingly difficult
Among series, the already mentioned Kylmä Rinki, or Oz, which one could watch on Nelonen back in the day, made a big impression. Then the sci-fi series Babylon 5, which was shown on Yle 2. Originally I wasn’t even enthusiastic about the whole series, but I tried again and then I was hooked. The unfortunate thing about streaming services is that those series are not necessarily available anywhere anymore. At least Oz is available on the MAX service.
Among newer HBO series, I really enjoyed watching a series called Barry.
Oz
A series chronicling the daily activities of an unusual prison facility and its criminal inhabitants.
Babylon 5
In the mid 23rd century, the Earth Alliance space station Babylon 5, located in neutral territory, is a major focal point for political intrigue, racial tensions and various wars over the course of five years.
Barry
A hit man from the Midwest moves to Los Angeles and gets caught up in the city’s theatre arts scene.
Ted Lasso’s first season began airing on Apple TV+ in August 2020. The series rose to immense popularity and garnered significant critical acclaim. The first season received as many as 20 Emmy nominations (including Outstanding Directing, Writing, Production Design, Sound Effects, and Main Title Theme Music), winning awards for Outstanding Comedy Series, Lead Actor, Supporting Actress, Picture Editing, and Sound Mixing, in addition to the season winning a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Series and being nominated for Best Comedy Series.
Even if you’re not interested in football at all, this still works like a five-star show.
Let’s also add a movie recommendation, as at least my circle of friends hadn’t heard of this one: Old Henry
The story and setup of Old Henry are simple, and therefore captivating.
The film’s merits lie in its reliance on a simple setup and imagery, as well as its gradually building tension and actors. Stephen Dorff’s charisma easily fills the boots of the gun gang leader, but the real backbone of the film is Tim Blake Nelson as farmer Henry.
Available on YouTube VOD and, if I recall correctly, also Amazon/Apple TV. Do not watch the trailer, it spoils events.
After a perfect plot, one can still be interested in a new one. After a perfect setting, one can still be excited by a new one. After a superbly perplexing and magnificent character, one can be charmed by a completely different and more surprising one. When a plot twist out of nowhere has dropped your jaw onto the coffee table, it then drops from there to the floor and later sinks to the center of the earth.
While watching this, both as a young person and older, I have cried, laughed, been scared, and felt the vibe. You just get lost in that world. I have “forced” both our sons and my wife to watch this. Especially the first 10 episodes are pure gold. Towards the end, unfortunately, there are also filler episodes and nonsense. And the music and atmospheres…
Thanks also for the encouragement to give Breaking Bad another try. I’m weighing this!
