The Johan Falk Trilogy

I wasn't sure what I was getting into with the opening scene of Episode 1 -- it was a strange way to introduce so vital and forceful a character. The viewer is kept off-balance wondering "Who IS this guy?" as our protagonist watches cartoons, saves boxes of toys and picks up a woman in a cafe for a surprisingly matter-of-fact tryst on Christmas Eve. But then, the real story begins with a wallop of excitement. The pace never really returns to that strange, languid opening segment. I won't repeat a synopsis of the three episodes since a previous reviewer did a splendid job of that already. However, I will say that my husband and I were enthralled by the freshness of the plots, their intricacy, and the fact that they prompt some serious thought long after the episode ends. The subject matter is timely and relevant to the multiplicity of issues swirling around the burgeoning global economy (and some of the unintended consequences that result). My only real criticism concerns the character development of Johan Falk -- could use a bit more work. He's painted in bold brush strokes with very little subtlety. He is clearly both valued and disliked by his colleagues and friends. He's prickly and self-absorbed. It's hard to get the real measure of Falk or the background for the strong personal connections and tensions he inspires. Still, the intelligence of the plots, the intensity of the human drama that unfolds around him, and the high-octane action sequences in each episode make for an absorbing and exciting viewing experience. Highly recommended.

I bought this to have the background for the six episode series now offered by MHZ Networks. It is not worth the $25.27 I paid for it. I watched one episode and three quarters of the second one, then I gave up (judging from what I have seen, the third episode will be just more of the same). First, the actor who plays Johan Falk is not convincing at all; he looks more like one of the Mormons who peddle religion from door to door every summer (and they don't look like policemen). Then, it is mostly about shooting (rat-tat-tat-tat...) with young girls in danger of being murdered or taken hostage. There is practically no detective work involved, and no suspense of any kind; it is all about gangsters and who is going to shoot first -- but since it is make-believe, you know that Johan Falk will prevail in the end. In one word: "boring".This is no better than "The Spider" and it will join it on the public library foreign-movie shelves.P.S. It has nothing in common with Wallander, The Killing, Arne Dahl, Beck, or any of the other "noir" series I have seen. It is also way below Van Veeteren (which is very good, but not really "noir") and Salamander (first rate too). You may also want to try Spiral, the Octopus, Fog and Crime, Montalbano and Brunetti (the last three not "noir"). Even Coliandro is better than this. But you don't have to believe me; as they say: "Try it, you won't like it" (or perhaps you will).

The Johan Falk Trilogy is very strong on action and suspense. There are car chases aplenty, shootouts and fairly complex plot lines. In some ways, the three episodes appear to be modeled after US crime thrillers, quite unlike the Nordic Noir series I like best: Beck, Wallander, The Bridge, The Killing, The Protectors. Character development is skimpy, and there are not many layers of "action behind the action", not to mention the social critique characteristic for recent Scandinavian productions. Jacob Eklund does not portray an engaging character. This may be due to the script, but also to his exceedingly bland acting: he has two or three standard facial expressions, that's it. The other characters also come across as fairly two-dimensional. All in all, this is suspenseful entertainment, but not memorable at all.

I, at first, stumbled onto MHz networks which has various shows called International Drama and Mystery. Fortunately, I had DVR'd this series and have watched it three times. I have got to tell you that this is, by far, a SUPERIOR series and is as good as if not better than anything we have here in the US. Complex with twists and will leave you on the edge of your seat. If you can deal with sub-titles and occasional spoken English, I STRONGLY recommend this series and give it * * * * * * (that would be 6 stars) !!!

Great stories and acting and scenes... only limitation is English subtitles instead of English duped over/in. For us my wife's has had 2 strokes, we enjoy watching action/mysteries together, but she has real problems with subtitles. Unfortunately we couldn't enjoy this trilogy together.

Fabulous series! Well written and well acted. Exciting action drama following the well trained Swedish policeman Johan Falk who takes matter into his own hands when there is graft/spies within the police force, who are also protecting a fully armed criminal network beginning to take over the European economic systems.Where is the next Falk series? Amazon needs to make it available too, please!

Great Nordic thriller. All three stories are gripping and exciting good stuff all around. Will not give out stories as it would involve spoilers. Just enjoyed them so much I am going to invest in the TV show.Be warned it is in Swedish with subtitles.

Nothing can compare to Borgan! But very good. Looking forward to more Scandy mysteries. The actors look like real people, not Barbie and Ken dolls.

Not nearly as bad as other reviewer submits - although first film is the weakest.

Trois films avec des scénarios originaux, tournés de main de maître, sans longueurs, avec du punch et des rebondissements, des intrigues bien menées comme on aimerait en voir dans le cinéma français. Dommage qu'il n'y ait pas des suite autour du personnage central car l'ensemble est vraiment une belle réussite cinématographique du film policier. A voir absolument.

trés bien!! ces polars qui viennent du froid. Aprés les excés tapageurs en TOUT des super productions U.S.voilà qui nous ramènent aux basics du polar.Entre 'inspecteur VALLANDER et KILLING', le tout teinté d'une pointe de MILLENIUM l'amateur de ce genre y trouvera amplement son compte et son plaisir.De quoi passer un excellent moment de vidéo!!

this was very disappointing .. it can't match up to, in any facet, the Danish style of crime series.