A botched bank robbery sets the pace for this Swedish mini series. Ultimately, this event will play largely in the thriller. Based on a novel by Arne Dahl, "Misterioso"' which we had read some time ago. The two part series is an adaptation of the book shown recently on cable. The creators of this police drama were probably capitalizing in the newly popular "black novel" genre.
At the center of the story is Paul Hjelm, a detective who decides to act on his instinct, rather than with the guide lines set by the department. Paul walked into a hostage situation wounding the desperate African immigrant who stands to be deported. Knowing his job in the police department is in jeopardy, Paul is surprised when he is recruited by Jenny Hultin to participate in the team she has put together to investigate the slaying of several prominent business executives by an unknown killer.
To make matters worse, Paul's own problems at home with his wife, get even more complicated by the long hours he has to work trying yo unravel the mystery behind the murders. The team zeroes in the Russian mafia, as the ones responsible for the crimes, which operate out of Talinn, Estonia, and is muscling their way into the distribution of adulterated liquor that finds its way to most drinking places. One of the detectives, Chavez, is responsible for identifying the tune being played at one of the murder scenes. It is a rare piece played by legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk. Paul gets lucky in correctly pinpointing the real culprit, going after the perpetrator.
Directed by Harald Hamrell, the series involves the viewer in surprising ways. The adaptation is credited to Cecilia and Rolf Borjlind, who expanded on the original Arne Dahl's text. The assembled cast does a credible job for director Hamrell. As an ensemble piece, everyone gets a chance to shine. Trolle Davidson, the cinematographer captures in excellent images the mood of the story.
At the center of the story is Paul Hjelm, a detective who decides to act on his instinct, rather than with the guide lines set by the department. Paul walked into a hostage situation wounding the desperate African immigrant who stands to be deported. Knowing his job in the police department is in jeopardy, Paul is surprised when he is recruited by Jenny Hultin to participate in the team she has put together to investigate the slaying of several prominent business executives by an unknown killer.
To make matters worse, Paul's own problems at home with his wife, get even more complicated by the long hours he has to work trying yo unravel the mystery behind the murders. The team zeroes in the Russian mafia, as the ones responsible for the crimes, which operate out of Talinn, Estonia, and is muscling their way into the distribution of adulterated liquor that finds its way to most drinking places. One of the detectives, Chavez, is responsible for identifying the tune being played at one of the murder scenes. It is a rare piece played by legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk. Paul gets lucky in correctly pinpointing the real culprit, going after the perpetrator.
Directed by Harald Hamrell, the series involves the viewer in surprising ways. The adaptation is credited to Cecilia and Rolf Borjlind, who expanded on the original Arne Dahl's text. The assembled cast does a credible job for director Hamrell. As an ensemble piece, everyone gets a chance to shine. Trolle Davidson, the cinematographer captures in excellent images the mood of the story.