Henning Mankell, the notable Swedish author, created one of the finest police detective in Kurt Wallander. Throughout his narrative, Wallander, a taciturn man, fighting his own demons, is at the center of the crimes being committed around the Swedish city of Ystad, and its surrounding area, where all kinds of mysterious incidents bring Kurt, and his police colleagues to solve murders, as well as disappearances, and all kinds of serious affairs in that part of Sweden.
Kenneth Branagh's take on most of the novels showcasing the police detective are being shown in the British version of the books, in contrast with the Swedish staging of some of Mr. Mankell's short stories of recent vintage. Mr. Branagh plays Kurt Wallander, emphasizing the darker side of the man at the center of the story. The actor offers a more cerebral, an darker take on Wallander in sharp contrast with what the Swedish series showed. As played by the wonderful Swedish actor Krister Henriksson, the British counterpart is more enigmatic and more introspective in comparison.
"Firewall" was a page turner, as most of the books were to this viewer. Kurt must solve a puzzling situation in which a man dies tragically one night after visiting the ATM machine in the town square. Connected to this incident are two people who want to create a chaos in financial markets, by creating a panic of worldwide proportions. Involved in the plot is a woman who befriends Kurt, who does not suspect her duplicity. Ironically, the woman, Ella Lindfeldt, gets more emotionally involved with Kurt, in spite of the erratic courtship they briefly share.Added to the action is the slaying of a taxi driver, who ties criminally with a young woman who was victimized by him, something tat gets Wallander occupied while the police is trying to solve the big mystery.
Niail McCormick directs this installment of the series. The adaptation is credited to Richard McBride and Richard Cottan. The suspenseful atmosphere is one of the assets of the television film with authentic Swedish locations. The director gives this chapter the right pacing. Kenneth Brannagh gives an intelligent account of the police detective. The supporting cast shines as an ensemble unity behind the star. Orla Brady makes an attractive Ella Lindfeldt.
Kenneth Branagh's take on most of the novels showcasing the police detective are being shown in the British version of the books, in contrast with the Swedish staging of some of Mr. Mankell's short stories of recent vintage. Mr. Branagh plays Kurt Wallander, emphasizing the darker side of the man at the center of the story. The actor offers a more cerebral, an darker take on Wallander in sharp contrast with what the Swedish series showed. As played by the wonderful Swedish actor Krister Henriksson, the British counterpart is more enigmatic and more introspective in comparison.
"Firewall" was a page turner, as most of the books were to this viewer. Kurt must solve a puzzling situation in which a man dies tragically one night after visiting the ATM machine in the town square. Connected to this incident are two people who want to create a chaos in financial markets, by creating a panic of worldwide proportions. Involved in the plot is a woman who befriends Kurt, who does not suspect her duplicity. Ironically, the woman, Ella Lindfeldt, gets more emotionally involved with Kurt, in spite of the erratic courtship they briefly share.Added to the action is the slaying of a taxi driver, who ties criminally with a young woman who was victimized by him, something tat gets Wallander occupied while the police is trying to solve the big mystery.
Niail McCormick directs this installment of the series. The adaptation is credited to Richard McBride and Richard Cottan. The suspenseful atmosphere is one of the assets of the television film with authentic Swedish locations. The director gives this chapter the right pacing. Kenneth Brannagh gives an intelligent account of the police detective. The supporting cast shines as an ensemble unity behind the star. Orla Brady makes an attractive Ella Lindfeldt.