Alles Licht, das wir nicht sehen

"Shawn Levy's Epic Series 'All the Light We Cannot See' premiered on Netflix on Nov. 2, 2023.

Based on Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the four-episode limited series unfolds in a besieged city, immersing viewers in the lives of Marie-Laure, a blind French teenager, and Werner, a German soldier. Their paths cross in occupied France as they navigate the challenges of World War II.

Marie-Laure's story begins in Paris, where her father works at the Museum of Natural History. With the Nazi occupation, they seek refuge in the fortress city of Saint-Malo, accompanied by a precious and perilous museum artifact.

Meanwhile, in a German mining town, orphan Werner and his sister find solace in a radio that brings them tales from distant lands. Werner's talent for building and repairing these radios leads him into the resistance.

While the narrative flirts with romantic and fairy tale elements, it occasionally grounds itself in realism, offering a unique blend of myth and reality.

The casting of visually impaired actors, such as Loberti and Nell Sutton, who portrays young Marie, adds authenticity to the characters, story. This casting choice enhances the representation and genuine portrayal of the story's protagonists.

'All the Light We Cannot See' may not be a typical comfort watch, it offers a glimpse into a simpler time, contrasting with its wartime setting."

In summary, this 4-episode series is a remarkable and highly-produced work that goes beyond the typical TV series. Created by renowned figures Steven Knight and Shawn Levy, it tells a unique perspective of the Nazi-occupied small town in France during a historical period. The plot primarily focuses on the search for a blind young woman who becomes a symbol of resistance during the war and a young Nazi who is forced to hunt her down. The series weaves two distinct life stories, the radio plays a central role in connecting both characters, serving as a bridge that links their lives and stories together. One set in the past with intricate subplots, leading up to the heart-wrenching war scenes in the present. What makes it exceptional is the fact that the lead actress is a real blind actress with no prior acting experience, and she delivers a natural and captivating performance. It's a series leaving a lasting impression and is definitely worth watching.

This is a fantastic story. Too bad the makers of it didn't invest in great writers. I know the cast is super talented, but I felt at moments that both Ruffalo and Laurie were miscast. But the dialogue at times was just plain bad. Things were said two or three times that should not have been said at all - like the audience was too stupid to understand unless they spelled things out explicitly. Still, it's worth a watch just because the story is excellent, and other than the occasionally bad writing, the rest of the film is enjoyable. Most viewers will like it - only snobs like me will find any issues with it.

Brilliant acting by the 2 teenagers. I rooted for them throughout the story. The set design made it look like they were really in those places, and not sets. Or, were they even sets? I think Mark Ruffalo is a great actor. He should have not even tried using an accent. Often the accent would come and go, kinda spoiling his performance a little bit. Same with Hugh Laurie. But Louis Hoffman was spot on with his dialog. Does he really have a German accent? The scenes of destruction were spectacular, how did they create those scenes so realistically? No spoilers here but I felt the ending was perfect. Nothing was left hanging for me to wonder what happened.

Loved Louis Hofmann in DARK so I have to watch it. It's a warm tale of courage and hope that's been told via a French blind girl & a German soldier in World War II days. It was surprising to see Nazi radio enthusiast, Werner talking in a non German accent & Ruffalo being British while in Paris.

The story gets tangled with flashbacks, cinematography was more focused than the emotional connect of protagonists. It could have been better, maybe it's just the timing when the world is at war again.

"Darkness lasts not even for one second when you turn on the light". The crux of the show perhaps...