Der Fall Asunta

Rosario and Alfonso report that their adopted Chinese daughter Asunta, 12, has vanished, a Police search begins, and her body is tragically found, her parents are suspected of conspiring in her death.

First off, I had no idea this was based on an actual case, it goes to some pretty dark and bleak places.

Let's be honest, this is a very, very watchable series, but please take my advice, watch it in its original, Spanish form, don't watch the English dubbed version, the voiceovers make it virtually unbearable, Rosario sounds as if she's in a constant state of surprise.

Once I switched it, it came to life, and I could truly appreciate the acting, especially the characterisation of Rosario, The Judge is such an interesting character, you'll wonder if he's right, or simply got an axe to grind, by episode 5, you'll have the answer.

Well paced and never dull, it doesn't lull at any point, one of those shows you'll want to binge watch over a night or two.

Episode five was the most surprising of all, I watched with my jaw open, it was the high point.

8/10.

This is an excellent series but it's hard to watch because one main character, the mother, is the stupidest woman I've ever encountered in fiction or real life. How anyone could have ever been attracted to her and then actually married her is beyond comprehension. Sometimes it was so painful to watch her whining and displays of cluelessness, I had to fast forward to the next scene. How would a woman like that ever qualifiy for an adoption? She is so idiotic and selfish you want to slap her until she begins to resemble a normal human being. But again, this is a well-made production with fine acting and direction.

I thought this was a particularly well acted, well written script. The Spanish actors are all very seasoned, and really capture, from everything I can tell the essence of the real people who were involved in the situation.

Particularly the mother who plays Rosario, who does a remarkable job in portraying a confused, drama laden, scatterbrained, somewhat mentally unstable, overwrought, calculated, possible killer. Superb acting.

I think the way the story was laid out, woven together, was very effective. It's also an excellent view into the Spanish judicial system. We Americans often think our approach to justice in these cases, as much different than in Europe, so it's interesting to see their similarities.

I don't watch anything below 7.0, and gave this a 8.0 with the hopes it'll elevate the rating because I think this was very well crafted and solid piece that's won't waste your time.

I enjoyed the show, apparently based on a true story of which I had not heard.

The acting i thought was ok to good with lots of long drawn out scenes of staring, typical European style.

Trying to understand the police and legal investigations was very different to what happens in US or Australia, hard to get used to the heavy involvement in the investigations by the judge Malvar but that must be the Spanish system. Felt like it was a bit too drawn out though also.

But sadly the dubbing was dreadful, very American and the worst voices.... In particular the mother Charo's voice was really grating and almost off putting to be honest... whiny and childish voice.

This series was hard to watch because it was done so well. It was excruciating watching any scene with the little girl, Asuna, in it. The actors were so believable it was as if you were watching the real non fiction case unfold. The couple made me sick so I had to fast forward through a couple of parts because I couldn't stomach it. If you like to watch sinister true crime style shows this will be a good fit. I had so many emotions. Disgust, anger, fear and anxiety before bed wasn't the best decision for restful sleep on my part. Still, I couldn't turn it off until the end. I'm a very difficult audience member to please. This one really makes an impression.