Venecia: Red criminal

It is not often that this jaded thriller fan is impressed, and less often that he is moved to tears. But this series did both. I was all the more impressed and moved because the real coup de theatre came from a direction I did not anticipate but could not deny. Among the many outstanding contributions (besides the direction and writing) are the lead actors, who are incredibly charismatic, and a marvelous music score that evolves and sneaks up on you over the course of the series. I persevere through many so-so or merely satisfying shows to come upon a gem like this. Bravissimo!

PS: Months after posting this review, I occasionally come across this show in listings, and try to remember what I so loved about it. Then it comes back to me...and I suddenly catch my breath. So heartbreaking, so beautiful.

Most of the events take place in Venice - in a pearl of Italy - and the start was quite promising, but then odd relations, flashbacks and scenes began to dominate and the pace of events reduced significantly. True, towards the end of this miniseries main mysteries were explained, but the roundup came hastily in the second half or so of the final episode. Some scenes were anticipated and when it all ended, I did not feel content with what I had watched - in comparison with e.g. Rocco Schiavone, Signora Volpe, Commissario Montalbano - other Italian crime series focusing on a location outside major Italian cities.

The characters-performances in Non mi lasciare were not excelling as well, and I still have 2 main questions about the things that annoyed me (as many twists and turns emanated from them): 1) If a country/city has issues of street kids and running-off kids, why the wrongdoers took so much time and energy for luring their victims via Internet?

2) How-why the files of a closed and abandoned orphanage remained openly available to everyone - in a modern EU society with strict privacy rules?

So, although the Series is over the average, it is not a must watch.

What an amazing thriller series from Italy. At first I wasn't sure of the pacing and then I was gripped. With gorgeous scenes of Venice as the backdrop this very timely and dark story is one of the best series I've seen in ages. I loved the interplay between the three old friends and how the plot slowly unraveled. Masterful film-making. And what a dramatic ending!

I found this series to be riveting from the get go. The story was more than compelling and the writing was perfect. The directing was incredibly disciplined and beautifully artistic at the same time.

The subject matter is horrific and heart-rending but it was handled so adeptly, without being exploitive.

The actors were all at their very best, and thoroughly believable in their roles.

It is clear from the onset that Elena is driven by the case by some troubling force, which at times threatens to derail her investigation. But her belief in the case, and winning over her fellow detectives by her determination assures they will all pursue it to its end.

Her past relationship with fellow detective Danielle, and his marriage to her best friend, Guilia, adds a personal tension to the story, but only serves to more deeply develop those characters rather than interfere with the overall storyline.

Guilia, Danielle's wife and Elena's friend, for instance, delivers one of the most exquisite performances in the entire series, offering Elena exactly the genuine love and support she needs in order to see the case to its fruition.

The series is so very much worth the watch.

This Italian drama series opens with the discovery of the body of a boy in the Venice Lagoon. Evidence suggests it was probably a suicide but policewoman Elena Zonin believes his death is linked to a series of disappearences which she is convinced involves a ring of paedophiles who are selling children on the dark web. At first her superiors are unconvinced but then another boy vanishes. Setting up a team Elena has a race against time to find the boy before it is too late. Adding some extra tension to proceedings is the fact that Elena hasn't been to Venice in about twenty years; returning sees her working alongside old friend Daniele Vianello, who is now married.

I thought this was a gripping series. The subject matter is dealt with in a way that isn't too disturbing but is still tense. There is often a good sense of danger. The characters are likeable and fun to watch; the actors doing fine jobs in their roles. Venice is an impressive location; inviting in the daytime but somewhat sinister at night. Unlike too many series this has an ending that wraps things up nicely; it also provided a surprise that I didn't see coming. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of Euro-drama.

These comments are based on watching the series in Italian with English subtitles.