La isla del salmón y la discordia

I started watching this TV series without high expectations. At first it would seem like another one of those supposedly humorous Nordic series that quickly becomes boring, but after a while it became a very good surprise. The plot is not particularly new, but the approach is very fun and innovative. In some ways it feels like a mix of Sussectionion and Fargo. Good actors, beautiful landscapes and a typical Nordic and sarcastic humor to match. For many who are not used to Nordic series, the cultural differences may be strange and take some time to relate to.

Very good. I highly recommend it and I look forward to the second season.

I went in with low expectations but couldn't stop watching. The cinematography was beautiful and stunning, easily the best part of the show. The story itself was a typical family drama with infighting for control of a billion-dollar business, but the characters were compelling, and the twists kept coming. I enjoyed many of the story arcs, and for me, it explored a part of the world and industry I wasn't familiar with-Norwegian culture and the salmon industry, which added novelty. While the story seemed to conclude, I'm hoping for a sequel. Hope the series gets more viewers and we get an encore.

Series checks all the boxes of "rich family in charge of large business empire". Messed up family. Rivalry with another similar family. Question on how to react to changes in the world and industry. Outside players trying to muscle in. An event that upends existing situation. Generational shift bringing conflict within family. Backstabbing.

So in that regard it's not terribly original. Succession, Yellowstone.... What makes it different, and appealing, is unusual setting, at least for global audience. We are used to seeing corporate lords living on New York, maybe Los Angeles, leading media or finance companies. Here we get small Norwegian town where families battle for dominance of salmon industry.

There is quite a bit of "we don't do things American way, we are more conscious of impact we make and try to be ethical, but actually not really". Privileged elite is privileged, but not in a way 0,1% Americans would be.

There are few outright funny scenes, such as magnate flipping out at cake shop because they used wrong font and saleswoman not taking his crap, but the humour is mostly satire, contextual and subtle.

Worth the watch.

The Norwegian team that brought" Lilihamer " to the cinema world has focused on another Nordic controversy to satirize : Salmon Farming. Norfisk is the company that a prominent business family plans to take over as the powerful female in her family plays manipulator, mommy, granny and auntie to the clan all the while placing snuff in her upper mouth between upper teeth and lip. Those viewers who are familiar with the Norwegian culture will find plenty to laugh at throughout. The remainder will remain clueless to all of the shenanigans on the monitor. The subject of salmon farming in the waters of the Norwegian Fiords has been a continuing environmental issue for many years. Are these un-natural fish farming practices destructive to the bountiful and clean waters of Fiords along with harming the human consumers of the fish flesh in artificial production? Hot topics today despite the myriad of distractions.

The actors' skills in portraying such greedy business corporate raiders living on their own island elevates satire to a new level. The use of traditional old style Norwegian clothing in new bizarre designs plus demonstrating the customs of old Norge, adds to the fun of the story. Skoll traditions, Sunday family meals, State Religion Lutheran church services while all are on the take makes this movie memorable.

Check it out when looking through NETFLIX offerings. No disappointment if the viewer includes a Norwegian Beer while on the couch.

If you don't get the gender reversals in this subversive and wonderful film, look again. Males are reduced to carrying things for the all powerful females. Males swan around in pearls, makeup, and skirts. They tend babies and iron shirts, complain when no one shows up to eat their cooking. One male is not only sterile but can't get it up without having his wife on the phone. Women, on the other hand, wear pantsuits, show up in boardrooms, cut deals, ride in a helicopter, steer their own boats, dip snuff. Powerful mamas vie with younger versions of themselves in their daughters. A tour de force.