Jana - Märkta för livet

Okay, this series has some major flaws. First, the way her adopted parents treat her traumatic childhood - I mean the level of ignorance displayed is a little hard to believe for highly educated, affluent people. Very surprising, given her adopted father's profession. I mean, no real effort given to find out why she was traumatized. I mean, come on..... Second, the treatment she received for her trauma. Why so secretive?

And, finally the biggest problem with the series and why I believe it lead to the many negative reviews. The series is just to short for the storyline being covered. I believe several of the mental leaps that you have to make and lack of fleshing out of the main character are due to it only being six episodes. Both a complex main character and storyline needed that.

So be prepared. If you can ready yourself for these, then you'll have a very enjoyable experience.

This Swedish crime drama is centred on Jana Berzelius, a young woman who is just starting out as an assistant public prosecutor in the town of Norrköping. Her first case proves to be rather personal; Hans Juhlén, the head of the immigration board has been murdered shortly after he had approached her for help. Not just that he helped her get adopted by a prominent family when she was found by the harbour as a child. The investigation will open old wounds and expose decades old secrets.

I thought this was a solid enough addition to the Nordic Noir genre. The story is suitably gripping with some decent twists and turns... as well as quite a few genre clichés. The cast does a solid job bringing their characters to life. I know 'noir' means black but things are often a bit too dark as rooms are under-lit. On the plus side there is plenty of tension, especially towards the end. Talking of the ending; many details are wrapped up but a few are left open suggesting we might get more seasons; if we do I'll certainly be watching. Overall I'd say that this isn't a must see but is still an enjoyable watch.

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

It's billed as a ( sort of ) detective series ? It's absolutely nothing of the sort ! What annoyed me the most ( there is a lot of it that's annoying, sadly ) Is the lighting , the direction around it and a lot of mumbled dialogue . It tries from the very outset to be edgy and atmospheric, but fails lamentably . The acting is some of the poorest I've seen in an age ; Madeleine Martin ( try as she might ) is no Sofie Grabol , not even close and there are several other peripheral characters who are just as inept . Will we ever get another fantastic Scandi noir again ? The days of The Bridge and The Killing seem very distant indeed.

Nonsensical plot, second rate production....what was with all the water at every scene change? Amateurish. Lost count of the holes in the story, more frequent and bigger than our local potholes.

Acting was often clunky and unnatural. My credulity was strained too many times;Jana should have been removed from any investigation early on as she was clearly a disturbed and damaged character. I blame myself for wasting so many hours hoping that it might get better.!

Not deserving of the category scandinoir; please, do not consider making series 2 or more!

There is only so much drivel a person can absorb in one lifetime!

"Jana" is a mesmerizing journey into the world of crime fiction, where the intricate characters and gripping storyline of Emeli Schepp's novels come alive on the screen. From the very first scene, viewers are drawn into the complex web of suspense and intrigue that surrounds Jana Berzelius, a character whose depth and complexity are brilliantly portrayed by the talented cast.

The director's meticulous attention to detail shines through in every frame, creating a rich and immersive atmosphere that transports audiences into the heart of the story. Each character is brought to life with nuance and depth, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested in their fates.

What sets this adaptation apart is its ability to seamlessly weave together elements of mystery, drama, and suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. From the smallest gestures to the grandest revelations, every moment is crafted with care and precision, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the series is its ability to hint at events from the past, adding layers of depth and complexity to the storyline. These subtle nods not only enrich the viewing experience but also serve to deepen our understanding of the characters and their motivations.

Overall, "Jana" is a captivating adaptation of Emeli Schepp's Jana Berzelius series brought to life on screen is a must-watch for fans of crime fiction and mystery. With its compelling characters, intricate storyline, and masterful direction, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences everywhere.