Gangs of Oslo (Blodsbrødre)

It's tough being an immigrant - even second generation - in European society. The Gangs of Oslo suggests exactly that. Even gifted kids with a bright future find themselves caught up in an environment which makes 'escape' into 'normal' society difficult.

The show revolves around a Pakistani immigrant police officer who can't shake off his childhood friendship with a present day gang leader. Despite his best effort the officer, Moaz, is caught up in the crime nexus.

As the series develops, flashbacks provide more context as does the predicament of a young 'runner' for the gang.

Ultimately, after some unexpected twists and tirndsy, there's a conclusion to the contradictions ... You'll have to watch to get the details!

Oh, where to begin with this show? It's like they discovered the magic of bokeh and just couldn't let it go.

I could almost hear the director shouting, "More bokeh! We need more bokeh!" in every production meeting. It's like they had a bokeh quota to meet or something. Heres an idea. Maybe throw in a few shots where the background is actually discernible.

Ah, the plot, the saving grace of this rollercoaster of a show. It's like they threw a dart at a wall of story ideas and landed on "passable." Don't get me wrong, "passable" can sometimes be code for "It's okay, I guess," but in this case, it's the lifeboat in a sea of chaos.

Finally the acting. If i had to describe it with one word, it would be volatile. One moment, you're witnessing a dramatic scene that would make Shakespeare proud. The next, it's like they've switched gears and are channeling their inner cardboard cutout. But hey... its entertainment.

First of all, I'm not sure why the Bokmål Norwegian title of the series was changed to Gangs of Oslo. The Norwegian title described far more relevantly the concept underlying the series.

OK, that quibble over, the programme delved into interesting dilemmas about loyalty and compulsion. Does one remain loyal to one's job or one's friends from childhood, one of whom is owed a debt by the other? In the end, the friends stay loyal to each other in a neat plot twist that exonerated Moaz and liberates Rami.

Yes, the story is a bit threadbare at times and the strategies followed by the investigators to catch their man shouldn't have fooled either of the main characters. I'm neither a cop nor a gangster but I saw through what was happening. However, I didn't see the ending coming.

Not as good as some similar series, but still worth a watch. Get through the slightly slow episode one and stick with it.

Hailed by Ricky Gervais recently on Twitter, this show peaked my interest. I am Norwegian myself and also live on the east side of Oslo, close to where many of the shows locations are set - which was a nice thing to see!

Set in the east side of Oslo, historically renown for it's gangs and high crime rate, we follow two "brothers" from a fictitious area "Lakkeberg" - Moaz and Rami, who grew up together but ultimately chose their lives on each side of the law. The story revolves around Rami and his criminal gang called the "Enemiez" and Moaz as the police investigator. The show has a slow start but slowly grows on you. The twists and turns keeps you on edge in the later episodes. The personal stories of everyone - the kids, the families, the gangs and police - come through well and you get a good feel for the complicated choices they all have to go through.

Special compliments to both main actors as they portray the feelings and complicated life choices very well, and are credible in their roles.

The show is all around well acted by the entire cast, has a great score and good drama/action throughout. Give it a go, you won't regret!

I don't write much reviews but after watching this show and then reading the only review, battering every aspect of the show, I felt the need to write something that is more representable and not just a hate speech because it wasn't how I wanted I to be.

Gangs of Oslo is about two blood brothers from the childhood - one growing up to be the leader of a gang, the other a cop and how their stories entangles after not ben speaking since they were 15.

The show keeps you interested in what's next and you will get surprises, good moments and twists. Cinematography is good for this kind of series and it's well built up.

Maybe the show starts a little slow in the first episode but finds a good and increasing pace throughout the show. I for one liked the acting and characters a lot and I think most of the actors solved their role/part in a great way.

Gangs of Oslo is exactly what it is supposed to be, and for me that counts a whole lot in how I review it. I hope they come up with a good s2 follow up.

This is not "Snabba Cash"(similar concept from Sweden) where you're basically on the edge of your seat every step of the way. But, if you're going to compare everything to anything you will always end up being disappointed.

I would say 8/10 but since I live in Oslo it gets an extra star:)