Idz przodem, bracie

Knowing nothing, I just picked it out of Netflix library and gave it a go. Initial reaction was fairly pleasant surprise, the show is about ex-SWAT neck deep in debts trying to wiggle out of the problems via becoming a criminal.

As German and Eastern block shows often go, it has non-heroic way of going about violence, violence just happens, suddenly, unexpectedly, without pathos or epic music and is done incredibly well. As for drama, this is where show lacked quite a lot, most of it is about social brotherhood of two main characters, but it's either hit or miss.

There's also deeper story about internal struggles of local (Russian?) mafia lieutenants, and that's delivered rather poorly. You'll get some sense of understanding of who's-who only by last episode, if at all. Rest of the time, it's a mix of bearded men, black SUV's and fingers full of oversized signet rings.

So, in conclusion, "Idz przodem, bracie" is a violent mix of Ozark/Breaking Bad and The Punisher. It never gets over "it's a tv show"-wall, but is thrilling nevertheless. Definitely as - or more watchable than your typical B-action movie.

If you crave for some good action and a bit exotic setting, give it a go.

"Go Ahead Brother" (2024) delivers a pulse-pounding cinematic experience that sets a high bar for action films. The fight scenes are breathtaking, blending intricate choreography with raw intensity, each punch and kick perfectly framed to maximize impact. The camera work is masterful, with dynamic angles and seamless tracking shots that pull you directly into the action. The editing complements this perfectly, maintaining a relentless pace without ever feeling chaotic. The cast shines, delivering performances that balance emotional depth with physical prowess. While the script doesn't reinvent the genre, it offers solid storytelling and enough character development to keep you invested. Overall, it's a must-watch for action enthusiasts, combining technical brilliance with thrilling spectacle.

My husband says 5 as he felt it was 2 episodes too long & average.

I rated it higher as it was good, good action. There were a couple annoying bits like "meet me by the forest". Well it's a pretty big forest. But I suppose there might have been only one small area where it met the road. A couple little buggies like that. Oh, SWAT going to a house but noone covers the rear door.

I liked it because it was Polish. So the cast was fresh (although it wasn't that important).

What I like is looking at foreign countries, customs & houses. Yeah, and organised crime, I guess. They turned someone's house into a brothel, so I get to see how a foreign brothel would be decorated! Not that I know what any would look like - well except for tv. Come to think of it, there wasn't much difference except it did look more up-scale. LOL.

It was interesting to see a person from Ukraine living in a flat sharing the flat with 7 other women, all living in one bedroom in bunk beds. It wasn't a refugee center - but a flat share. And they would still be blackmailed with the safety of their husbands in jail or such in Russia.

To be honest, it's easy to see why so many people want to come to America when American shows have houses like South Fork or mansions. They sure don't show much in the way of realism of "normal" people out in the country in smaller towns. Even there they show the houses with big wooden staircases & stained glass windows & huge rooms.

Anyway, it's interesting. Pretty in places. Decent plot & acting.

Ended up binge watching it in 2 days, watched it with subtitles great story, great action.

Appreciated all the cinematography - colour grading down to a tee.

All the tactical kit and gear, oscar with a devil on one shoulder an angel on the other listening to both a different times, a good guy albeit with a bad streak.

You don't quite get the reason why but you figure out his panic attacks are PTSD from his Army days.

Great character relationships, you can follow how everyone knows each other and how it's all intertwined, two mafia families struggling for power after a streak of paranoia sets the fire below them.

This is the best thing I've watched for years -

The acting, direction, writing , music and pace are all spot on.. There's not a wasted moment and the action scenes are awesome and utterly gripping

But what I really loved (and only the best series do this) is that iit takes you to places, in your mind, that you don't expect to be taken to - it jall ust kind of creeps up on you and without truly knowing why., you know that you are watching something special.

While part of me hopes that there will be a second series, the other part of me is saying, leave it alone, don't ruin things, it's brillant as it is.