La ragazza di Oslo

The episodes are short, and the showrunners try to be sure there's a surprise in each of them. Sometimes indeed the plot departs from conventional expectations. Underlying it all, and connected a little artificially to the action-and-adventure story, is the story of an almost stereotypical Scandinavian marriage-- undemonstrative, troubled, somewhat hopeless. I can't judge the Norwegian actors, but they seem at home in their roles, unlike Israeli sweetheart Rotem Abuhab, who has a less prominent role as a spouse and seems unable to find a character in it.

I can't pretend that I understood every plot development; there are factions against factions against factions. But matters keep moving, even if sometimes they seem to move in circles.

As an Israeli, I'm happy to see this kind of collaboration come about. I wish I could recommend it more enthusiastically.

I don't get the negative reviews here, but maybe I'm just not that familiar with the middle east and how things are over there. Regardless, if you like suspense, this one had me biting my nails. I'm glad it's several episodes, because it gives me something to look forward to in the evenings. There are disturbing scenes and frustrating ones, but I didn't find anything wrong with the acting. I am a very picky viewer and won't even tune into anything if it's not well done, so I honestly don't understand why others didn't appreciate it. Norwegian programs are usually far better than silly American stuff. Try Witch Hunt (with subtitles, of course) for another absorbing Norwegian program, although I did like this one better. Happy viewing!

Pia is a young Norwegian girl who hasn't told her parents that she has gone to Israel on holiday. While there she goes on a day trip to a beach in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula with an Israeli brother and sister. As they return through the desert their car is stopped by armed ISIS terrorists; their driver is killed and they are taken hostage. The terrorists demand the release of several prisoners; most are in Israeli jails but one is being held in Norway. Neither country wants to give in to terrorists but Pia's father, a lawyer, agrees to represent the man being held in Norway. Meanwhile her mother, is in Israel trying to pressure anybody who might be able to help to do what they can. Most prominent of these is the Israeli Intelligence Minister who she had got close to when he attended the Oslo peace talks in the early nineties some of her actions may make things worse.

I thought this was a fairly solid thriller; the tension is high whenever we are with Pia and her fellow hostages. Things aren't quite as strong when we are with her parents, in particular her mother whose actions don't seem like those of somebody who worked as a diplomat... everything she does seems to potentially make matters worse or harm other people. The acting is decent enough; annoying characters are more down to writing than acting. I did like the settings; especially the bleak deserts where much of the drama takes place. Overall a decent enough series; not a must see but good enough.

These comments are based on watching the series in Hebrew/Norwegian/Arabic with English subtitles; much of the conversation is in English as it is the language used by characters who don't speak other's native languages.

There is a lot that is wrong with this series. The characters annoyed me. Especially the kidnapped daughter Pia and her pain in the butt mother. Maybe do yourself a favor and watch episodes 1 & 2 then reward time is due, skip to the last one episode 10.

It has all the trimmings of an engaging political thriller with the powder keg that is the Middle East as backdrop. In fact, it harkens to the failed 1993 Oslo Accords. It is where the two protagonists Alex Bakke and Arif Shor meet for the first time.

Some viewers might consider the motivations of Alex for doing what she did as extreme, irresponsible or even implausible but we can suspend disbelief here and give her a pass considering that she's a desperate mother who only wants Pia to be rescued and be freed.

The directors are able to turn up the tension steadily as the story progresses. The viewer can appreciate the complicated situation faced by the protagonists although we glean that they, too, are practical individuals. The dynamics between Daesh and Hamas is quite interesting. This adds excitement to the film.

There are dramatic moments. One scene in particular tugs at the heart: when Nadav is reunited with his mother and estranged father.

The actors are good. Aside from Annake von der Lippe whose strong performance as Alex is admirable, credit should be given, too, to Raida Adon who portrays Layla al Kelani. Those who are fans of Fauda might recognize Shadi Mar'i and Boaz Conforty in this series. They play the roles of Walid al Abed and Avichai, respectively, in Fauda.

The viewer appreciates the locations of the series---from Oslo to Sinai. Perhaps, this is one rare film that makes copious use of wide-angle shots of biblical Sinai with its barren peaks.

Watch out for Season 2. The last scene of Episode 2 sets up the incoming new season.