Whiskey on the rocks

The critics of this television program don't understand Swedish international relations and military history very well. During the Weimar Republic, Sweden helped aid German militarism, a process that continued during the war (Wiebes, C., & Aalders, G. H., The Art of Cloaking Ownership. The Case of Sweden. The Secret Collaboration and Protection of the German War Industry by the Neutrals, Amsterdam University Press, 1996). During the lead up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Sweden spent the years 2009 to 2021 importing $72,647,114,698 worth of Russian oil, the equivalent of 8/14% of the Russian military budget which was $892,019,600,000 (based on UN and SIPRI statistics). Sweden aided its alleged enemy or security threat yet again. This television shows again the now established pattern, i.e. The Swedish military helps undermine Swedish security in the face of security threats (real, imagined or exaggerated). That's the key to this drama. In contrast, diplomacy, cooperation with the state framed as "enemy," and old fashioned common sense helps solve conflicts far more effectively. The lesson builds on history and was confirmed by academic studies thereafter (Stern, Eric, and Bengt Sundelius. "Managing asymmetrical crisis: Sweden, the USSR, and U-137." International Studies Quarterly 36.2 (1992): 213-239). For this reason, the movie is trashed by militarists, the Swedish military, and militarily over-interested persons, what is called in the singular "MÖP" - "militärt överintresserad person" (in Swedish). So, this comedy is far more relevant and important than the army of so-called "defense experts" who blather on about Russian threats and can't admit to the culpability of NATO expansion in helping to trigger Russian militarism. They want to eradicate the history which is cleverly conveyed in this documentary.

While the Cuban Missile Crisis remains the most dangerous time in human history with many near misses, other events like this have brought periods of danger.

The world is more at risk from miscalculations than serious intent. That is what makes this an important film for our time. There seems to be controversy about why the submarine got trapped, but that misses the point. It doesn't matter how we got there. What matters is how we get out.

It's an accurate reflection of conflicting personal agendas in big organizations and how most people just want to go on with their day. I loved the understated humor, acting, and characterization.

Whiskey on the Rocks is a delightful and satirical take on one of the Cold War's most bizarre and tense moments-the grounding of the Soviet submarine U 137 in Swedish waters. The series brilliantly juxtaposes historical gravity with humor, crafting an entertaining narrative that simultaneously pokes fun at the absurdities of the situation and paints a vivid picture of its era.

The stunning cinematography captures the cold, tense beauty of the Swedish archipelago, while the meticulous period details transport viewers back to the 1980s. Rolf Lassgård's portrayal of Prime Minister Thorbjörn Fälldin adds depth and authenticity to the story, balancing the weight of political responsibility with the comedic undertones of the script.

The writing is a standout feature, offering a playful, irreverent lens through which to view this historical event. The vodka-fueled antics of the submarine crew are portrayed with such charm and wit that they feel like characters straight out of The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared. This resemblance underscores the series' knack for blending historical fact with whimsical fiction, creating a narrative that's as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Whiskey on the Rocks may have sparked controversy for its timing and tone, but as a piece of satirical art, it succeeds in turning a Cold War flashpoint into a uniquely Swedish comedy of errors. It's a must-watch for fans of history, satire, and striking cinematography.

A not fully truthfull but really fun description of the events following the stranded Russian U-boat in Swedish waters. I myself served in the army during this event and can assure that it was a really tense situation. The following decade was full of imagined incidents. U-boats, russian divers snooping around in Stockholm, spies taking pictures in prohibited areas. Some of it probably true, some of it probably just "the Russian scare" running amok in peoples imagination. It was a another time then, God knows what would happen today if there was a U-boat loaded with nuclear warheads stranded yet again...

See this as satire rooted in reality-90% truth, but with 10% fiction to keep the audience engaged and able to take in all the real absurdities that are hard to believe actually happened.

It's a mix between The Office, Blackadder, and Russians being their authentic selves. Many great characters and well-acted performances.

To truly appreciate the series, you probably need to have lived during the time it takes place. The settings and details are spot-on. A phone booth becomes a secure phone line, someone traveling is, of course, unreachable until they arrive, and everyone smokes freely everywhere. The calm and diplomatic Swedish approach clashes with the more confrontational American mentality.

And the Soviet Union's complete lack of competence in waging war is just like Russia today. But they compensate with alcohol. Sure, it's satire at a high level, but satire is grounded in truth and a sense of relatability.

Take the series for what it is-a fun satire. But if you have the time and interest to do a bit of research afterward, you'll be surprised how much of what made you laugh actually happened in real life.