Whiskey on the Rocks

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.

It's meant to be comical and take into far sometimes. It pokes fun at all nationalities involved. If you like Guy Richie movies, this is a good series for you. It is weird in places. The actors are not meant to be like the leaders at the time. They're meant to just give a comical taste of the serious events that actually happened. It's Swedish production. So let them do what they want with it! Great fun, edgy, & you want another series really.

Good film effects & camera shots. Probably boast, but the only British actor is Mark Noble who plays The President of USA & his scenes are the funniest! Good humour!

Review of Whiskey on the Rocks

Whiskey on the Rocks is a Swedish miniseries that takes on one of the most dramatic events of the Cold War: the grounding of the Soviet submarine U137 off the coast of Karlskrona in 1981. The series delivers suspense, political intrigue, and a fascinating glimpse into an era marked by mistrust and power struggles.

Rolf Lassgård shines in the role of Prime Minister Thorbjörn Fälldin. His performance is impressive, capturing the essence of the Swedish leader through both body language and dialect. Lassgård's portrayal is a testament to his versatility as an actor and his ability to carry a story.

The production design is another highlight. The series successfully recreates the atmosphere of the time with an authenticity that feels tangible. From the costumes to the interiors-every detail is carefully crafted, grounding the narrative in its historical context.

The humor woven throughout the series is also worth mentioning. Subtle, well-placed comedic moments-often centered on the cultural and linguistic misunderstandings between the Swedes and the Soviets-add a lightness that balances the otherwise serious tone and makes the characters more relatable.

With its high production quality, Whiskey on the Rocks is not only compelling for Swedish audiences but also for an international one. While the series takes some liberties with historical details, it also balances drama, realism, and humor, keeping viewers thoroughly engaged. The historical significance of the event and its connection to the Cold War make it particularly relevant.

In summary, Whiskey on the Rocks is a powerful miniseries deserving of all the attention it can get. With great acting, impressive production design, and a gripping story laced with humor, it leaves a lasting impression.

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.

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...