Beck

My wife and I enjoy mystery/crime drama series, particularly those from Europe. This series is one of the best, even though it has been around for quite a while. The plot lines are interesting, sometimes even captivating, the characters are sometimes fascinating (such as Beck's friend in the adjoining apartment), the character interrelationships sophisticated, and the settings well thought-out and realistic. Because I've spent some time in Sweden (particularly Stockholm), I also enjoy the series for personal reasons. I'm particularly enthusiastic about the lead character, Beck, who is not cast as an exceptional, almost super-human individual but, rather, as a thoughtful, sometimes vulnerable, but still very intelligent and caring human. My wife and I give it two thumbs up (to use another rating system). Tom Nelson

Gunvald alone makes this series so worth while. A Swedish 'Dirty Harry' Well written stories and great locations. Addictive and rewatchable.

Watched S#1-3 a few years ago- and had to search for 4&5- so it's hard for me to evaluate the seasons- But I fell in love with Mikael (Persbrandt, Gunvald) as have many. Searched to find his films So anything I can see him in, I enjoy. From what I remember, it is a good detective show. I can't say how true to Swedish police it is. some of the personal stuff about Peter Head Detective, I could have seen less. He's gruff but fair. Peter and Mikael forge a relationship of subdued respect, and kind of a friendship. Gunvald keeps to himself, He is chivalrous and protecting of women. He seems to have a private life, at times. Somehow, this seems like Mikael (minus his untreated bi-polar) I don't say this often, I am a fan.

Beck offers up understated excellence in the form of a Swedish crime drama.

There are several seasons of Beck. I have been fortunate enough to watch two and four, with English subtitles. Unlike many US shows, the Swedish approach to crime drama is modest and down to earth. For me, this approach makes the characters and story, far more accessible and believable.

The crime stories Beck and his team investigate are in many ways familiar. This obstacle is overcome by quality narrative and fleshed out characterizations, that really lift this series above the ordinary. A good cast of well known Swedish actors, does this series no harm either.

In short Beck is a a worthwhile watch, I can happily recommend. Nine out of ten from me.

To be honest I haven't seen all the Beck movies in the series, which are 21 and counting, but the ones I've seen are well worth watching! I'm from Sweden myself and have a lot of thoughts, most of them negative, regarding Swedish movies. But Beck I like and that's quite an achievement from their part. The Beck series revolves around Martin Beck, Gunvald Larsson and their colleagues at the police force in Stockholm, Sweden. Beck is a divorced, middle-aged man while Larsson is young, forward and a quite violent man (against suspects that is). Together they make a perfect team, investigating crimes committed in Sweden, around Stockholm. The movies have a well written storyline, with diverse crimes, with no fear of showing brutal murders, horrible cases, or to go outside the Swedish border, making this series of movies great! Plot twists are only to be expected at the ending, making sure that everyone is kept in the dark of the outcome until the very end, which isn't always that easy to accomplish.

The series of movies are well-known here for a couple of things; Gunvald Larsson's short temper, and his great sarcastic lines! The neighbor of Beck, who always seem to be on sick-leave - wearing a lovely neck-collar, and who always is willing to give Beck some alcohol. And last but not least; the great actors! Peter Haber and Mikael Persbrandt are brilliant in their interpretations of Beck and Larsson.

Beck comes well recommended from my part!