Occupied - Die Besatzung

Critics seem to be getting hung up on the realism of the set up for this series. Is it realistic that Russia would undertake a 'soft' invasion of a small European country after critical energy production was stopped in response to climate change, and would NATO sit back and allow it to happen on their doorstep? Probably not, but that's not what this brilliant political thriller is really about. If a more powerful country invaded YOUR country, would you resist, would you keep your head down and try to 'get along' with the invaders if they kept promising to leave but didn't, what compromises would you make to try to avoid a full blown military invasion and loss of life. At what point would you decide that 'enough's enough'? When you see someone openly shot in the street by the occupiers? When free press is shut down? Vichy France, Russia's recent forays into the Ukraine and Hong Kong being handed back to China, all spring to mind. Viewers need to get over the likelihood or otherwise of the basic premise of this series, and just enjoy a really well written, well acted mini series that keeps you in a state of nervous suspense. One that makes you think about history, current world events and future possibilities. How far would you allow yourself to be pushed around before you decided to push back?

This is a very very slick, if very complex, political thriller. I binged it over three days and still struggled with the nuances of the plot. Multiple languages, subtitles, many many important characters, all complex and clearly damaged, makes it a very absorbing and challenging watch. No clear heroes and multiple protagonists makes it even more challenging.

That said, very entertaining and thought provoking. Moral dilemmas abound at all levels and ethical compromises rush past at pace.

This is political Scandinavian-Russian noir at its best. Highly recommend!

We seldom binge on any series but we couldn't help ourselves with Occupied. Now in Season 2 on Netflix, we watched every episode available and have nothing to be ashamed/guilty about. The writing is top notch and based on a completely plausible premise. Norwegians have always felt they were more environmentally responsible than their neighbours, thanks to ample renewable sources of electricity. The primary premise is that, having decided to help their European neighbours get off oil by developing a new, safe source of nuclear power, the Europeans don't want help. Another premise is that the US has become insular and withdrawn from NATO. Don't tell me that's far-fetched in the age of Donald Trump. Finally, Russia has a well-planned scheme to take over Norway. I will bet that there is a filing cabinet somewhere in Moscow filled with exactly such scenarios as this. The premises are all more plausible than the Game of Thrones, which is what makes Occupied so fascinating to watch.

Another source of plausibility is a cast that resembles real people rather than talking Barbies and Kens. Foreign film always has a more everyday quality to the cast which is why they can portray everyday situations so much better. Throw in some adultery and miscellaneous sex with knotty ethical dilemmas and you'll watch all 18 episodes without a break.

Very good and complex story writing! I don't get the bad reviews that criticize that the plot is illogical. I think it is very well thought-out if one accepts the premise: Norway wants to quit the oil production and the EU and Russia don't like it. Hej, it's fiction - just like the Zombie-Apocalypse in the Walking Dead - so get over it! Then the interesting things start to happen. If one considers the situation that a small country such as Norway faces when it is caught in the middle of forces out of their control, there really is not much Norway can do on their own. It all depends on what Russia, the EU and the US do. And all of these play their role in this scenario representing their own interests. And of course there is some resistance from the Norwegian population, even terrorism. But there is no obvious good or bad side. To all the Russians: the role Russia plays is not ALL bad. Yes, they are the bad guys that occupy Norway, but actually the EU started the whole conflict and the US do everything so they don't have to intervene. So everyone of the big players is an asshole. I am looking forward to see a second season.

10 episodes of blissful engagement. Somebody skillful achieved what I'd consider an understated style of the TV series '24', without the body count. A pleasant surprise.

Things begin with a middle-aged man walking solo down the center of a snow- covered road, looking bewildered. A quick flashback to who he is and how he got there, then back to the road where the story turns into a snowball itself — entangling more characters and subplots as it rolls along. Every scene counts, and contributes to the quick pacing as the story unfolds.

If you're watching these on Netflix, don't go past episode six unless you have time to finish. Don't bother trying to stop after that, it's not possible — I tried… ;-)

Worth it's weight in subtitles, 'Occupied' is a great show.