1985

The series depicts events surrounding "De Bende Van Nijvel" (Gang Of Nivelles) that happened in the early eighties.

The main characters Mark and Frank (as well as Frank's sister Vicky) are fictional but many of the other characters featured are based (and very accurately too) on the real people thar were involved in the actual events that the series centers around.

The so called "Gang of Nivelles" has always been tied to or was at least suspected to have ties to special forces divisions of the Belgium state police (comparable to SWAT in it's early days - it takes place around 1985 after all). Politics and corruption however have always thwarted a conclusive investigation into the heists and robberies comitted by the members of the gang.

There were a few minor convictions for things like the "handling of stolen arms" because additional evidence and even complete indictments just seemed to disappear.

In later years however some of the people convicted or otherwise linked to the gang have authored books in which more details of their crimes are told.

Much of this series is based on that.

2 young Belgian men join the Rijkswacht (crossover of the army and the police) at the beginning of the 80's and are accidentally involved with every famous event from their first day on.

As you can see, the writing is unrealistic and stupid. It feels very rushed also. 1981 looks like it almost happened in one day.

Also there were subtle unnecessary changes in the described events. Like when Bouhouche and Beijer were eavesdropping another BOB-agent and his informant, was changed to them just installing that equipment at the main office where the big boss caught them directly.

But the directing and casting is great though. Especially Tibo Vandenborre as Leon Francois is very convincing. The two young lead actors (Aimé Claeys & Tijmen Goovaerts) also play very well.

If you look beyond the bad writing, it is quite enjoyable.

This Series is a powerful and emotional dramatization of one of Belgium's most disturbing unsolved crime stories - the case of the "Gang of Nivelles." It gives a very realistic and sometimes shocking look into the events that happened during the early 1980s, a time when Belgium was living in fear.

The story follows three fictional characters - Marc, Franky, and Vicky - whose lives are closely connected with real events and people. Their personal journeys feel believable and emotional, and the acting from the entire cast (especially Peter Van Den Begin, Tijmen Govaerts) is excellent. The series also mixes Dutch and French, giving it a more authentic feel.

One of the most impressive parts of the series is how each episode ends with real news footage and facts from that period. It helps the viewer understand what really happened and shows how little justice has been done. The corruption and manipulation within the justice system are truly shocking. Although some parts of the writing feel a bit unrealistic or rushed, the directing and production are very strong. The soundtrack is beautiful and adds to the emotional weight of the story.

1985 is more than just a crime drama. It's a historical document that invites viewers to learn more about a dark chapter in Belgian history. Even if you're not from Belgium, it's a must-watch, because sadly, similar cases of injustice have happened in many countries.

Highly recommended for those interested in true crime, history, and political drama.

I fear that we'll have to wait 2 more generations to know the harsh truth of this "cold" case because of too many people still living being (partially) implemented.

That said this TV series gives a very good view of the period of terror Belgium lived in for almost 7 years, the manipulation of the public and most of all the system that should have protected us.

Casting is well done and as usual remarkable acting from Peter Van Den Begin. Even for the generation which did not live in those years it gives a clear view on the storyline being able to follow this TV serie.

Also well done is that at the end of each episode you see real tv/news footage of that period and an explanation of the facts actually known.

I also enjoyed the very beautiful soundtrack.

This TV serie made me to read more on the still unsolved subject. A must see, not only for Belgian citizens because each country will have a similar " unsolved mess".

Please watch this TV series as a document, nothing else. It is awesome if you remain in the learning of what happened in Belgium in the eighties, with the Brabant killers case. Many brutal and bloody killings occured in those days, without any explanations, killings perpetrated by commandos who first stole automatic weapons from the Gendarmerie arsenals.... This case was never solved, because those killings seemed to be covered and unofficially approved by the power, the governments. All those who tried to understand what really happened were threatened, lost their jobs and also maybe were killed. This plot is interesting only if you like this kind of scheme. But the dialogues, story telling and making is lame, flat. However the acting is not so bad. Another movie from Belgium evoked this story; TUEURS, from 2017. Excellent ending, though, for this TV show.