Der Fall Asunta

This series was hard to watch because it was done so well. It was excruciating watching any scene with the little girl, Asuna, in it. The actors were so believable it was as if you were watching the real non fiction case unfold. The couple made me sick so I had to fast forward through a couple of parts because I couldn't stomach it. If you like to watch sinister true crime style shows this will be a good fit. I had so many emotions. Disgust, anger, fear and anxiety before bed wasn't the best decision for restful sleep on my part. Still, I couldn't turn it off until the end. I'm a very difficult audience member to please. This one really makes an impression.

Rosario and Alfonso report that their adopted Chinese daughter Asunta, 12, has vanished, a Police search begins, and her body is tragically found, her parents are suspected of conspiring in her death.

First off, I had no idea this was based on an actual case, it goes to some pretty dark and bleak places.

Let's be honest, this is a very, very watchable series, but please take my advice, watch it in its original, Spanish form, don't watch the English dubbed version, the voiceovers make it virtually unbearable, Rosario sounds as if she's in a constant state of surprise.

Once I switched it, it came to life, and I could truly appreciate the acting, especially the characterisation of Rosario, The Judge is such an interesting character, you'll wonder if he's right, or simply got an axe to grind, by episode 5, you'll have the answer.

Well paced and never dull, it doesn't lull at any point, one of those shows you'll want to binge watch over a night or two.

Episode five was the most surprising of all, I watched with my jaw open, it was the high point.

8/10.

Good acting. Everyone did good in acting their roles that I was almost convinced they were real people. Almost. The side stories of the lives of those involved in the investigation were added for the narrative flow but I think they weren't necessary at all. They didn't have anything to do with the case. Like Christina's fertility issue and the judge's father's situation. Those side stories, for me, were the reason why the documentary felt fictional. Because in real documentaries, no one shows the personal life of investigators involved in the case. I was quite hooked to the story but it was very upsetting in the end because I still feel like I wasted my time on an unresolved case. The parents were very suspicious, yes. But I still don't know what really happened and that is just so upsetting. I don't know if the kid was given justice or not.

I thought this was a particularly well acted, well written script. The Spanish actors are all very seasoned, and really capture, from everything I can tell the essence of the real people who were involved in the situation.

Particularly the mother who plays Rosario, who does a remarkable job in portraying a confused, drama laden, scatterbrained, somewhat mentally unstable, overwrought, calculated, possible killer. Superb acting.

I think the way the story was laid out, woven together, was very effective. It's also an excellent view into the Spanish judicial system. We Americans often think our approach to justice in these cases, as much different than in Europe, so it's interesting to see their similarities.

I don't watch anything below 7.0, and gave this a 8.0 with the hopes it'll elevate the rating because I think this was very well crafted and solid piece that's won't waste your time.

The English dubbing in this is terrible, it does spoil the show a little but I managed to get through it all and score it a 7 because beyond the dubbing you can see that the actor/ess are good and the story is interesting and chilling.

An adopted Chinese girl who appears to be very loved by her adoptive parents goes missing and is found murdered shortly after. One arrogant judge is convinced the parents have done it while another lawyer is convinced they did not hence starts a point / counter point investigation that may, for a short time, leave you doubting who did it, the show will clear that up mid way through and then you will have to watch the rest to see if justice for the girl is carried out

Verdict. Watchable not gripping but interesting.