Donna Leon

Being a fan of the books by Donna Leon, I was hoping for an adaption. When it finally happened, I was disappointed of the first results. After Uwe Kockisch took over the role of comissario Brunetti with the 5th episode, the series took off for me.

His interview for MHz I saw several years ago. It was very interesting and he talks about his training in dramatic arts in East Germany. East Germany had a way of training which was designed to make sure you would eventually be assigned to act in a way yhat offered something to the community. Inspector Brunetti I have watched for several years on MHz streaming. Crime dramas with the charm of Venice in the backgrounds. Plots and characters brilliantly developed. His knowledge of character acting brings life to many of the conversations in each dramatic scene.

I read half of the Donna Leon novels (which I liked) and the series is a very clever and very faithful adaptation of them. The writers/producers/director(s) have been able to add small charming details (of everyday life, such as the special relationship between Elettra and Brunetti) that make it even better, and delete those not absolutely necessary and required.

The series, made by the Germans (and not by the Americans or the Italians)(Italians do not know the novels since they are not translated into their language, oh!) is very well produced : budgets were obviously high, the series was shot in Venice, Italy, which means they have not made fun of the spectators All key players - Germans - not only pass for real Venetians but are simply perfect, especially (Brunetti's) Uwe Kockisch (he seems to be 45 y-o but has actually 20 more, huh!). My faves are ...all women characters/actresses, yes !

Strongly recommended !