Venecia: Red criminal

This beautiful cinematic series was painstakingly crafted using very realistic character actors, a superb cast, captivating storyline, wonderful locations, breathtaking views of Venice, mesmerising cinematography, highly creative editing and magical music that carried you throughout. A faultless production with tasteful artistic direction and excellent production values. Superbly written, directed and produced. Amazing ending ... the cast and story lives on ... should pick up many awards.

This Italian drama series opens with the discovery of the body of a boy in the Venice Lagoon. Evidence suggests it was probably a suicide but policewoman Elena Zonin believes his death is linked to a series of disappearences which she is convinced involves a ring of paedophiles who are selling children on the dark web. At first her superiors are unconvinced but then another boy vanishes. Setting up a team Elena has a race against time to find the boy before it is too late. Adding some extra tension to proceedings is the fact that Elena hasn't been to Venice in about twenty years; returning sees her working alongside old friend Daniele Vianello, who is now married.

I thought this was a gripping series. The subject matter is dealt with in a way that isn't too disturbing but is still tense. There is often a good sense of danger. The characters are likeable and fun to watch; the actors doing fine jobs in their roles. Venice is an impressive location; inviting in the daytime but somewhat sinister at night. Unlike too many series this has an ending that wraps things up nicely; it also provided a surprise that I didn't see coming. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of Euro-drama.

These comments are based on watching the series in Italian with English subtitles.

As frequent travelers to Venice we have to rate this the best cinematography of Venice and outlying islands we have ever watched. The scenery was magical and took us back down memory lane with all the familiar places. The story line was exciting, emotional and the acting was incredible. So many twists and turns of emotions between the actors and surprisingly an extremely sensitive and happy ending. Gave me a different perspective of Venice after dark and early morning. Watched the last episode last night and already talking about re watching!

What an amazing thriller series from Italy. At first I wasn't sure of the pacing and then I was gripped. With gorgeous scenes of Venice as the backdrop this very timely and dark story is one of the best series I've seen in ages. I loved the interplay between the three old friends and how the plot slowly unraveled. Masterful film-making. And what a dramatic ending!

It is not often that this jaded thriller fan is impressed, and less often that he is moved to tears. But this series did both. I was all the more impressed and moved because the real coup de theatre came from a direction I did not anticipate but could not deny. Among the many outstanding contributions (besides the direction and writing) are the lead actors, who are incredibly charismatic, and a marvelous music score that evolves and sneaks up on you over the course of the series. I persevere through many so-so or merely satisfying shows to come upon a gem like this. Bravissimo!

PS: Months after posting this review, I occasionally come across this show in listings, and try to remember what I so loved about it. Then it comes back to me...and I suddenly catch my breath. So heartbreaking, so beautiful.