Paris Police 1900

Wonderful production values in this immersive crime and politics serial set in la belle epoque Paris. Scene after scene is perfectly conceived and performed. Gruesome violence and antiSemitic bile are just about contained in this gothic universe. Unfortunately there are just too many characters, whose motivations are lost in the misty streets, secret dealings, mad passions and cunning plans at hand. Ultimately we are excluded because it is hard to know or care what is going on. We are just left to wonder how such ugliness seems so beautiful.

This is not on some trendy pay tv site,nor is it American so lots of people won't see it,won't feel need to watch it.

It started on BBC tv yesterday and I love it already.

I know a bit French history but the details of the story still require close attention.

No plot spoilers but it is a combination of police story and political/social history.

What with brexit and covid this series might be the closest I get to Paris for a while.

Positive it has a golden story. A beautiful cinematography and scenario, a substantial budget for a French production.

Alas, sometimes it has a wobbly plot although it doesn't get in the way overall. A good casting except the one who plays inspector Jouin who is really below the others and limits the series! Jérémie Laheurte isn't a bad actor at all - average at the best - yet he hasnt enough talent and acting skills to lead a big budget TV show like this one. Looking at its sucessuful British counterpart, Peaky Blinders or its American cousin, Boardwalk Empire. It takes a heavy actor level for carry a such a promising series.

The French producers could've hired some top francophone thespian like Matthias Schoenaerts or Gaspard Ulliel as the leading role actor.

Or others less known outside France like Pierre Niney, Niels Schneider or François Civil, they'd have more dramatic resources and screen presence to lead the show than Laheurte. Missed oportunity.

Pardon!

Super impressive dark grimy crime police thriller, definitely big budget with a lot of details paid to decor, streets, costumes, etc... It REALLY feels like you are in Paris in 1900.

The type of serie you know you have to go to sleep because it's late but you still watch one more episode because you can't resist, keeps you interested and excited all along.

10/10

This is as much a historical documentary as peaky blinders or pennyworth. Except for the opening sequence, which is factually accurate.

By the end of the first episode, one wonders where the series is going. The authors appear to procrastinate: is it a romantic comedy, a drama, a police procedural, or a political thriller? The story lacks focus, and about 25% of the scenes appear to add no value - except for the odd atmospheric shots. The characters appear to be card-board cut-out tropes of goodies and baddies, complete with corrupt chauvinist cops.

The acting is average, at best, and I found myself yawning and looking at another screen quite a few times.

Production values are mostly good; except for any outdoors locations which are very limited. I enjoyed the lighting and camera work, but that is not sufficient to sustain interest throughout.

Watchable if you have low expectations, or if there is little else on.

6/10.