Nobel

Participation in modern peacekeeping operations has given countries like Norway new oppurtunities to show their skills and values more on wider international level. Mostly successfully, but everything has its price and influences on participants... All this is rather well depicted in Nobel where people working in various govenrmental institutions have to daily (re)assess their own concepts and attitudes.

But for me, for a person quite familiar with living in Nordic countries, not all the events shown seem plausible - as Norway is one of the least corrupted and most secure countries in the world. So the thrill and tension tend to fade away sometimes, and the main theme full of development aid, NGO contracts and guarding services do not let to share common feelings; the switch from personal issues to others is not always smooth as well. Moreover, in the last episode, you start to figure out what happens, and the very final scenes are too "rounding up", i.e. trivial.

The performances, however, are good, particularly Aksel Hennie as Lieutenant Erling Riiser and Anders Danielsen Lie as Lieutenant Jon Petter Hals; female characters are sketchier as often in films depicting war and military. Thus, from me, 8 points for acting and 6 for plot; the title is also confusing.

Nobel is not a bad Norwegian series, but I find e.g. Okkupert, Frikjent, Rød snø more versatile and catchier for "wider" audience.

I really can't understand people who complain about someone using the wrong colour scope on the rifle, or whether or not our American cousins think that it's insulting to them.. in fact it wasn't if one of the reviewers had watched further....

I'm interested in a great story, with great acting, fantastic characters who draw you in and brilliant production.

This series from Norway has all of the above by the bucketload. Totally gripping, totally believable... and amazing acting led by the wonderful Aksel Hennie and Tuva Novotny. I have watched it all 3 times now and still spot new things about it. This is a fairly simplistic non technical review. It's brilliant. Simple.

My Norwegian friend tells me that they are currently filming Series 2.. Hurrah!!!!!

Watch this.. Just watch it.

There is little to say other than.....Superb!

I have only watched two other mini series of this quality. Bron Broen and Borgen. Co incidentally all of which are Scandinavian? There does seem to be a real talent here for quality. These series are so good, I actually enjoy subtitles because I know I am in for a treat. I look forward to discovering more of these gems.

After Headhunters, I'll watch anything with Aksel Hennie in it. He conveys so much without even speaking. Nobel is a realistic look at the conflict in Afghanistan. I love the understated Norwegian way. No need to brag. Just get it done. We see the skill but also the humanity of a Spec Ops team serving tours in Afghanistan. The story line also follows the political efforts at making oil deals with the various factions of government and Taliban.In 2011, the Chinese eventually landed the deal. But exploration and mining will be fraught with difficulties in a country which, despite assistance from several countries to establish a government, today suffers a resurgence of terrorist factions.

What a quality: A superb Nordic series. Great to view from many angles the complex world we live in. A view from the side of the government, from the side of the army and from within a family where these worlds meet...

The story gives me a feeling that is the reality we have to deal with. I also have this feeling of reality when I watch the series Homeland. I have to admit that most American series are not my cup of tea. Can't get rid of the feeling that this series gave inspiration to Nobel. Normally the Nordic series do it the other way :) Personally I hope we also get some more seasons... Anyone some meets about a season 2?