Matador

A T.v.series in 24 parts about the people in a small town during and after world war 2. Following a wide range of characters both rich and poor through a difficult time with a lot off changes in the litle society as they slowly enter the new modern society with department stores and supermarkets. We mainly follow the two families Skjern and Varnæs and their rivalry towards each other, mainly led on by the conservative Hans Christian Varnæs and the more modern and dynamic Mads Skjern.

I have seen a lot of TV, some bad, some good, but nothing compares to this TV series from DR (Danmarks Radio = danish state television).

When Matador was shown the first time on TV, the streets of Denmark lay empty. Approximately 50-60% of the country's population was inside watching the fascinating history of the imaginary town "Korsbaek" and its inhabitants unfold and evolve.

The DVD box set has been purchased by over 1.000.000 people in Denmark (which only has a population of approx. 5.200.000)!!!

Now nearly 30 years later, I have not seen any TV series that can top this one. It has been sold to approx. 20 countries and is currently repeated on DR for the fourth or fifth time.

This is as good as it gets!

If you have even the slightest interest of Denmark and Danish culture from the late 1930'ies to the early 1950'ies, this is a *MUST SEE*.

Apart from being a brilliant saga of life and death of the citizens of a small city, it's also filled with all those tiny details that makes it seeworthy. Acting and direction are outstanding.

If you're looking for at tv-version of Danish history from late twenties to late fourties this is THE ONE. Never ever has anything been shown on Danish TV with this kind of appeal to all sorts of people. No matter the social background one may have this series appeals to everyone.

With a truly remarkable casting of practically all Danish actors worthwhile mentioning the storyline is proven extremely strong as it is emphazied by the fabulous acting of all actors and actresses of which many now, unfortunately, are dead.

It has a true unique feature which most of well-known tv-series don't have; you can watch it again and again for each time you'll discover new things. For any Dane this is a fundamental part to understanding the history of a time which may be long gone but never will be forgotten.

Matador is now out on DVA and although relatively expensive (app.2500 dkr for the whole series/24 parts) it is an investment that any Danish family should consider.

A series that unites generations and definately something that will last and last...

I wish more people outside Denmark watched this series, most Danes watched this more than one many time like Americans watch Starwars more than one time. Danes reflect themselves in the most perfectly cut out characters made by the writer Lise Nørgaard.

And also a very interesting historical period where we were going from old times to new times but also the fight against fascism during ww2 and the people who stood up against it and the people who didn't. Besides that its a heartfelt family drama even the gay discussion comes into play and i don't know of any drama that does that from back then.

All in all just great and if people can live with danish language would be great for anyone.