Coeurs Noirs

I was looking foward this series, because I really enjoy the military genre.

We didn't have any original French series about Special Forces unlike in the US where you got plenty of Seal Team or Delta force entertaining series.

The cinematography was on point, the acting felt right. The score was a bit shy a first, but we ha some great moments.

Its a mini serial, but it did'nt felt rushed, I hope the get more budget for season 2, so they can achieve what "The terminal List" and "Jack reacher" look like.

It may not be as explosive, but it got this French touch, were like everything goes really dramatic, like in "Le champ du loup". The character are well written, they all got their own flaws.

You guys should really give it a shot.

This is a fictional story of the French military's special forces operating in the Middle East against terrorists. Besides the plot, the brilliance of this series rests on attention to detail, fantastically timed camera work from many angles, superb acting and dialogue, and the cinematography brings the series to life. It all rings true. Though many unforeseen circumstances events often do not go in favour of the special forces. It is edge-of-your-seat viewing and compulsive.

One key member of the main team is killed, while another Sab gets into deep water and the team needs to rescue her. It makes the plotline unpredictable too. Nothing mundane here.

The joy of episode 4, Tarek, is when they burst into song while driving, a scene worth endless re-watching!

The first series concludes with a tense cliff-hanger and you will find it hard to wait for the second series. This is top notch filmwork.

The only downside is the realism of this action-for-TV story comes at a time when humanitarian tragedies are happening in Ukraine and Gaza. People searching for Black Hearts note when aired by the BBC in 2023 for some obscure reason it went by the title 'Dark Hearts'.

The series is superb and highly recommended.

Bring on series two!

I was not aware that the French were in the Middle East at all. I assume from this they were. I won't cover the inconsistencies and military faux pas as they have already been called out.

Lebanese director Ziad Doueiri does a good job with the pacing, narrative arc of men trying to be good and falling into the usual moral challenges. Thierry Godard so outstanding in the show Spiral (it's a must watch) in French Engrenages is again on form as the colonel.

But the "message" got to this and is ruined by the female sniper. She never convinces. It is not that there are no female snipers or that there have not been good ones historically but compare this one to Bradley Cooper in American Sniper or Denis Quaid in the superb film Savior. She does not convey at all. Nor could she carry the weapons she does and she should be doing overwatch not rushing in like gunga din.

And where are the Americans in all this? The French operated under American control not completely independently. I checked. But here they appear to not even exist. And why don't they ever call in air support provided by the USA and so crucial to them?

It only matters because it is close to being great. But these soldiers could easily remove more bad players of this ilk by operating in Paris.

Could be so much better with some attention to detail. A platoon that goes into conflict wearing tee shirts and baseball caps? An intelligence officer that gets involved in the fight? A platoon that leaves their sniper behind to 'catch up' after a fire fight in a hostile settlement? Villages devoid of children and barking dogs? Empty roads? One minute they're using their drone for intell next minute they seem to have forgotten about that capability.

And special forces who seem to be less than accomplished professionals, and a platoon that is far too small to do what is asked of it.

Amazing location scenery and good camera work.

Firstly, some of the 1/10 reviews here are by people who like being contrary for attention. Take no notice of them. This is a brilliant, realistic, well paced series...I've just finished Series 2 on iplayer. The acting is superb and you believe & care for the characters, especially Tyson the dog!! The French make excellent dramas like this such as Spiral and again, they treat the audience as intelligent grown ups. Lovely to see Thierry Goddard again...if he wants my phone number, he only has to ask!! Please say Series 3 is on the cards. 10/10.