Maison close - La casa del piacere

I enjoyed Maison close as an extended glimpse into a Paris brothel. Having never set foot in anything remotely resembling a brothel, I felt that I learned something about the subculture of the world's oldest profession by watching both seasons of this series. The house itself reminded me of a hotel in Amiens right next to the cathedral where I once stayed. Now I am wondering whether it might have been a maison close at some point in the past... Same velvety decorations, etc...

For television, Maison close is quite good, and I enjoyed many aspects of the production. As a francophile, I was of course happy with the French, but the costumes and many twisting and turning subplots were interesting as well. One oddity was the use of more modern rather than period music, which was initially off-putting to me and did cause me to think about it during the episodes themselves, so something of a distraction.

This series tries too hard but in the end the story is slow and boring. The acting isn't bad though, but it is just a soft porn disguised as art and wrapped in a TV series. And as with porn, the story and the acting is secondary to the sex.

The drama is more frustrating than entertaining.

There is loads of sex in this series, which some might find appealing. However, I would rather watch 2 pineapples have sex than the acted scripted and fake sex in this series.

This is in French with sub titles so another reason people would probably only watch it rather than follow the story.

More than ten years late to the party, but here are my thoughts: the acting is great - and not just from the top billed actresses either (keep an special eye on Maud Wyler, who plays Paul's wife), the writing is fantastic, there's interesting incorporation of modern music, and the lighting department knocked it out of the park. There are so many shots that look like they were taken from a Rembrandt painting. Do yourself a favour and watch this underrated show.

Everyone must pay, one way or another. This series is taking you to discover what lies beneath the curtains of a luxury brothel at the end of XIXth century Paris. Translation of french term "maison close" is brothel, ironically called Paradise, where men are trying to get in and women are trying to get out. Its the drama of the women caught in Paradise, with their schemes, problems, loves, fears, weakness and hopes. Everyone is trying to control the others through these weaknesses. The owner her girls, the girls their customers, the customers the owner. Beautiful music, decors and atmosphere complete the circle. If you're trying to watch something new, fresh and original, try this french series

Just came across the series by chance. And was happily surprised with it. In French with subtitles so have had to concentrate more than I usually do. Based in a Frech brothel it makes an interesting concept. The story starts off slowly as all the characters are introduced, but it catches on some pace in the last two episodes hence don't give up watching once you start it. The direction is pretty good and subtle which has allowed the story to be told without too much interference. The editing could have been better and the series been a bot shorter for what it was trying to portray, may have had many reasons for the number of episodes they finally come up with. The acting is quite intense and very good, overall a very character based series hence this was the key. Hence the casting crew has to be commended. Overall a good series to watch but not spectacular.