Matador

Auuchh - my arm! If you ask, where it hurts, you most surely never saw this television serie - and you are very likely to be either a foreigner or an alien, because no one else would ever ask, they would know that you are quoting "Matador" being impressed or surprised. No tv-show was ever better, then it would never have such a fortunate compilation of talent, magnificent writers, magnificent actors and a magnificent director.

The tale of the struggle between the two families is made ever present, so the point is not lost even though there is a multitude of sidestories that even includes real events. The way the story goes is so original that you never loose interest, although it is a slow going story - it takes 27 hours for it to come to an end. Real addicts find the playing time too short though. The text comprises a multitude of funny lines and jokes, you never stop laughing. The way each scene is shot, and the way the picture is framed is bold in itself. The director dares leaving the person speaking out of picture, if the facial expression of another person is more interesting. Also, he uses events as a way of foretelling, what will be happening - the doctor being quoted just prior to his appearing on screen. There are millions of details like that and it takes a long time to discover them all, but that's part of the fascination - you never get it all.

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!

This is perhaps the best danish TV series ever made! It's about a business man moving to a dull little town called Korsbaek, where he builds up a business empire. The series is about the people in this town, mainly the two families Skjern & Varnaes, where Skjern are the newcommers, and Varnaes is the old family in the town.

It's a huge relief in the age of bad soaps to see a production like this, made so carefully with a big heart. It is perfect in every detail, the story is wonderfully funny and charming, and the cast is absolutely great. Even the characters who are not so very kind have an air of love and understanding about them!

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...