Coeurs Noirs

Amazon video doesn't communicate much about its flagship series but what a gem.

The scenario is gripping, realistic. The whole thing is extremely well documented from a military know-how and tactical point of view.

The filming locations take us to the heart of Iraq and the themes are very well addressed: guilt, morality, distance, family ties, trafic, etc..

Even if it s a mini series, we had several occasions to discover how was the country at this period, how people were trying to live.

The actors are all very good and we do care about their characters ! What a treat! I can't wait to see season 2.

This year, in 2023, there are two French series dedicated to the military operation against ISIS: BLACK HEARTS and SENTINELLES. I have not seen SENTINELLE yet but it will come soon. But concerning this one, taking place in Irak - whilst SENTINELLE takes place in Africa - this is absolutely fabulous in terms of accuracy, action sequences, acting, directing. No cliché galore as we could be scared of, this is a jaw droppig piece of work which will proceed next year for a second season that I will wait with great impatience. Nicolas Duvauchelle is better than ever, and if you have always dreamed of an exceptional stuff about Special Forces, this series is for you. Tense, taut, gripping, realistic at the most. Don't miss it.

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.

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!

Having worked amongst SF operators and various countries Special Operation Forces, I must say that apart from silly things that certain other reviewers have put down personally I think this is the most realistic dramatisation to date. The team moves realistically, shoots realistically ie unlike American dramas, SEAL Team & Six to name two, head shots are not the priority. The medical care under fire is the best I've seen on screen ever. Also to show the psychological effects on the team members too. I worked in the battlefield medical sector and these are things I have seen throughout my career. Truly gripping stuff if you're a military drama buff. I really hope that a season 3 is forthcoming. If you liked this then I'd also recommend the one off Norwegian drama Nobel.