Infâmia

It's quiet a good story about a young Roma girl who moves from United Kingdom to Poland. It starts all good, but it tends to be so so boring. I mean it is a good story, they show us where she began, how free she was living her life before and how difficult it is for her to cope with the Roma style of living and rules. But it gets so long and the story slows down too quickly. At first, after two first episodes I put nine out of ten but as I moved on to the fourth and fifth etc episodes I couldn't see the time for it to get to the end. I love polish cinema and don't get me wrong, actors are good, picture is good, but the story gets too long.

It's a look into Roma life, but doesn't dive too deeply. The main theme is culture clash, main characters are Roma but they move to Poland from Wales, Roma live next to Poles, younger, more modern generations vs old, set in their ways generations.

Storytelling relies too much on stereotypes. Patriarchy, women have no voice, family is everything but follow the rules are you are kicked out, Poles are racist..... Plenty of stuff is exaggerated.

It's not a bad series, as such. There is some drama, some character development, but overall it feels script is too constrained by the image of Roma and how they interact with others to develop a solid story.

It is a beautiful show. Deep dives into forbidden love emotions, Romani culture, the social gap in the Romani community and the racially hatred divided society in the former socialist-communist European block. Joining Eurpean Union and having access to marijuana did not change the hatred and the fear of challenging the status quo.. The show does create an empathetic perpective to the viewer. Well done to the producers!!

One criticism though, the script could have been better documented: associating Romani with Romania or originating from Romania is another broad biased or incorrect fact which not challenged, not sure why even brought in the script . Roma people are everywhere, speak same language in any country and they suffer the hatred and social injustice just as much in Romania.

In one word: WOW. What a show. Everything from the story and characters to the music and atmosphere are simply spectacular. This is the kind of quality that rarely comes along, and I hope it wins dozens of awards. The show is moving, gritty, poignant, and searing in its commentary on modern life for Roma communities. Zofia is breathtaking, and supported by a fantastic ensemble cast.

The cinematography is atmospheric, beautiful, and oftentimes magical. The writing is sharp, powerful, and moves the story along with intensity and heart. It doesn't shy away from the racism and brutality Roma people face daily, yet balances this heaviness with beautiful moments of connection and joy.

The actors are all fantastic. The music is touchingly haunting. I don't have enough words of praise to heap on this series. GO. WATCH IT. It's easily one of the top 3 things Netflix has put out this year. I literally signed up to IMDb just to be able to review it - it's that good.

This was my first time binge-watching a Netflix show, but I had to cut it short as I had to get up for work the next morning. There are just two more episodes left for me to finish. I absolutely adore the main character, the cinematography is exceptional, the soundtrack is on point (I've already started listening to it in my car), the characters are intriguing, and I find it fascinating to get a glimpse into the lives of these communities in my neighboring state. It feels like a relatable experience, growing up in similar panel flat neighborhoods. Yes, I'm loving the show and especially Zofia.