Nyrkki

I really know nothing about Finnish post war history. I have a vague knowledge of the Soviet invasions in the 1940s but that is about it so this cold war thriller is new territory.

A slow burn series that drew me in bit by bit and with quite a number of unexpected twists.

Who are the real heroes in this? That is perhaps the most difficult question of all.

But atmospheric design and music, quality acting, a script that seamlessly moves between Finnish, Russian, English and Swedish is a fine mix.

Recommended for lovers of cold war spy thrillers. But be warned, it is quite violent and explicit.

The Finns are a dark and twisted people. A romantic comedy from Finland is dark. It is a barren and cold place.

This is real film noir, as good as it gets.

Perhaps the best spy flick I have ever seen? Real trade craft, not the "Good Guys" always win, car chases and explosions. There are no good guys in the real world. Or in 1956 Helsinki.

Finnish title is Nyrkki which means Fist, as in hand, so a bit of a play on words translated to English. Since it was funded by BBC and SBC Australia, the Finns were having a go. Dark and funny those Finns. >FIST was the Finnish Security Intelligence Service now known as SUPO. Helsinki and Berlin were Ground Zero during the Cold War. This film gives you that feel of uncertainty.

Shadow Lines draws a hypothetical plot based on real world events that took place in 1956. The height of the cold war. Historically accurate, amazing acting, breathtaking direction and cinematography.

Subtle and suspenseful. This is a gem. With all characters, Finns, Russians, and Americans speaking their native tongues and subtitles this is not a casual watch. Rather an immersive experience.

Not to be watched if the kids are running amok, the phone is ringing or you are distracted. You will miss all the subtlety. Rainy day and nothing on the agenda? Get the popcorn, the dogs and the blankets. Always cold in Finland!

I enjoyed this, but you have to concentrate. If you are not familiar with Finnish/Russian history and politics it is difficult to understand a lot of what is going on, so I would recommend a binge watch. The best Cold War thriller I have seen for many a year.

Absolutely stunning visually! As a vintage fan, I loved the authentic feel of the early 1900's in the show. The outfits, the style, the hair, the suits, the furtinute, the settings, the cigarettes, the music... Beautiful!

The performance of Uusivirta, Grabowsky, Vauramo and Petersson were very enjoyable. Parviainen in the lead I found to be a bit too restrained and aloof. Great at moments though, especially in the final episode! I would have loved to see what Kosonen would have done with her character, since her fight scene was a breath of fresh air!

Sure this show had some stumbles, but all in all it created a very intriguing fictional world of espionage and betrayal. I've never seen this type of storyline and energy in Finnish productions. Great pace and twists!

OK, so here's the deal. NOT A SPOILER ALERT!!!! SHOULD READ BEFORE WATCHING The show begins in 1955. Finland is technically it's own country but it's under Soviet Union's Dictator/ Bad Guy/ Communism "you could be executed for stealing an orange" Rule (as well as that evil dudes federal police, the shady as f$&k The KGB). Some people in Finland want to still be Communists but be separate ("doesn't answer to Moscow") from the Soviet Union and have a Finish (but Russian ideology influenced) President who supports Communism. The main characters and plot revolve around several of these people. They also happen to be "The Security Police" to make sure this happens. Lastly, there are people in Finland that want to be "influenced by the west" and believe in Democracy like the Americans. The show is about these three sides.