A political drama about a prime minister's rise to power, and how power changes a prime minister.A political drama about a prime minister's rise to power, and how power changes a prime minister.A political drama about a prime minister's rise to power, and how power changes a prime minister.
- Won 1 BAFTA Award
- 9 wins & 13 nominations total
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In many countries, this century has seen dozens of political dramas where "dry" politics does not prevail, it is rather a background/motive/reason to picture human relations and their changes proceeding from changes in circumstances. Borgen is a fine Danish example of respective matters, without the simplified approach "bad politicians - good journalists", and that even famous people at high places are humans and personalities, with their ups and downs, feelings and sexual life. Of course, Denmark is more "open" here than many other countries and only a few positions are separated from "ordinary" people by security guards, but still... Apart from sharp and logical script, there are diversified performances, beginning with Sidse Babett Knudsen as the protagonist Birgitte Nyborg Christensen up to less frequent appearances by not less famous actors such as Lars Brygmann, Jens Albinus, Lars Mikkelsen - to name a few...
True, there are some trivial elements available almost in all Scandinavian crime series (e.g. Child molestation) and there are several similarities with Adam Price's previous creation Anna Pihl, but nevertheless, Borgen is a series that could be mandatory for both viewers and politicians, particularly ahead of any elections. Because not is all as it seems when power and fame come into question.
PS Season 3 is strong comeback, even "green" topics are depicted in a sensible, not annoying manner. And SBK steals the show everywhere, sometimes perhaps too much...
True, there are some trivial elements available almost in all Scandinavian crime series (e.g. Child molestation) and there are several similarities with Adam Price's previous creation Anna Pihl, but nevertheless, Borgen is a series that could be mandatory for both viewers and politicians, particularly ahead of any elections. Because not is all as it seems when power and fame come into question.
PS Season 3 is strong comeback, even "green" topics are depicted in a sensible, not annoying manner. And SBK steals the show everywhere, sometimes perhaps too much...
I'm a big fan of the series, but it probably helps that I'm the only British politician (I was an MP for 13 years) who grew up in Denmark. To complement rather than repeat the other reviews, a few words on how realistic it is.
The multi-party negotiations are entirely plausible - that's how Danish politics works, and there are parties that switch allies from time to time. The balance between idealism and scheming is also really well done - most British and American movies and TV series portray all politicians as ruthless power-mongers, but generally politicians like to think they're doing the right thing, just like anyone else. The character are recognisable types - in particular, the far-right leader is clearly modelled on Mogens Glistrup, the entertaining, folksy and erratic founder of the current Progress Party.
The series is maybe a bit weaker on the big political issues, since it has to tackle something complex in an hour, and an issue like Afghanistan can't really be analysed in any depth in that time. The episode on a thinly-veiled Sudan with the smooth, corrupt Northern leader and the plausible Southern leader with some uncomfortable views is gripping but stereotyped. But it works brilliantly with smaller issues, especially those that interweave with the private lives of the protagonists. Above all, it creates sympathetic yet flawed political figures with a non-political private life, so much more like real politicians than the one-dimensional figures that the media try to make us.
The multi-party negotiations are entirely plausible - that's how Danish politics works, and there are parties that switch allies from time to time. The balance between idealism and scheming is also really well done - most British and American movies and TV series portray all politicians as ruthless power-mongers, but generally politicians like to think they're doing the right thing, just like anyone else. The character are recognisable types - in particular, the far-right leader is clearly modelled on Mogens Glistrup, the entertaining, folksy and erratic founder of the current Progress Party.
The series is maybe a bit weaker on the big political issues, since it has to tackle something complex in an hour, and an issue like Afghanistan can't really be analysed in any depth in that time. The episode on a thinly-veiled Sudan with the smooth, corrupt Northern leader and the plausible Southern leader with some uncomfortable views is gripping but stereotyped. But it works brilliantly with smaller issues, especially those that interweave with the private lives of the protagonists. Above all, it creates sympathetic yet flawed political figures with a non-political private life, so much more like real politicians than the one-dimensional figures that the media try to make us.
Borgen is a Danish political drama, similar to House of Cards, and may be the best political show I have seen! The show focuses not only on politics, but on the lives of those involved in it, including their families, and their personal struggles.I just got through binge watching seasons 1-3 in about a week, and just heard the news that a fourth season will be coming in 2022!
10samidaho
We all know a great TV show when we see one and this one is a great one. I am so tired of American drama that seems to all be written by one crew and all has one plot of killing a person then trying to figure out who did it. Borgen has gripping dramatic plots that is accentuated by great acting. The acting is intense and spectacular, and you have to see it to believe it. The dialogue is well written and the scenes are addictive and gripping. And no commercials or loud sickening music that is needed to keep the audience watching most of the cheesy American TV series. All the characters have there own personalities and show a sense of individualism that is so very refreshing.
I am not one to watch lengthy part series - not at all!! This one just grabbed me and held me tight. The Danes and Sweedish do quality TV, especially in casting and character direction. Compared to many US productions, where characters are often like cardboard cut-outs, this series gave us believable real live human people. Brilliant photography and beautiful direction.
The story too was very well crafted, looking deep into human behaviour, morals and ethics in power, and the consequences of actions taken.
It is a series I will watch again in the future, if just to enjoy the rich texture.
I highly commend the production team and recommend this excellent series.
The story too was very well crafted, looking deep into human behaviour, morals and ethics in power, and the consequences of actions taken.
It is a series I will watch again in the future, if just to enjoy the rich texture.
I highly commend the production team and recommend this excellent series.
Did you know
- TriviaAlthough a fan of the show, Denmark's real female Prime Minister, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, claimed "I've made a point of not watching Sidse Babett Knudsen too closely just to make sure I'm not too influenced by her. If anything, it sometimes feels more as if life is imitating art."
- GoofsWhen subtitled e.g. in news clips, Lars Brygmann's character is sometimes spelled "Troels Höxenhaven" and sometimes "Troels Høxenhaven".
- Crazy creditsBegivenheder og personer i BORGEN er fiktive - men inspireret af virkeligheden. Serien refererer desuden til historiske personer og hændelser i dansk politik før 1982. = Events and people in BORGEN are fictional - but inspired by reality. The series also refers to historical people and events in Danish politics before 1982.
- ConnectionsFeatured in TV!TV!TV!: Reality TV (2011)
- SoundtracksBorgen Main Titles
Written & performed by Halfdan E
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Borgen
- Filming locations
- Christiansborg, Copenhagen, Denmark(parliament exteriors)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime58 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.20 : 1
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What was the official certification given to Borgen - Une femme au pouvoir (2010) in Italy?
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