User reviews

When a high-ranking head of the Swedish Migration Agency is found murdered in his home, the list of suspects is long. As assistant prosecutor, Jana Berzelius steps into the investigation. She is young and brilliant but struggles against terrible nightmares due to her childhood as a war refugee. When the suspect's body is found, Jana recognizes something on his scarred body. The further into the investigation she gets, the more she realizes that it has to do with herself. Sometimes I can feel that the filming feels too dark. Don't know if it's deliberate but it feels barren? The acting from Johan Ulveson is not good at all. Reacted several times already in the first episode that he acts like a beginner in front of the camera! The series is not the best I've seen, but not the worst either. Like that..

Had this been presented with a more sci-fi slant than it was, I might've found it easier to believe the lead character's strange and somewhat inexplicable actions through the series. Some of the dialogue is also quite stilted or unnatural, where Jana might give a better qualifying answer as to why she couldn't do something with her family at any time or other, her lack of this made her less likeable as a character and her motivations and the cohesiveness of her actions less questionable. Not really giving us any insight into the actual role of a prosecutor in the Swedish judicial system also reduces the believability of her actions throughout. It's not engaging enough to warrant further development because she wasn't likeable enough as a character. Her apartment is also far too fancy for a junior lawyer, regardless of her father's implied wealth and standing. The plot was somewhat far fetched too.

This was a good thriller for the first five episodes but I am afraid it degenerated into complete nonsense in the sixth and final episode. Very disappointing. The plot reveal was nonsense.

The actual film for the most part was far too dark. It was extremely difficult to see what was happening. I even had to try and adjust the brightness on the TV.

A lot of holes in the plot regarding the actions of the eponymous Jana and the police.

Familiar faces - Johan Ulvesen (Bonus Family and The Truth Will Out), Fredrik Hallgren (Bonus Family), Suzanne Reuter (The Restaurant).

Madeleine Martin was good in the title role.

This Swedish crime drama is centred on Jana Berzelius, a young woman who is just starting out as an assistant public prosecutor in the town of Norrköping. Her first case proves to be rather personal; Hans Juhlén, the head of the immigration board has been murdered shortly after he had approached her for help. Not just that he helped her get adopted by a prominent family when she was found by the harbour as a child. The investigation will open old wounds and expose decades old secrets.

I thought this was a solid enough addition to the Nordic Noir genre. The story is suitably gripping with some decent twists and turns... as well as quite a few genre clichés. The cast does a solid job bringing their characters to life. I know 'noir' means black but things are often a bit too dark as rooms are under-lit. On the plus side there is plenty of tension, especially towards the end. Talking of the ending; many details are wrapped up but a few are left open suggesting we might get more seasons; if we do I'll certainly be watching. Overall I'd say that this isn't a must see but is still an enjoyable watch.

These comments are based on watching the series in Swedish with English subtitles.

Jana Markta för livet is basically about facing the ghosts of the past. It is based on the first book of Emeli Schepp's Jana Berzelius novels. Jana Berzelius is the leading character portrayed by Swedish actress Madeleine Martin. I liked the way how Madeleine Martin is acting and she does not make you irritated. Norrköping is beautiful and it is fascinating to watch the dark atmosphere. August Wittgenstein is great as usual. His performance was great at the Das Boot series. Although there are some plot holes, the series is worth watching. I assume that there may be a second season. I will certainly watch it. Finally, I do not think that Madeline Martin needs too much makeup. They should reserve her natural beauty.

I watched it all and more fool me.

Just the premisses we are expected to swallow are unbelievable. Chief prosecutors break the law, eminent psychiatrists prescribe illegal medicines, trainee prosecutors break into private and commercial properties. All this is against a backdrop of a Svengali figure training and controlling an army of Bene Gesserit-like fighting children.

One might say these kids were hidden in plain sight but their base is just about the most ridiculous one imaginable. Where would their food have come from in this industrial wasteland?

Contrived climaxes and discoveries abound. There's no actual detective work at all. Lucky coincidences lead to the next episode of ridiculousness. Horrifyingly, there's a semi cliffhanger at the end. We might be subjected to more of this nonsense.

If you like thrillers, the scenes are perfect for a sense of fear. Great acting by Madeleine! The plot is exciting and in my opinion there must be more seasons.

I come from Germany and have to watch the series with English subtitles. However, this is not a problem, because the clearly structured action keeps the red thread.

You can put yourself well in the shoes of the characters and through further finds and experiences, the tension remains until the end.

For anyone who doesn't like thrillers, this series is the perfect introduction. Not too confusing and cruel. Has a couple of places where you are scared, but that's exactly the thrill.

(I'm 18) :))

"Jana" is a mesmerizing journey into the world of crime fiction, where the intricate characters and gripping storyline of Emeli Schepp's novels come alive on the screen. From the very first scene, viewers are drawn into the complex web of suspense and intrigue that surrounds Jana Berzelius, a character whose depth and complexity are brilliantly portrayed by the talented cast.

The director's meticulous attention to detail shines through in every frame, creating a rich and immersive atmosphere that transports audiences into the heart of the story. Each character is brought to life with nuance and depth, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested in their fates.

What sets this adaptation apart is its ability to seamlessly weave together elements of mystery, drama, and suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. From the smallest gestures to the grandest revelations, every moment is crafted with care and precision, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the series is its ability to hint at events from the past, adding layers of depth and complexity to the storyline. These subtle nods not only enrich the viewing experience but also serve to deepen our understanding of the characters and their motivations.

Overall, "Jana" is a captivating adaptation of Emeli Schepp's Jana Berzelius series brought to life on screen is a must-watch for fans of crime fiction and mystery. With its compelling characters, intricate storyline, and masterful direction, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences everywhere.

It's billed as a ( sort of ) detective series ? It's absolutely nothing of the sort ! What annoyed me the most ( there is a lot of it that's annoying, sadly ) Is the lighting , the direction around it and a lot of mumbled dialogue . It tries from the very outset to be edgy and atmospheric, but fails lamentably . The acting is some of the poorest I've seen in an age ; Madeleine Martin ( try as she might ) is no Sofie Grabol , not even close and there are several other peripheral characters who are just as inept . Will we ever get another fantastic Scandi noir again ? The days of The Bridge and The Killing seem very distant indeed.

This flawed new crime series is so weak that it makes you cringe from the first minutes. Unaware of its supposedly successful source material, the screen adaption is so poor in every aspect from writing to overall execution. Even the title sequence, which is perhaps its most professional aspect, is so cliché and uninventive it makes you wonder who approved of this mess.

Without going into to detail, the screenwriting is so amateurish and on the nose that even a first year film school student could achieve better. And the poor directing and cinematography reminds you of older B-movies where numerous coincidences and illogical stagings makes you cringe at every corner.

I especially feel sad that the talented Pernilla August performance is reduced to a student film. That's no small achievement for the so-called creators.

Impressive swedish drama, a slow but well executed one! Acting and plot very good. I normally never write reviews.

Her character is obviously the most developed one, and I loved her style. All characters have dimension, but we need to know more now. They left us hanging. I would say the last ep was the worst one or the plot failed me a little. But damn otherwise it had everything i need. Loved that it isn't a typical Swedish drama, for me it stands out in a good way but I guess it's not for everyone. Some suprising moments, and some horrific like the opening🔥 also a bonus for the car she driving.

Okay, this series has some major flaws. First, the way her adopted parents treat her traumatic childhood - I mean the level of ignorance displayed is a little hard to believe for highly educated, affluent people. Very surprising, given her adopted father's profession. I mean, no real effort given to find out why she was traumatized. I mean, come on..... Second, the treatment she received for her trauma. Why so secretive?

And, finally the biggest problem with the series and why I believe it lead to the many negative reviews. The series is just to short for the storyline being covered. I believe several of the mental leaps that you have to make and lack of fleshing out of the main character are due to it only being six episodes. Both a complex main character and storyline needed that.

So be prepared. If you can ready yourself for these, then you'll have a very enjoyable experience.

Nonsensical plot, second rate production....what was with all the water at every scene change? Amateurish. Lost count of the holes in the story, more frequent and bigger than our local potholes.

Acting was often clunky and unnatural. My credulity was strained too many times;Jana should have been removed from any investigation early on as she was clearly a disturbed and damaged character. I blame myself for wasting so many hours hoping that it might get better.!

Not deserving of the category scandinoir; please, do not consider making series 2 or more!

There is only so much drivel a person can absorb in one lifetime!

As always with Swedish police thriller productions the writing is lazy and technically wrong. Appalling acting and cringy. A series trying to be tuff and Hollywoody but falls flatter than an extras paycheck.

The scenery from the town if Norrköping is beautiful though, and the photos between scenes are excellent. The series has a dark image during the harsh Swedish winter, with dark scenery ivy snow in a mix.

The series is predictable and boring, flat characters and above all: the lead roll is extremely boring with total lack of acting. Is rather see Plan 9 from outer space than watch this travesty again.

No spoilers here, just a time-saving warning. Don't bother watching.

The storyline and acting are dire. Every turn of events occurs through blundering and inept steps taken by the main protagonists, be they the police or prosecutors (of which the lead character is one).

If you do attempt to persevere with the series, suspend your judgement or you'll end up like me. Howling at the TV.

How this ridiculous mess of a series can have been created when there are wonderful Scandi-noire series that could have been used as an example of how to make good drama. And by that I cite The Killing, The Bridge, Wallender.