The Killing: Is A Terrific Nordic Noir

The Killing (Forbrydelsen/2007-2012/Danish) series is a terrific Nordic Noir from Denmark. In this Danish police procedural drama series created by Søren Sveistrup, the lead actress, Sofie Gråbøl, plays the protagonist brilliantly.

One can also find the series named The Killing (2011-14) from the USA. Although we have seen both the Danish and the US versions of The Killing series, we loved its Danish version more. The American cable network AMC in 2011 produced The Killing in a USA remake. That USA show stars Mireille Enos in the lead. And that has a slightly different storyline than the original Danish series Forbrydelsen. Now, before we delve any further into the details of The Killing (Forbrydelsen) series, allow us to explain the Nordic Noir genre briefly. We humbly suggest that one must watch the original TV series Forbrydelsen from Denmark first.

Spoiler-Free Brief Review: The Killing (Forbrydelsen) Series

The Synopsis

Police Detective Sarah Lund (Sofie Gråbøl) takes on and investigates a series of complex and difficult murder cases, each with personal implications and political consequences.

In a way, The Killing (Forbrydelsen) series defined the Nordic Noir. 

Nordic Noir

“The Nordic Noir is most often considered to be a specific genre of TV series. However, it also includes literature, film productions, and video games. Besides, it has even been extended to style, design, and music. Its key elements include a murky atmosphere, dark narratives, and flawed protagonists. Its popularity may lie in the fact that it usually undercuts the dominant narrative of the Nordics as thriving states with happy people and successful economies, but there is a dark underbelly here, too.”

Nordics

Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland Islands are part of the Nordic Region. The Nordic Noir is also known as Scandinavian Noir or Scandi Noir, as it is set in the Nordic or Scandinavian nations. This kind of crime fiction genre is usually written from a police point of view.

Great tales, music, cinematography, & direction

We enjoyed every minute of this incredible crime drama – great themes, tight storylines, superb acting, haunting music, et al. We think this dark and haunting crime drama from Denmark might leave you shaken to your core. This slow-burning police procedural drama from Denmark is of pretty high quality.

We loved the layered storyline of this crime drama. It has so many twists and turns that we found it a captivating watch. Besides, the awesome theme music (and background music) of this series still haunts us, whenever we listen to it. They have put together a beautiful piece of music.

The cinematography and direction of this Nordic drama only accentuated the tension-filled atmosphere in this crime thriller.

Sofie Gråbøl excelled in the lead role

In the leading role of Detective Sarah Lund, actor Sofie Gråbøl has excelled and carried this show on her shoulders. And on a side note, we loved her collection of beautiful sweaters (winter wear – pullovers) that she has worn in this engrossing crime series. No, we are serious about the high-quality designs of her sweaters. If you don’t believe us, then check her pictures on the posters shared below. We liked the work of its Danish ensemble star cast. Especially, Ann Eleonora Jørgensen, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Olaf Johannessen, Lars Mikkelsen, Søren Malling, etc., across its three seasons.

The ensemble cast of wonderful actors has supported the lead actress, Sofie Gråbøl, superbly. All of them made this complex crime story an engrossing watch.

The conclusion

We appreciate the beauty of a very well-written, directed and acted crime Nordic Noir drama. Not surprisingly, this Danish show has crossed borders and garnered critical acclaim in other European countries – particularly in the United Kingdom, Germany and The Netherlands.

Since then, this Scandi Noir “Forbrydelsen” has become an international hit. We believe The Killing (Forbrydelsen) is a must-watch Nordic series.

Oh yes. Surely. Positively. Definitely.

Key Details about The Killing (Forbrydelsen) Series

The Killing {Forbrydelsen/Season 1/2007} Series

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Detective Sarah Lund (Sofie Gråbøl) puts her retirement plans on hold when a young girl is found brutally murdered in a car linked to prominent politician Troels Hartmann (Lars Mikkelsen). As she tracks the intricate web of suspects, Sarah becomes increasingly consumed by the case. This highly acclaimed Danish crime thriller spans the course of a 20-day police investigation into the murder of a young girl.

The Killing {Forbrydelsen/Season 2/2009} Series

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Two years after the Nanna Birk Larsen case, Sarah Lund (Sofie Gråbøl) is a shell of her former self. But when the body of a woman is found with ties to the military and the political sphere, Detective Inspector Sarah returns to hunt a violent, calculated killer. Season two of the series has ten episodes, where part of the police investigation supposedly takes place in Afghanistan.

The Killing {Forbrydelsen/Season 3/2012} Series

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After 25 years in the police force, Sarah Lund (Sofie Gråbøl) is finally at peace. But when a young girl is kidnapped, she finds herself caught between a wealthy shipping family and the prime minister as the case leads to a dark secret that implicates every party. This original Scandi Noir offers an insight into the political and business worlds of Denmark.

Awards Won by The Killing (Forbrydelsen) Series

Check out a few more Nordic Noir:-
The Bridge, 
Trapped,&
Borgen.

Frans Bak - The Killing (Forbrydelsen) EPK | YouTube | Superb Music

Featured & Other Images: The Killing (Forbrydelsen) | IMDb.