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- BBC
- Oct 13, 2015
- BBC
- Oct 13, 2015
- BBC
- Oct 13, 2015
- BBC
- Oct 13, 2015
Season Episodes
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It is simply astonishing to find the police procedural as cleverly reinvented as it is in River, and with such wry, poignant force. It is brilliantly done, a little masterpiece of entertainment raised to the level of grave, heartbreaking storytelling.
The show’s premise could easily have made this a silly enterprise, but with Mr. Skarsgard’s tight performance anchoring things, it instead is a first-rate psychological study.
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 38 User Ratings
8.4
87% Positive
33 Ratings
33 Ratings
8% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
5% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 38 User Ratings
8.4
87% Positive
33 Ratings
33 Ratings
8% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
5% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
Magnificent, just magnificent! Easily one of the best dramas I've ever seen on television and very likely the best. First, the script is brilliantly written with intelligence, beauty, and a true literary sense. The actors, beginning with Stellan and all the others play their roles with commitment and great skill. Direction is obviously strong and the visuals are complimentary.
Normally I grouse about something, but will not this time as I find River to have been an unparalleled effort in my history of watching since the dawn of television. Enjoy!
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SEASON 1
Better described as a top notch, engrossing, 6 hour movie than a tv show. I had a bit of difficulty with the first episode (why would an officer pursuing a fleeing suspect be accused, by the media and by fellow officers, of "chasing that suspect to death"?). I am very happy that we returned to watch the second episode. Stellan Skarskaard's performance is unparalleled. He can say more than any other actor I can think of without uttering a word. The supporting actors are also first rate, especially Leslie Manville as River's supervisor, friend and supporter. To top off a compelling story, the music and photography are cinematic. A great show!
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SEASON 1
If you’re looking for a crime drama with elegantly plotted twists and turns, excitedly charging towards resolution, River probably will not fill that void. However, for those interested in jumping inside the mind of a tormented man? Go right on in... River is waiting to speak to you.
My wife at first did not want to continue with this series as she feared it was too slow. But God am I happy I convinced her to stay with me as I was captivated. Soon, she fell into the web of hypnotic beauty that is River.
I cannot remember since the beginning of all Television where I fell so deeply in love with a tv show.
The music choices were Perfect! The short performances of Eddie Marsan were brilliant. Stellan and Nicola were Perfect together. We have to have more....Please!
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SEASON 1
[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]
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SEASON 1
Just another staggering piece of TV Drama, this truly is the Golden Age! The writing and acting are just off the charts brilliant, wonderful stuff. It is slow, but only by US TV Network standards. If your used to the more adult pacing of Euro TV you won't have any issues here. It's also a show with many themes, one of which is people who are "different" having to conform to what society deems "normal". Stellan Skarskaard does an amazing job of conveying this, just incredible acting. Again, amazing writing, top class acting, what more could any viewer want?
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SEASON 1
A series that gets stronger and stronger. An important attempt to give perspective on living with and self-managing mental illness in the context of a demanding job. Abi Morgan presents a nuanced characterisation of the lead, and there is a wonderful performance by Stellan Skarsgård. Take time to let this settle – don't watch it in a hurry and you may well find it one of the most rewarding TV series you have seen in a while
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SEASON 1
Stellan Skarsgård joue habituellement les seconds ou troisièmes couteaux dans nombre de productions hollywoodiennes mais il brille ici au tout premier plan dans cette série anglaise et le rôle de cet inspecteur qui se tient au bord du précipice de la folie. Il fait partie sans doute de ceux que l'on nomme les "borderline", un psychotique non finalisé qui entend des voix et qui voit les morts et entretient de longues conversations avec ces chers disparus...
La mise en scène exploite à fond son délire, alternant l'humour du vieux timbré avec ses moments de détresse et d'abattement, car ce sont également ses vieux démons qui lui parlent et le persécutent de temps à autre : il n'est pas rare de le voir balancer des chaises dans le vide comme un détraqué tout en criant devant tout le monde, perdu dans son monde intérieur.
Le noeud du problème est bien entendu sa collègue assassinée sur laquelle il mène l'enquête tentant de démêler l'écheveau d'une intrigue ô combien tarabiscotée, tirée par les cheveux et finalement aussi délirante que peut l'être son propre délire. Malgré seulement ses 6 épisodes, la série réussit le tour de force de se traîner comme une pauvre limace neurasthénique, ne dévoilant que pas à pas les tenants et aboutissants aberrants emballés à la hâte dans une guimauve aussi exagérée que maladroite.
Malgré ce sujet au potentiel éminemment intéressant, malgré la sacrée performance de l'acteur suédois, River est une occasion gâchée et une opportunité manquée, poussive et quasi caricaturale dans son développement. Dommage.
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SEASON 1