Looking forward First of all, I want to say that to make a film adaptation of famous book series is ungrateful. After reading the books, readers have their own idea of the characters, their characters, places of action, etc. Everyone has their own characters and characters. That’s where the problem arises, because the writers and the director have their own idea of what it should look like. Despite the fact that it is still necessary to somehow cram everything into the designated timekeeping, as a result of which some details that are in the book inevitably disappear. It seems to me that four episodes (about 180 minutes) per book are quite short. I repeatedly had the feeling that something was missing, it was not immediately clear what was happening and why on the screen, that is, there was no integrity of the picture, it turned out like “it seems that we are missing something”. So,
the first problem is not a very good scenario.
The second problem is the cast. Here before me everything has been said and discussed not once, there is no point in repeating: someone does not play, someone overplays, someone does not even look very suitable. There is probably a small budget here: what you paid for, you got it. Plus the director's vision again. But none of the actors cause me strong rejection either. Separately, I would like to note the role of Artem. He looks very good in his role, quite convincingly plays a chela, drawn into the Secret City against his will and as if by accident. The truth slightly annoys him “super” and “it’s clear what is incomprehensible here...”
Marcin Rui almost got into the role, in the future, I hope it will go better – the potential seems to be there, but for now he lacks some charisma that Santiago should have. Plus, I always thought the commissioner should look older, but he's 30 years old in the book, so let's leave that point. In general, looking at the photos, I thought that he would not reach the role of Commissioner of the Dark Court, but in dynamics he looks good. Although I can’t even imagine anyone else in this role right now, I believe and hope, in short... Accent, I do not bother at all, in principle you get used to it gradually.
Cortez. It looks very harmonious, like a mercenary. But he could have been younger.
Kornilov and Shustov. It's also pretty good and convincing.
Pticius. He's pretty, even though he has his hair. It's very convincing.
Red caps. They left a strange impression, but let them be.
For me, the main file is the Prince, Lasvegas and Herald. We won't see the messenger again, so that's fine with it. We need to do something about the prince and the Lasvegas.
The rest of the images and actors somehow did not hook me, that is, about them neither good nor bad.
The third problem is special effects, there is no point in repeating this. They look not just cheap, but very cheap. But for me it is not so critical – after all, not a Hollywood blockbuster was shot.
In general, summing up, I will say one thing: against the background of other series of pro cops, bandits and milkmaids from Khatsapetovka looks really new, at least because we have not had such a thing yet.
I am glad that the creators of the series listen to criticism and are ready to cooperate with all interested (for example, they are even ready to reshoot the scene of the battle between the Prince and the Herald). You can help with both money and ideas. So, all dissatisfied, dare while you have time.
For now, estimate
5 And +1 for the attempt (because 'Trying is the first step to failure' and the creators were not afraid and made it), +1 for the future, I hope very much that it will be better.
7 out of 10 Original