Livstid (2012) Reviews

• Silence

  jotix1002013-08-30

  A police patrol car is called to investigate about shots in an apartment. Nina Hoffman, the female cop, has reasons to fear the worst, after all, she knows the occupants of the place, her friends David and Julia Lindholm. The discovery of David's bleeding body, makes Nina think of the worst, the fate of Julia and her son Alexander. Julia is hysterical, and babbling, but little Alexander is missing. Thus, begins the fifth episode in the series about a courageous young newspaper reporter, Annika Bengtzon, who is sent to get information on the tragedy. Being both policemen, the Lindholms' case takes priority within the department. Nina, who is contacted by Annika,is reluctant to share any news about her friends. After all, there is a secret code of honor with the police, not to reveal anything that might be wrong among its members. Annika gets lucky when she talks to the man in charge of the department of police, Christer Bure, an enigmatic man who has a lot at stake if the facts about his personal life are revealed. One thing that comes clear is that Bure and David Lindholm have had a lot in common, not only as members of the police, but have been involved in a business enterprise that has made a lot of money. At the same time, Annika, is going through a terrible time in her own life. Having separated from Thomas, she wants total custody of Kalle and Ellen, the children both want. Because of the nature of her work, Annika gets into trouble when it comes to the care of the kids, something Thomas constantly makes a point in his favor. Added to the situation is the threat to Annika's life from the people connected from Bure, masked people who are constantly following her. Directed by Ulf Kvensler, this chapter follows the basic premise presented in the books by Liza Marklund. The Swedish television adaptation is by Antonia Pyk, who wrote a plausible treatment that works well in the medium. The central character is played by Marin Crepin, a young actress who exudes intelligence, as well as the smarts for the jobs she is assigned to cover. The wonderful supporting cast does a wonders to follow Ulf Kvensler's direction.

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• Annika saves the day yet again

  ndk532013-08-13

  The endings of these episodes are predictable and outlandish. In this case of course Annika rushes in to do a rescue single-handedly, dodging bullets. Why not just wait for the police? But no, she must be the star of the show, no matter how implausible. This means she goes into obviously dangerous situations alone and unarmed. It really detracts from the series. It's one thing to be intrepid and ask the tough questions, but another to take foolish risks. The husband's accusation is valid--she takes her job to an extreme, jeopardizing herself and even her family, when she could simply call the police.

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