75 reviews
The most notable part of this series was the general ineptness and response time of Dutch police.
After a terrorist attack occurs in the center of Amsterdam at a market or mall, the Dutch security forces, which appears to consist of roughly 10 men, is called up out at their house in Groningen or Maastricht. After taking their morning cappuccinos they decided to bike to the scene of the crime. On children's bikes. This all left ample time for the terrorists and victims to get to know eachother.
Besides this, the 4 low-IQ'd employees at the Dutch FBI (aivd) are only focussed on interrogating the main character's wife, all while one of them is dating the boss of the main character(?).
The acting varies and the story is flat out predictable. The action scenes are actually pretty ok except for the realisticness of it all.
This leads to a rating of 3 or 4 stars. But in the NL we call that a masterpiece! I recommend.
After a terrorist attack occurs in the center of Amsterdam at a market or mall, the Dutch security forces, which appears to consist of roughly 10 men, is called up out at their house in Groningen or Maastricht. After taking their morning cappuccinos they decided to bike to the scene of the crime. On children's bikes. This all left ample time for the terrorists and victims to get to know eachother.
Besides this, the 4 low-IQ'd employees at the Dutch FBI (aivd) are only focussed on interrogating the main character's wife, all while one of them is dating the boss of the main character(?).
The acting varies and the story is flat out predictable. The action scenes are actually pretty ok except for the realisticness of it all.
This leads to a rating of 3 or 4 stars. But in the NL we call that a masterpiece! I recommend.
Until the last ( and quite frankly ridiculous episode ). There is quite a lot of shoot outs and gory, terrorist based violence. That is where the initial investment in the main protagonists takes speed. Unfortunately, we get sidetracked on a few occasions with random characters that don't give anything to the plot. Add to that, innumerable flashbacks all covering the same scene - I think I couldn't one of the same repeat scenes at least half a dozen times. Back the ending of the series itself ; the episodes 4 and 5 were gut wrenching and extremely well done ( although the rookie/ hero cops were soon forgotten in the plot ). The last episode smacked seriously of a budget that simply ran out and the direction and script became the principal victim.
- TomatoesareRotten
- Dec 19, 2023
- Permalink
- discardability
- Dec 22, 2023
- Permalink
I have been watching a lot of Dutch shows lately and I prefer them over your average Netflix show. So whenever a new Dutch show is released, this girl is happy!
But, with The Golden hour, Dutch television just went up an extra notch. Boy, was it good. In every aspect: acting (you just forget you're watching and you get sucked into the story immediately), storyline and writing, camerawork and cinematography, but also sets and extra's. I don't know if people who helped bring this show to life are reading this... but I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed watching it. In spite of the very difficult topic.
It had me on the edge of my seat throughout the episodes and I can't wait for season 2 to be released.
Quick note: I'm your average Jane, so I have minimal knowledge of police and detective work. This review is just based on my personal experience as a viewer.
But, with The Golden hour, Dutch television just went up an extra notch. Boy, was it good. In every aspect: acting (you just forget you're watching and you get sucked into the story immediately), storyline and writing, camerawork and cinematography, but also sets and extra's. I don't know if people who helped bring this show to life are reading this... but I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed watching it. In spite of the very difficult topic.
It had me on the edge of my seat throughout the episodes and I can't wait for season 2 to be released.
Quick note: I'm your average Jane, so I have minimal knowledge of police and detective work. This review is just based on my personal experience as a viewer.
- alisdairgordon
- Jan 11, 2024
- Permalink
As Episode 1 of "The Golden Hour" (2022 release from the Netherlands; 6 episodes ranging from 47 to 50 min each) opens, we are in "Amsterdam", where we get to know Mardik, a detective who grew up in Afghanistan but now a longtime resident in the Netherlands and married to a Dutch lady. In a parallel story line, we are introduced to Faysal, a childhood friend of Mardik, who now has become a hardline extremist and terrorist... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: almost from the get-go, this mini-series is tense, and it stays tense. Beware: there are several terrorist attacks that are brought with a shocking level of realism, and this is most definitely not for the feint of heart. That aside, the mini-series reminded me of the Jason Bourne franchise, with its relentless pace and handheld camera work. Bottom line: I quite enjoyed it (I grew up in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, so it was fun to follow along in the original Dutch version).
"Het Gouden Uur" premiered in Fall of 2022 on Dutch TV. I had never heard of it, but Netflix recently recommended it to me based on my viewing habits. Glad I took up Netflix on it. If you are in the mood for a hard-hitting, fact-paced terrorists' action mini-series, I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: almost from the get-go, this mini-series is tense, and it stays tense. Beware: there are several terrorist attacks that are brought with a shocking level of realism, and this is most definitely not for the feint of heart. That aside, the mini-series reminded me of the Jason Bourne franchise, with its relentless pace and handheld camera work. Bottom line: I quite enjoyed it (I grew up in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, so it was fun to follow along in the original Dutch version).
"Het Gouden Uur" premiered in Fall of 2022 on Dutch TV. I had never heard of it, but Netflix recently recommended it to me based on my viewing habits. Glad I took up Netflix on it. If you are in the mood for a hard-hitting, fact-paced terrorists' action mini-series, I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.
- paul-allaer
- Dec 24, 2023
- Permalink
This Dutch terrorist attack drama is gripping and will have you on the edge of your seats. The violence is intense and some might say gratuitous , but perhaps is the most realistic aspect of this drama. The hero of the tale, an Afghan migrant who became a Dutch cop is well portrayed. The way the Dutch secity services and emergency services dealt with the various attacks was hopefully not reflective of these services in reality and though totally unbelievable didn't detract from a plot that was never dull and kept ones attention from the first minute of episode 1 right to the last minute of episode 6. I hear a second series is planned: bring it on!!
- johnlett-29225
- Dec 29, 2023
- Permalink
- brainwerx-1
- Dec 18, 2023
- Permalink
One of the best Dutch series I have seen. I will also honestly say that I am not a big fan of a lot of meaningless action, that is, without a plot, but here there is an interesting and also strong story. Most of the series is filmed in Ede, not Amsterdam. It's great to have chosen another city, because Holland is muuuch more than the tourist massacre of Amsterdam.
It even seemed a little short to me due to the great variety of action that barely let you move and keep you on the edge of the chair, a lot of tension and very exciting. Time goes by very quickly watching this one.
The actors are all quite good and the the action scenes and editing do not disappoint.
Of course, as in every series, there are always stupid and unrealistic moments, like the racism present, and the torture of a minor and her mother are taken out of context. On the other hand some of the passive decisions of the Dutch police are quite realistic.
Don't miss it if you like action combined with a good story. And.. I'm waiting for the second season. Please don't take too long.
It even seemed a little short to me due to the great variety of action that barely let you move and keep you on the edge of the chair, a lot of tension and very exciting. Time goes by very quickly watching this one.
The actors are all quite good and the the action scenes and editing do not disappoint.
Of course, as in every series, there are always stupid and unrealistic moments, like the racism present, and the torture of a minor and her mother are taken out of context. On the other hand some of the passive decisions of the Dutch police are quite realistic.
Don't miss it if you like action combined with a good story. And.. I'm waiting for the second season. Please don't take too long.
The first 4 episodes are of a high level in terms of tension, acting, screenplay, writing and so on. T leaves you gasping for breath and you sit on the edge of your seat
I would give it a 9. Then it becomes less believable, the playing is exaggerated and the lyrics often make no sense anymore. They also want to rush way too much in the last episode, which is a shame. The 1st 4 episodes deserved a much better sequel. Hopefully the makers will be able to reach that level again in a next season. Due to the last 2 episodes I end up with a lower rating unfortunately. I definitely recommend the series so watch everyone.
- belgique_moi
- Nov 21, 2022
- Permalink
This is a great story about hatred, ignorance and prejudice and leaves no side unsullied. In a world where whole races of people are considered good or bad because of their birthplace, skin colour and religion, it's refreshing to see the hypocrisy of those a westerner like myself is expected to feel "one of us". Innocence, trust and the implicit sense of safety enjoyed by most of us Europeans is challenged violently here.
The acting I felt was very credible, good casting very good script and the production was also very good. I imagine it was quite low budget but the was little indication of that, very well worth watching. I became engaged quickly with the characters, I think because the subtitling seemed to be reasonably true.
The only failing being the wait I have now for season 2.
The acting I felt was very credible, good casting very good script and the production was also very good. I imagine it was quite low budget but the was little indication of that, very well worth watching. I became engaged quickly with the characters, I think because the subtitling seemed to be reasonably true.
The only failing being the wait I have now for season 2.
- nickwiles-15507
- Dec 21, 2023
- Permalink
Intriguing stoey, but the acting is bad, sometimes even very bad. The extra's do a better job than most of the main actors. Some scenes which were ment to be shocking just make me laugh. Ok, therre are definatly good parts, which show the makers did do some research. How do people respond on violence, what kimd of emotions do terrorist go through, stuff like that. Which made me almost forgive the total absence of bystanders after one of the events. Unfortunatly the researchbudget ran out on the psychology. There obvious was no money left for historical research. When taking the age of the main afghan characters in mind, it was impossible for them to have encounter western troops in afghanistan. In the most optimistical way the russians just left, but it took about 15 year before the UN intervened in Afghanistan to fight the Taliban. The actor were way too old to make it believeble they were only living 20 years in the Netherlands. Further more the absurbt way the aivd was depicted (dutch nsi). The writers were peobably smoking some bad stuff or did sau too many american movies. Ow and seeing a stuntperson jump over a fene before falling down was really funny, too bad it ment to be sad and horrible instead. I was able to watch the complete series, so it must somehow be watchable. That is why I give it a 6, even though it was bad and it deserves less points than 6 our of 10.
- svanwelie-177-496844
- Sep 29, 2023
- Permalink
The series in intriging, gripping and a nice piece of action if you do one thing....turn your brain off.
The series is based upon plot devices, entirely on plot devices. A very simple, 'I have to go because my daughter is in trouble' statement could have reduced this series in half. Really. That is all that was needed, and something that 99.9 % of the population would have done. Instead there is silence(for no reason at all except to give the story a plot)...and that is how this entire series go.
All cops are stupid and incompetent, investigators are the bad guys for no reason at all, and the victims are so uncharaccteristically dumb that yo are actually rooting for their death(I was upset when one victim got away).
The protagonist (and his friends) purposely put themselves in danger for no other reason than to have another episode. Also, people routinely teleport to where they need to be without rhyme or reason. I need to magically be at bad guys' apartment without divulging how I got here, done. Bad buys show up at the random warehouse on time...done.
The series is based upon plot devices, entirely on plot devices. A very simple, 'I have to go because my daughter is in trouble' statement could have reduced this series in half. Really. That is all that was needed, and something that 99.9 % of the population would have done. Instead there is silence(for no reason at all except to give the story a plot)...and that is how this entire series go.
All cops are stupid and incompetent, investigators are the bad guys for no reason at all, and the victims are so uncharaccteristically dumb that yo are actually rooting for their death(I was upset when one victim got away).
The protagonist (and his friends) purposely put themselves in danger for no other reason than to have another episode. Also, people routinely teleport to where they need to be without rhyme or reason. I need to magically be at bad guys' apartment without divulging how I got here, done. Bad buys show up at the random warehouse on time...done.
Ridiculous plot. If the main character did early in the series what most normal people would have done under similar circumstances this series would have been cut in half. Not to mention that if the Dutch police is as incompetent as is shown in this series then I pray for the Dutch people. They are in deep trouble. I suggest that the NYPD send some people to Amsterdam to give the police some pointers.
You might be surprised to find out that according to this series the Dutch police in one of the most liberal countries in the world also tortures innocent people and uses children as human shields.
Otherwise it is a great series ( Not ).
You might be surprised to find out that according to this series the Dutch police in one of the most liberal countries in the world also tortures innocent people and uses children as human shields.
Otherwise it is a great series ( Not ).
- nhaffar-67148
- Dec 30, 2023
- Permalink
- lmonahan91
- Dec 29, 2023
- Permalink
The Dutch series Het Gouden Uur ("The Golden Hour") is a good and realistic thriller series. I finished it last night. Since I live in The Netherlands the language is of course no problem for me.
The series is about several terrorist attacks in Amsterdam. We see the police, the Dutch CIA called AIVD, the terrorists and we follow the hunt for the terrorists.
Dutch script maker Simon de Waal was inspired by the Jason Bourne films: the same fast-paced action but also the same superficial and often vulgar communication between the characters. That's the problem with Dutch films and series: the characters do not communicate professionally.
I've seen a lot of series like Het Gouden Uur made by Scandinavian and British producers and they are so much better: the same fast action and the characters always communicate in a very civilized and professional way.
The series is about several terrorist attacks in Amsterdam. We see the police, the Dutch CIA called AIVD, the terrorists and we follow the hunt for the terrorists.
Dutch script maker Simon de Waal was inspired by the Jason Bourne films: the same fast-paced action but also the same superficial and often vulgar communication between the characters. That's the problem with Dutch films and series: the characters do not communicate professionally.
I've seen a lot of series like Het Gouden Uur made by Scandinavian and British producers and they are so much better: the same fast action and the characters always communicate in a very civilized and professional way.
- amvanklinken
- Oct 24, 2022
- Permalink
I'll get over the anomaly that was very difficult to take in at first. I just don't get why Mardik decided to go it alone. Wouldn't his tips and investigations have been enhanced with the resources of the police force behind him? And it would have kept the internal affairs/Dutch CIA off his back.
That apart, the fast-paced plot and its developments left not a moment to wonder about any other inconsistencies. In addition there were some moments of human interest stories, one of which was particularly touching.
A second season is definitely on its way as is obvious from the final few scenes. I'll be watching it.
That apart, the fast-paced plot and its developments left not a moment to wonder about any other inconsistencies. In addition there were some moments of human interest stories, one of which was particularly touching.
A second season is definitely on its way as is obvious from the final few scenes. I'll be watching it.
I was a bit surprised to discover this really good Dutch action thriller. This show is fast paced and holds you at the edge of your seat during all episodes.
We have literally binge watched the whole thing all at once, which almost never happens.
From the first episode that starts with a good and little bit funny scene, all the way to the final episode... it was all great. Details such as uniforms and protocols seems accurate (as accurate as it can be in such a show) albeit that in real life the police force will respond sooner and with more force. But that would have made the show to be over too soon. So I forgive the show makers for that.
I am looking forward to the next season!
We have literally binge watched the whole thing all at once, which almost never happens.
From the first episode that starts with a good and little bit funny scene, all the way to the final episode... it was all great. Details such as uniforms and protocols seems accurate (as accurate as it can be in such a show) albeit that in real life the police force will respond sooner and with more force. But that would have made the show to be over too soon. So I forgive the show makers for that.
I am looking forward to the next season!
- lucmolenaar
- Dec 31, 2023
- Permalink
- satefan-66546
- Sep 26, 2023
- Permalink
An Afghani-born police officer (Mardik) in the Dutch police is implicated wrongfully in a terrorist plot, that appears to involve dissident middle-Eastern villains. (Their motives are unclear, but plain revenge against Western powers is alluded to).
The story contains one of my favorite plot devices: the crossover character!! In this case, a sort of Internal Affairs cop (female, bossy, unlikeable) switches from chasing our hero of the story to helping him recover his family from another ruthless investigator. That guy is as bad as the terrorists who shoot up innocent people in a mall.
I agree the acting is suspect in places, as are the long drawn-out attacks, but the Director takes time to 'flesh out' several secondary characters. The kind of attacks we see may, sadly, become more numerous in this violent day and age. A handful of ruthless sociopaths can do major damage.
Might add: the story's attack in a mall reminds me that in Israel, well-armed security forces apparently check you 3 times: exiting the car, entering the Mall, and as you window shop! Holland may not be as vigorous-hence the relative (and tragic) ease of the caper.
No sexual activity so far (5.5 episodes in), but several stomach-turning shootings, and a volley of (stupid) F words. Buyer beware. But 9/10 anyway.
The story contains one of my favorite plot devices: the crossover character!! In this case, a sort of Internal Affairs cop (female, bossy, unlikeable) switches from chasing our hero of the story to helping him recover his family from another ruthless investigator. That guy is as bad as the terrorists who shoot up innocent people in a mall.
I agree the acting is suspect in places, as are the long drawn-out attacks, but the Director takes time to 'flesh out' several secondary characters. The kind of attacks we see may, sadly, become more numerous in this violent day and age. A handful of ruthless sociopaths can do major damage.
Might add: the story's attack in a mall reminds me that in Israel, well-armed security forces apparently check you 3 times: exiting the car, entering the Mall, and as you window shop! Holland may not be as vigorous-hence the relative (and tragic) ease of the caper.
No sexual activity so far (5.5 episodes in), but several stomach-turning shootings, and a volley of (stupid) F words. Buyer beware. But 9/10 anyway.
- canuckteach
- Dec 25, 2023
- Permalink
- jvisnjic-57397
- Jan 18, 2024
- Permalink
- vikingtales
- May 6, 2024
- Permalink
- oliverdearlove
- Dec 23, 2023
- Permalink
This concerns fictional terrorist attacks in Holland. As often happens with sensational subject matter "ripped from the headlines." I was concerned this would sink to the level of US network dramatic tropes, "terrorist attack of the week" fare. It mostly does not. Nor does it follow the pattern of Keith Sutherland's 24 series; where, tension is artificially sustained as an end in itself.
What saves it is first, most of the good guys and girls are Afghanis. The main cast features three breakout performances by three newcomers(?). One supporting role, the young, female African police officer is also a breakout performance.
Secondly what saves it is an unusual script which arranges its chess pieces to sustain tension and suspense thru six hour episodes. This is unusually good scripting. Nothing cheap here at all. In quality, I compare it to the Night Agent (2023) on Netflix.
Congratulations to all involved in producing this effort.
What saves it is first, most of the good guys and girls are Afghanis. The main cast features three breakout performances by three newcomers(?). One supporting role, the young, female African police officer is also a breakout performance.
Secondly what saves it is an unusual script which arranges its chess pieces to sustain tension and suspense thru six hour episodes. This is unusually good scripting. Nothing cheap here at all. In quality, I compare it to the Night Agent (2023) on Netflix.
Congratulations to all involved in producing this effort.
- healingtoolbox
- Dec 21, 2023
- Permalink
When such attack occurs, one realises it. India has faced these kind of attacks way back in 2008. While this is fictional, i pray ot does not happen anywhere else. The series should not be seen as just a fictional depiction of violence and terrorism, but also something which if it happens can become a nightmare.
The acting and the direction is average but the content is good. While people who have not experienced it might mot relate to it, but I personally do see similar attacks in Mumbai where they not only attacked one place but multiple other places at the same time.
Overall an average series but I give higher ratings because of the content.
The acting and the direction is average but the content is good. While people who have not experienced it might mot relate to it, but I personally do see similar attacks in Mumbai where they not only attacked one place but multiple other places at the same time.
Overall an average series but I give higher ratings because of the content.
- telangnilesh
- Dec 14, 2023
- Permalink