Reviews
Missions Commandos (2025)
Failed Mission.
If the point of artistic license and dramatisation is to... increase the sense of drama - Missions Commandos (MC) falls about as flat on its face as humanly possible.
What, arguably, could be some of the most dramatic and captivating scenes possible, is turned into a massive yawn fest. Never mind the sense of war and fear of being on a commando mission - if MC sends your mind anywhere other than off to sleep you are to be commended.
Seldom is advice so easy to give; move along people - there is, absolutely, nothing to see here.
As if that wasn't long enough a further 68 characters are required. Sorry for that.
Liberation D-Day to Berlin (2025)
Oh dear...
You could argue that "Liberation D-Day to Berlin"does a reasonable job of describing what the title suggests - but that would have to be in a void of all the other documentaries already covering the topic. Arguably more to the point -you would have to look past some pretty poor use of the English language and be willing to endure a frivolous use of over-rhetoric and hyperbole.
National Geographic's launch of "a brand new" WWII documentary, on VE-day, feels way more done by necessity than for actually having something "new" to say on the subject. It's a shame as there are many new angles from which to show this topic - presenting something so "middle of the road" of what's already been done, so many times before, feels like a waste.
If you know very little about this topic it may be worth a go. If you have some previous knowledge - a wide berth is likely the best advice.
Britain and the Blitz (2025)
Nicely put together.
Britain an the Blitz (BatB) is not your "ordinary" war documentary - it does not focus on; strategic decisions, frontline fighting action or the ongoings in the minds of people on the battlefield. Rather it focuses on the social and fatiguing aspects of life during wartime. It does so pretty well.
BatB covers, as the title implies, the period of the most severe bombing of Britain during the Second World War - from the 7th of September 1940 to the 11th of May 1941.
We are let into the world of some those affected by the relentless bombing of indiscriminate targets. Civilians as well as military, women as well as men, children as well as adults. The whole documentary is in colour which arguably adds to the sense of "being there".
BatB offers no insights into the rationale of "this type of warfare" - it does however offer a few compassionate glimpses into the world of those affected. In so doing it offers a different kind of insight into the effects of war and tells a story that, arguably, should be told more often.
Stenbeck (2025)
Remarkably well done....
Stenbeck shows a rare deeper knowledge of how large famimily businesses often operate on a structural level - and how family dynamics can shift when power and greed come into play.
It is, for an outsider, impossible to know how the "Stenbeck imperium" operated in specific detail - but Stenbeck certainly makes a convincing case of how it may have been.
Direction and acting are on point with regard to conveying "the moment". Cinematography is also spot on in that regard. The artistic license feels, very much, in balance - maintaining a high degree of "message" while successfully building drama.
Character development feels nuanced, Kapitanovic dares to develop complex personalities - veering clear from the temptation of presenting individuals as simply "good or bad".
From a larger perspective Stenbeck offers a glimpse into Swedish politics and culture at a time of transition - shifting from "old school" social democracy to a more market driven society.
This is arguably one of the better BOATS (based on a true story) with regard to both; a financial dynasty and a society in charge.
Stenbeck is most definitely watch worthy... and arguably better than that.
Putin's Playground (2024)
A slippery slope...
From a documentary perspective there are so many issues with Putin's playground (PP) it is hard to know where to begin. Maybe the simplest way to put it is to say; you cannot argue against propaganda with propaganda. If you can't no bothered to put in the hard work - you should probably avoid making a documentary.
Konrad Szolajski's work falls well within the Preaching-To-The-Convinced category - a category that sits deep in the lower end of documtary film making. As such it is unlikely to change anybody's opinion on the addressed subject. Those in agreement may nod their heads, those in disagreement have ample fodder to dismiss the case being made.
It's obvious that Szolajski is on a "crusade" and just as obvious that said crusade is founded on outrage, passion and possibly empathy. However, being lazy with facts, making uncorroborated statements and using populistic rhetoric... doesn't exactly build his case. Especially so given the subject matter.
It's a shame. It would have been interesting to delve deeper into the rationale of people perceiving "the state of affairs" so very differently - and have somebody present some creative ideas as how to get out of this political mess we find ourselves in.
Clock - Socialist Burgers Inc. (2025)
Pathetic
Pathetic is, as it happens, an understatement.
Not quite sure when "blurring the lines" became an acceptable "thing".
Arguably there is some value in using an "artist license " when making films "based on a true story" - this for dramatical purposes. The mockumentary format is harder to build a case for - especially when the mock isn't instantly apparent.
Clock - Socialist Burgers Inc. (Clock) pushes bending of the truth one step further. It wears "the documentary cloak" for way too long - and pushes the prank way too far.
By blending a great proportion of truths with a small amount of desinformation, without clarifying "which is what" - the end product is "just a lie". With that said, it is not easy to place Clock in a genre. A guess, and it is just a guess, is that it is an attempt at humour. Calling Sweden Switzerland is about as amusing as it gets.
There is plenty of desinformation "out there" - way too much. Listing something like Clock as a documentary and leaving it to the viewer to work out that it's "a joke" is a tall order.
The viewing experience resembles the sensation of having been told an intricate lie and when the liar is caught out - being told "it was just a joke".
This kind of production is not needed anywhere and, is arguably damaging.
Lantisar (2019)
Really...
Not sure if it is possible to write a more generic, more boring, film. How did anybody come to the conclusion that this is a film worth making? The end product is one that only could be loved by someone involved in the production.
If you have read the synopsis - you know it all. Viewing will likely lead you down a path of excruciating boredom - only to confirm, more or less, what you were expecting.
Lantisar is an arty film - barred the art (leaving only the "Y").
There is some nice cinematography - which is the only redeeming feature of this, borderline, indescribably bland affair. If you value your time this is one to veer away from.
In summary; no and don't.
Marilyn Manson Unmasked (2024)
Unmasking the intent to turn people against each other.
A documentary mess. And yet another example of misleading packaging. With no in-deapth knowledge on the topic of Marilyn Manson/Brian Hugh Warner prior to watching this series - NOTHING has changed after being put through the misery of watching all episodes. Marilyn Manson Unmasked (MMU) is a series that has very little to do with the stated subject matter.
MMU is, essentially, hours of "standard legal drivel". In summary; as with many "high profile celebs" there is going to be, from a "common persons" perspective, a massive amount of accusations and "legal issues". To, almost, every one of said issue there are going to be at least two sides with regard to which events did, or did not, take place.
And yes... if some really bad things went down it IS terrible and if "they didn't" - falsely accusing someone of despicable acts IS terrible too. Despite being the only topic covered by this ridiculous, sensationalist, documentary - absolutely NO CLARITY on the matter is provided. Nor is there any information, let alone insights, provided on the artist and his work - an artist quite obviously of "enormous calibre" (even if under appreciated by this reviewer).
MMU is a documentary made with one objective,
and one objective alone - to create a rift between people based on different points of view - "Formulaic Hate Mongering". It's, one of, the lowest forms of documentary filmmaking - especially as it is, deceptively, done under the pretence being objective.
On a less poignant note - MMU is also a missed opportunity to present Brian Hugh Warner, his persona Marilyn Manson alongside som "grown up reasoning" as to why Marilyn Manson became such a pop-icon.
Spectacular Earth (2022)
Spectacular... nothing.
Possibly one of the most miss-titled documentaries under the BBC trademark.
Spectacular Earth (SE) may give you the impression that this is going to be another "BBC beauty" of a nature documentary - it is not. If it is "some of the earth's miracles" you are expecting to see - SE is going to offer you a VERY long, and mostly tedious ride.
In essence, SE is a documentary series about... making a documentary series - alongside some blatant bragging about how fantastic the work behind the scenes is. Said work is, as it happens, fantastic. Going on and on about self proclaimed greatness, less so.
If you want to spend the better part of an hour waiting to look at a few minutes of "great footage" of lightning, or waves - this may, just be the documentary for you.
The viewing experience resembles going to a, reasonable, restaurant only to have the waiter go on and on about; how great the food is, from where the ingredients were sourced, what exquisite treatment with which they were treated, how fantastic the wines are... On the off chance it may wet your appetite -more likely it will under-deliver on expectations and possibly kill it.
Whiskey on the Rocks (2024)
Borderline offensive.
Very hard to come to grips with the rationale behind Wiskey on the Rocks (WotR). Initially it feels like an attempt at genre mixing between drama documentary and humour. As it turns out, claiming WotR is inspired by actual events is probably a joke - if you find it funny you may, just, enjoy this series.
As events unfold it, pretty quickly, becomes apparent that WotR is an attempt at humour. A not particularly successful attempt. It's "kicking down humour". Almost all jokes rest on the premise of ridiculing "real people" - few of them deserving the ridicule. You can joke about anything, joke being the operative word. Bullying is a very different matter...
If you enjoy putting down individuals and cultures "just for the sake of it" this might be right up your alley. If you have moved on from that WotR is likely to fall into the "waste of time" category - and possibly leave a foul taste in your mouth.
Churchill at War (2024)
What a massive turkey.
No surprises here - if you are accustomed to Netflix documentaries of late. Rarely has so much flapping generated so little lift.
An apparently reasonable budget is spent in "all the wrong directions". With so much at fault it is hard to know where to begin...
The talking heads - plenty of them. Many of them with massive knowledge and experience, unfortunately mostly in, borderline, irrelevant areas.
The dramatisation - is cringeworthy. Never does one get the sensation that "we are in the midst of" a world crisis - let alone a world war.
Apparently some of Churchill's written speeches were brought to life by means of AI - why? Some of the most famous ones, that exist on audio files, were re-enacted. Arguably so that the difference between the great speaker and the AI version wouldn't be so blatantly obvious.
20 minutes into the second episode we are given a rendering of Churchill's "The fight on the beaches" speech, if that doesn't leave you... speechless - you may just get through the rest of the series.
Quite often, it can be good enough if a historical documentary "catches the spirit of the moment". Churchill at War fails on that level as it does on most other...
The Pirate Bay (2024)
Losing the battle - winning the war.
The Pirate Bay (TPB) is, a most watch worthy, non-formalistic, gripping drama-documentary.
The initial "disclaimer" is valid and, for once, on point; it is made with a view not to be precise - rather to capture the spirit of the moment, the debate and feelings TPB evoked.
It does so apparently well.
Added to that TPB successfully manages to capture the fears and trepidations - not only of those directly involved, but also of those doubting "the entire system".
TPB addresses, at least, three examples of historically interesting phenomena:
The "David against Goliath"
The relentless development of technology
The speed at which innovations can be disruptive
Added to the above it also highlights some of the issues that arise when a democracy, behaviourally, shifts towards a plutocracy - when capital attempts to "top-manage" a democratic society.
TPB has all the ingredients of a captivating drama - and then some. What, easily, could have become a formulaic Hollywood production manages to maintain an indie vibe - a vibe that feels particularly relevant given the topic.
The weaving of this drama-documentary comes together nicely. TPB is arguably a "must see" for anyone interested in the effects of disruptive technology - and also for those interested in the frailty of democracy...
Reträtt - Punk, pension & reflektion (2024)
One of the better...
...documentaries on "the passing of time".
Mikael Westerlund has created a little gem of a documentary in Reträtt: punk pension och reflektion.
He has successfully avoided the largest potential pothole - the one that would have made this documentary "too specific". By subtle use of language and constant guidance toward how "growing old" affects all of us - rather than how it affects specific individuals - this is a documentary that conveys a broader message.
"Your plane takes off in your twenties and comes in for landing when you retire" (paraphrased).
Arguably Reträtt: punk pension och reflektion will "only" bare relevance to those about to "land" - but it does so eloquently.
Ibelin (2024)
Biased - but that's, kind of, ok
Decades into the debate on on-line gaming; lack of clarity, with regard to pros and cons, seems to be the only clear conclusion:
Does the phenomenon represent the social numbing of generations with the collapse of empathy in its wake?
Is it "just" a form of escapism from the daily greys of life?
Is it a half-life offering an opportunity to live "another life" in parallel? If the latter how much is "that half" - and is it a half worth pursuing?
First the negative. Ibelin completely fails on one of documentary's golden standards - the one requiring objectivity and a balanced presentation. This would, and arguably should, disqualify Ibelin from top ratings, however... Though stil heavily debated - one could argue that the potential downside to extensive on-line gaming has been argued so extensively as to become common knowledge.
For many Ibelin is likely to open up a whole new world... into a whole new world. It presents, borderline unfathomable, insights into the potential of virtual worlds - on their best behaviour. It also presents great insights into the world of being physically confined. It's a tearjerker, for all the right reasons. Ibelin IS a compassionate film full of empathy.
On a grander scale Ibelim may, just, balance out some of the more negative opinions with regard to what the cyber world has to offer - even if doing so by bending some of the "rules". Because... above all, Ibelin is an eye opener, and by so being - it does meet the first, and maybe most important, rule of documentary filmmaking.
Leaving Jesus (2024)
God, this is good...
Ellen Fiske delivers this documentary with eloquence; capturing, extraordinarily, strong people that are fragile in the moment - but brave at heart.
Leaving a religion can be, and often is, one of the most traumatic events in a person's life. For many it is not merely a change of belief - it's a disruption of an entire lifestyle. In its most traumatic expression it also comes with, various degrees of abandonment from the nearest and dearest.
Leaving Jesus doesn't scrutinise the methodology used in assisting those "trying to break free", which is probably a good thing as there is plenty to delve deeper into on that accord. What it does do is show a pallet of; some of the fears and trepidations facing those brave enough to embark on path less structured by religious dogma.
It is an interesting look into the turbulence the subjects are going through, arguably for two reasons. It provides insight into the emotional "rollercoaster ride ahead" potentially facing anybody considering "losing their religion". It also provides insights, for those that always have lived their lives "on the other side of the fence" by means of presenting the rationale of believers.
Leaving Jesus is arguably a "humanitarian must see". It has a compassionate approach void of any judgmental rhetoric and provides a subtle glimpse into a turbulent period of people's lives.
Koppla av (2024)
Yawn fest.
Never mind a laugh - if this even manages to bring a smile to your face, it would be quite an achievement. It's a shame... Bjorn Gustafsson is, arguably, one Sweden's best comedians.
Even with regard to comedy, it appears, there is some validity in the statement; "garbage in garbage out". This manuscript appears to be based on the notion that "anything" that comes "out of" a great comedian is funny - it is NOT.
One gets the impression that Mr Gustafsson, somehow, was duped into believing that "this is funny" and tha he, for reasons unknown, fell for it. Humor is a perishable commodity. "The ironic generation" was hilarious - but that was then. Attempting to package an inferior copy of it today just leaves a stale taste - and somewhat of a bewilderment with regard to how this managed to reach production.
One can but hope that poor scripting doesn't rub off too much. With the right material Gustafsson is a very apt comedian - one that ought to have many more years of excellence to deliver...
The Enfield Poltergeist (2023)
Pay attention NetFlix, pay attention HBO...
...This is how to make a documentary.
The Enfield Poltergeist, arguably, checks all the required boxes with regard to making a documentary.
There are no bombastic statements to be had here. Instead there is ample research into "a case". There is an eloquently balanced presentation of various facts and hypotheses where "all sides" are allowed to; not only present their views on a series of happenings, but also explain the rationale behind their conclusions.
For some documentaries the primary objective is to present a conclusion, for some it is to objectively present facts - as to enable the viewer to form their own opinions.
The Enfield Poltergeist, most definitely falls into the latter - and it makes a stellar job of it. This is most refreshing in a time when documentaries of latter have had a tendency to present hypotheses as facts.
So there you have it, the story is told, the facts presented, now it's your prerogative to draw any conclusion you wish - and also respect anybody who's opinion may differ from yours.
D-Day: The Unheard Tapes (2024)
Way up there...
...amoung the best. A fresh approach to the WWII documentary format. Old audio tapes are "dusted off" and "brushed up" by means of AI technology. The new enhanced audio quality is subsequently brought to life by means of actor's lip syncing the tapes.
This is good work, really good. There is an element of force placed on the production, one that comes up trumps. By "being stuck with" the audio recordings they have in their possession - they have to keep the general story along a thin line. This circumstance, alongside some excellent acting, provides some of the deepest character development seen in any WWII documentary. In turn we are rewarded with one of the holy grails of documentary filmmaking - the sense of being there.
This is one of the WWII documentary "must sees" - way more for its depth than its breadth.
Stasi FC (2023)
Excellent weaving...
Using football as a reference point to understand the evil ongoings behind the iron curtain is an excellent approach. Systemic corruption can be "a hard thing to wrap your head around". By looking into the lives of footballers and behind-the-scene ongoings in sports organisations - the systemic oppression of citizens becomes relatively easy to comprehend.
One could argue that "the football aspect" is somewhat light weight and that other groups with other occupations were in a far worse situation, but that may be missing the point. Stasi FC shows the reach and extent of a controlling state - rather than those worst affected.
Stasi FC is also commendably short, it packs a pretty big punch over one episode - thus avoiding the irritating habit of late, the one where most documentaries are stretched out way too far.
Stasi FC is not a "must see" but it does offer a compelling glimpse into times, one wishes were, of the past.
Automobilen: Det övergivna skatemonumentet (2024)
Right out of the skate park...
There has been a boom in the documentary format of recent. Sadly, as often with massively increased output, quality has been an issue. Not only has quality suffered but, probably due to pressure from the streaming corporations, "information density". "Stuff" that either should have been scrapped at the drawing board or, at the very least, confined to one brief episode - is stretched way beyond the point of boredom.
Automobilen stands out like an oasis in the current documentary wasteland and hits the documentary sweetspot. It covers a genuinely interesting topic at the required pace.
WHAT is of historical interest and WHO decides what constitutes our cultural heritage? Automobilen argues the "historical value" of an old skate park - and does so very well. It also, subtly, raises the question on a grander scale - the "what and who". And with that comes an itch; is it only the grand and pompous that is protected by default, are those in charge blind to the more subtle parts of our cultural heritage - and if so, is there more stuff we need to champion for their survival?
Automobilen is a tasty morsel, well and truly worth watching.
Peter Mangs - en seriemördares hemlighet (2024)
A growing problem...
There is a trend of recent - one of some bewilderment that; raises some concern for the "documentary format" in general and is, to say the least, irritating.
Apparently it is OK to:
Have some crackpot idea that needs validating. Trying to confirm this theory and when there is no proof that any of it has any validity whatsoever - go ahead and make a documentary anyhow. Not only that but then drag it out over several episodes while leading on that there is some kind of reveal coming up.
There is apparently a "mad man" at work here and, judging by what this documentary presents,it is not obvious who it is. This is a train wreck of a documentary - at least with regard to the topic is supposedly covering. If you, on the off chance, are interested of a glimpse into the mind of its maker, John Mork, you may consider this a treat.
Einstein and the Bomb (2024)
Nonsensical
Virtually nothing to see. This whole production is a paradox. If you know "anything" about Einstein there is nothing to pick up, if you don't - there are far better better offerings with regard to understanding the Great Mind. As other viewers have eloquently stated; it is a mind blowingly poor production - one that, maybe, found it's roots in a board room rather than in a passion for the great man.
The whole escapade can, pretty much be summarised in a couple of sentences...
Einstein presented the physics that, amoung other "things" proved the link between matter and energy. In so doing he facilitated the development of the nuclear bomb. Einstein had mixed feelings with regard to this achievement. His desire to put an end to Nazi-Germany by beating them in the race for nuclear capability won "the internal battle" over his pacifist ideology.
Later in life, especially when it turned out that Germany lost the war "anyhow" and the acquired nuclear capacity was used on a large civilian Japanese population... he felt guilty.
That, in essence, is what is covered In Einstein and the Bomb - and it is done so pretty poorly.
Building the Ultimate (2020)
Avoid
One of the porest documentary series made to date - if indeed it is a documentary. Most likely this is an infomercial in disguise - and if it is, it has most definitely overstepped ALL the criteria of ethical journalism.
It took a while, a couple of episodes, for this reviewer to realise "things were not adding up". There is a "forced amount" of praising the presented companies - that should have been an early warning signal. But that could have been chalked up to simply being poor journalism. Then the "technical data" began to blur, that's a pretty big giveaway for something aspiring to be a documentary. The focusing on how great the company behind a product is - rather than wherein the greatness lies is a bit blatant.
Then came the over-rhetoric and exaggerations. As an example, In the "train episode", we are told that AGV is "the world's fastest means of transport" and that Italian italo is "the world's foremost train" . Note, If you will, the choice of wording - it's deceptive.
Why this particular kind of con artistry isn't banned is baffling - apparently it's ok to not only steal people's time - but also stuff their minds with false information. This is one of the most obvious "don't see". If you have any interest in any of the presented topics you are way off spending time finding something that actually is a documentary covering the subject.
Fiktiv granskning - En grävande historia (2022)
Wow...
"Lost for words" initially appeared to be a suitable description - but that would have been a paradox. Most of us have seen negative reviews, full of vitriol, that seem to have been written in affect or even anger. Never really understood why until Fiktiv Granskning appeared on the silver screen. Then, suddenly, the irrational became rational.
All of those "I wish I could have my time back" suddenly made sense. As did those "this is the worst film I have ever seen". It's ugly, poorly structured, criticism. But this is, on a personal basis, such a time when a film is so bad that; the ability to skilfully structure any form of criticism becomes an overwhelming task. All the "where to begins" become a inaccessible rambling.
So in short; this is, arguably, one of the worst films ever made. The "second star" is based on there not being any malice or, indeed, any harm done... other than the wasted time.
Allt för Sverige (2011)
Feel Good
Without any Swedish ancestry - I still believe Allt for Sverige (AFS) to be television excellence. The format is nothing short of genius. It is a docu-soap that manages to avoid, almost, all the "nastyties" normally associated with the genre. In fact; whereas most docu-soaps focus on raising conflicts between the contestants, AFS is committed to draw out the best in people and only rarely loses its focus on positivity.
Allt for Sverige is centred around patriotism - not nationalism. The definition between the two has becomes blurred of late, so some explanation may be in order: Patriotism is founded on pride of place, pride of where you live. Patriotism does NOT exclude the possibility for others to be equally patriotic about another "culture, town, country or region" - nor does it exclude others from joining in.
So there you have it. AFS is a show that is intended to, not only make Swedes proud of their country but also to, invite others to feel welcome and "at home" in her culture and surroundings. Achieving the objective requires some, pretty blatant, bragging about Sweden as a whole... and that's fine.
A more harsh review may claim that: AFS is a feel good docu-soap that is grossly over-rhetorical. It may firther argue that there are no holds barred in creating the make believe; "everything in Sweden is utopian".
But that would be missing the point. AFS is, like any other show in the format, "rigged for effect". The difference here being that it is not "conflict" it is rigged to create. You are more likely to end up with a warm fuzzy feeling and, maybe, a more positive outlook on the world in general and Sweden in particular - and, surely, that has one up on irritation frustration and anger.
Of course it's a must see. Who doesn't need to see the world from a lighter more positive perspective - even if it is partly a fantasy?