In this period of lockdown, nothing kills time better than a binge-worthy show. We now find ourselves in the new era that enables us to watch foreign-language TV shows that previously wouldn’t have crossed borders. Thanks to Netflix, we now have access to a huge collection of international shows. Here’s a list of the top 5 foreign-language TV shows that you must watch.
Dark
Genre: Science fiction thriller
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Dark is a German science fiction thriller that starts off with a simple storyline about a police investigation in a fictional German town called Winden. This investigation goes on to unravel secrets about four families and soon the viewers come to realize that it’s no ordinary TV show. The show is tense, with brilliant acting and equally good cinematography.
Considering the show has elements of time-travelling, the writers have worked really hard to create a coherent story. A viewer will have to pay attention to every scene as there are no fillers in the show. Every scene is important as everything is connected.
Pro tip: Watch it when you can really spare an hour and devote complete attention to an episode. Do not watch it when tired or sleepy.
Money Heist
Genre: Action, Crime
IMDb rating: 8.4/10
Money Heist is a Spanish heist crime drama series which showcases two well-prepared heists – one at the Royal Mint of Spain, and the other at the Bank of Spain. The show is full of thrills and is highly unpredictable, making it a delight for mystery/crime lovers.
The best thing about the show is how detailed the character development is. Moreover, the characters are multi-dimensional who have their own life-stories which is revealed to the audience slowly and gradually. As the series progresses, viewers understand that each character has a purpose to fulfil and have their own ideologies towards the justification of the heist.
Fauda
Genre: Action, Thriller
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
Fauda is an Israeli series that tells the story of Doron, a commander of a counter-terrorism unit, and his team, as they hunt down Palestinian terrorists. All the characters in the show, including the terrorists, have been humanised through layers of relationships they take cover under when not acting as an agent or a terrorist.
The action sequences are well shot and will keep you on the edge of your seat most of the time. The creators have paid attention to detail when it comes to action scenes, and have hired an all-Arab cast for Arab-speaking roles. Overall, it is a fast-paced show, full of action and suspense.
Trapped
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Trapped is an Icelandic mystery drama series that follows Andri Olafsson, the chief of police in a remote town in Iceland, who gets involved in solving a murder of a man whose mutilated corpse is recovered from the sea. Season 1 focuses on solving a murder mystery in the small fishing town of Iceland. The investigation goes on to uncover more murders, corruption, arson, and human trafficking.
Meanwhile, season 2 is a blend of crime and socio-political issues – from nationalism and anti-capitalism to abuse of power and gay rights, which makes for a highly intelligent TV show.
P.S: Iceland truly is a beautiful country and it makes for some really spectacular shots and locations. This show will make you want to move to Iceland!
Giri/Haji
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
IMDb rating: 7.9/10
Giri/Haji (translates to Duty/Shame) is produced by BBC but its primary language is Japanese and its plot is Japanese driven. The show revolves around two brothers – Kenzo, a dedicated police detective, and Yuto, an enforcer for a Tokyo yakuza family. The former goes to London to search for his younger brother who may be linked to the death of a Yakuza boss.
The show is a mix of various genres including cop drama, yakuza thriller, some love story, anime, family drama, and a hint of comedy. In the end, Giri/Haji turns out to be an intriguing mystery/family drama that mashes together two very different cultures.