Web Series Title: Money Heist
Creator: Alex Pina
Cast: Úrsula Corberó, Itziar Ituño, Álvaro Morte, Paco Tous, Pedro Alonso, Alba Flores, Miguel Herrán, Jaime Lorente Esther Acebo, Enrique Arce, María Pedraza, Darko Perić, Hovik Keuchkerian, Rodrigo de la Serna
Genre: Action, Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Rating: ∗∗∗∗
What is it about: It’s a Spanish television heist crime drama series created by Alex Pina. This series has 4 seasons to its credit at present streaming on Netflix. The first two seasons focus on the multi-day assault on the Royal Mint of Spain in Madrid in which a group of robbers take few hostages as a part of their plan to print and escape with 2.4 million Euros. Whereas in the 3rd season they’re forced to come out of the hiding, where with the help of new members they plan and perform an assault on the Bank of Spain, followed by the 4th season.
This TV series which went on to become a phenomenon after Netflix acquired the rights and released it worldwide. You may call “Money Heist” the next GOT phenomenon, which caught the entire world’s attention on the OTT platform. Usually the audience are carried away by the trending series and they end up liking just for the reason it’s liked by millions. And at the same time we see few intellects who stand out in the crowd pointing out flaws and shortcomings in the series. Money Heist is a victim of this tug of war. Since the release on of their latest 4th season, I’ve seen many arguments and criticism surrounding it. Like they state in the series “Stockholm Syndrome” I don’t know what to name a syndrome for the people who try to stand out when the millions favour one thing. I myself have been a victim of this syndrome quite a few times.
Many relate to the Robin Hood kind of structure than one could relate with “Breaking Bad” or “Better Call Saul” in comparison.
In the case of Money Heist one should see the core of its subject. The Professor (Alvaro Morte), whose intention is not just the heist but the cause behind it. The reason Money Heist is trending and attracting more attention than other potential series is because millions can relate to the cause. In Indian cinema there’s a term mostly used B&C centre audience. Or the single screen audience. Money Heist in spite of the multiplex approach fulfils the pangs of local audience. As many relate to the Robin Hood kind of structure than one could relate with “Breaking Bad” or “Better Call Saul” in comparison. That’s about it and simply it relates to the audience worldwide thus the phenomenon and hype surrounding it. I would say the hype is worth it and much better than GOT.
The creators of this series are brilliant. Right from season 1-4 they have kept a sane balance among the characters and the story revolving around them. You won’t find anyone left out in the series and will have utmost importance given to their respective characters. Even a character as small as the chubby youngster in the Bank of Spain. The narration is seamless and the writing is brilliant. HEIST is the core of the subject. Mostly this genre demands endless action and thrilling moments. But the creators gave an emotional angle to it, which clicked instantly with the mass audience. And they were not cheesy with it. The emotions were rooted and do keeps you invested in them. One of the strongest traits of the series which made it big hit among the worldwide audience. There are massy scenes in the series to kindle the fan inside of you and creates a theatre like atmosphere while watching it.
All the actors are equally good. And this truly applies to this series. Every character has its importance and was played diligently by the respective actors. But you tend to pick a favourite when there’s a gang full of potentials. And my personal favourite is Nairobi (Alba Flores). And I believe after “The Professor” she’s the most favourite character among the fans.
The content is undoubtedly strong so are their technical department. The cinematography by Migue Amoedo was brilliant. The multiple editors have done a great job in putting this series together.
Verdict: Alex Pina, did a fantastic job in pulling off a series which brought the worldwide audience regardless of language barriers together celebrating it crooning “Bella Ciao”. A phenomenon, without an argument. But for those who are arguing you may be right from your point of view but not on the larger scale. Money Heist reaches the audiences from all the corners compared to other intellectual series streaming on OTT’s. So I rest my case stating, Money Heist is one of the best web series you can find online. And please do binge it. All four seasons are currently streaming on Netflix.
