IN SWEDISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES Every criminal has his own handwriting, but only Sebastian Bergman can read it. Bergman is Sweden's most famous criminal profiler, having written a definitive, best-selling book about workings of the criminal mind. He's played by Swedish actor Rolf Lassgard, famous for his performance as the original Wallander, based on Henning Mankell's wildly popular crime novels. Bergman is strong-headed, politically incorrect, intuitive, abrasive and grief stricken. He's yet to come to terms with the loss of his wife and daughter from the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, an event that caused his life to careen out of control and derailed his work with the Stockholm police department. Personal compulsions numb the pain and make him into his own worst enemy. His life and career are completely on the skids when he returns to his hometown, two weeks late for his mother's funeral but just in time to help the local police solve the brutal murder of a 15-year-old boy. Then, a revelation from his past jump-starts his efforts to get his life back in order and deal with his sexual addiction. He's learned that therapy won't help; what he needs is to get back to work. When the Stockholm police realize they have a serial killer on their hands, Bergman knows he's still got it and insists they hire him. It's a race against the clock to catch a murderer who appears to be modeling his attacks on those of a deadly criminal Bergman put behind bars years ago. The chase is on; catching killers is the one thing he knows how to do best.
A**S
terrific adaptations of the first two books in the Sebastian Bergman series, set in Sweden
Rolf Lassgard, who played Kurt Wallander, is superb as Sebastian Bergman, a brilliant but broken forensic psychologist. Bergman made a name for himself as a successful criminal profiler, but after the death of his wife and daughter he went off the deep end, and dove into alcohol and one-night stands. He is not a lovable guy going through a rough patch, he's a total scumbag who uses people and betrays them without a thought, the guy you wish you'd never met. Now he uses his brilliant insights to eviscerate people who annoy him, which is just about everybody. Like Britain's Cracker, Bergman is fascinating to watch, but you wouldn't want to know him.This dvd set contains two episodes for a total of three hours viewing. The first episode corresponds to the book Sebastian Bergman, and introduces us to Bergman as well as Police Chief Inspector Torkel Hoglund and his team, the people who were Bergman's colleagues before he became lost. When he runs into his old friend and discovers there is a serial killer on the loose, Sebastian blackmails his ex-boss to get back on the team -- for his own nefarious purposes, of course. The team is investigating the murder of a 15-year old boy and Bergman, while being a total jerk and a misery to work with, lends crucial insights that lead to the killer.The second episode corresponds to the second book in the series, The Man Who Watched Women. Here Sebastian is trying half heartedly to mend his ways, but usually inappropriately, sabotaging himself and everyone around him. Again he insinuates himself onto the team. This time a serial killer seems to be imitating the crimes of Edward Hinde, the killer Sebastian helped capture when he was at his peak and the case that made Sebastian famous.The episodes hew closely to the books and are quite enjoyable, so whether you want to read or view, this series might be of interest. Set in Sweden.
I**K
Love that Guy
I like to watch closed caption shows and I don't think that hearing it in English would do it justice. I really enjoy Rolf Lassgard and I liked the character of Sebastian Bergman and I hope there will be more.
L**A
SEBASTIAN BERGMAN
Very enjoyable series. I would have loved more than 2 series though
J**.
Seemingly incessant camera movement - mediocre script.
Very disappointing. A camera that rarely stops moving: jumpy, shaking, waving from one character to the next - extremely irritating, making it difficult to connect at any level w/what is going on. Contrary to what some filmmakers believe, this does not approximate, or enhance, reality.Additionally the script is mediocre and predictable, unlike quite a bit of good work coming out of the Scandinavian countries. I purchased this series (watched only the first episode) because of the fine, nuanced acting of Rolf Lassgard I have experienced elsewhere. Sadly, his skills are interfered with here.
S**N
brooding dectective
laconic guy on the outs in professional and personal liferolf lassgard perfect for the rolehe was the original WALLENDER
J**E
Excellent!
Excellent product, quality and fast service. Highly recommended.
M**L
Less than expected
I am sorry, but this series was disappointing. I am a tremendous fan of Lassgard, particularly his early portrayals of Kurt Wallander. I felt his immense talents and persona were wasted on this character and a rather vapid story line. Perhaps my expectations were too high.
V**N
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A great DVD/movie at a great price
M**N
Five Stars
enjoyed
S**S
exelent
exelent