Borgen: Series 1 [DVD] [2010]

A goo d video that has a thrilling story line.

This series is so well done words won't do it justice. It is, at once, relavent and compelling, thanks in no small part to the melding of great writing and fabulous actors. The point that comes across, over and over, is how similar the problems of the west have become regardless of the country involved. This story takes the viewer inside high level political operations and clearly demonstrates how difficult it is to identify and then attempt to control, if not resolve, problems of government. It also deftly portrays the internal power struggles of the various factions within the government and illustrates the ruthless methods of the modern politician to grab and retain power. The role of media is also carefully interwoven in the plot line and becomes yet another tool to be utilized for public gain. This is a compelling and precise depiction of modern day governments and their shortcomings. It shows the the ever more precarious route to the balance of interests on the world stage being steered, sometimes safely and sometimes not by those human elements that both elevate and diminish us all. Great production on every level. I will continue with every installment as long as the series continues. Highly recommended for all .

The acting, the settings, the pace, the storylines, the characters - all are superb. I've now watched both Series 1 & 2 and can rank Borgen in the top 3 television series I have ever seen. Gives a fantastic insight into the modern Danish political system, the workings of democracy, the personal lives of political leaders (especially when they are women) as well as the interaction of Government and the media. I never minded if I missed an episode of the much slower-paced (and sometimes tedious) West Wing. This series is much shorter of course, but every episode is riveting. The Danes should be proud of themselves!

Knocked out by the quality of this series. Very entertaining, wonderful to see scenes of Denmark, great acting and compulsive plots. Each programme deals with a particular political problem, but there is continuity of characterisation and personal stories throughout the series. Indeed, the interplay of the personal and the political is brilliantly done. One small regret: the gap in time and the personal situations of the characters between series 2 & 3 is a bit odd. Series 1 & 2 fit together beautifully, but 3 leaves some major changes from series 2 unexplained. However, I am certain this is one of those series I will watch again and again! As a bonus, the introductory musical theme is totally brilliant .....

Well, no, not quite. But it is excellent, an intelligent and well plotted drama, and conveys the tensions between personal and family life on the one hand, and the demands on a leading political figure on the other - and refreshingly, the politician is a woman. It also highlights the tensions between the media's insatiable demand for content, and the politicians' understanding of good policy, and it's a little disconcerting to see how powerful and influential the media can be, and how much political time goes into managing the message; and how much gets sacrificed to keep the media at bay. The underlying message seems to be that politicians and the media need each other; and the costs of this relationship can be very high. The cast is excellent too. Sidse Babette Knudsen carries off the central role very well, and is entirely convincing as she learns her political craft; Pilou Asbaek is as devious as his spin doctor role requires, and Birgitte Hjort Sorensen is an idealistic young TV reporter trying for the Paxman role in Danish TV. Fans of The Killing will also spot actors from that drama in supporting roles here. I did sometimes want the subtitles to be a little more comprehensive, but that's the thing with subtitles. It's not an action programme; it's more cerebral than that. So if someone buys this for you, it means they like you and think you're intelligent.

I had been aware this series was on SBS TV some time ago and had been highly rated. However, I was unsure that I would take to it because it was in the Danish Language so I only bought series one initially on Blu-Ray. I found that the first ten minutes were heavy going but once you integrated the subtitles and speech in your mind it was almost as though they were speaking English. Gripping, fast paced, brilliant acting, a wonderful portrayal of the compromises of the political process. This is an excellent replacement for watching live TV which in Australia has degenerated into little more than repetitive game shows on food and home renovations. I can't wait to watch series 2 and 3.

This is one of the fundamental series about politics. Far better than House of cards on my opinion, because it doesn't need big actors, shakesperian dialogues and great events to tell the complexity of politics and still make it clear and entertaining. It's not the american kind of entertain, meaning that actor don't have to be beautiful, scenes and settings don't have to be perfect, and photography don't have to distract you from the story. It's a story made of many stories, led by the leader's story (a woman, a mother, a wife, with her problems that never become central in her decision even though the series show how normal this people and therefore how everyday life get usually in the way while they're making big decisions). And it doesn't reduce politics and the story itself to a man vs the world, but it's about compromises, it's about not thinking you own the truth and, even then, you can't just impose it to the rest of the world. All with a very well balanced touch where there is not always drama in big decisions, but heart and brain, sine politics has to be approached like an everyday thing, part of our everyday life, made by normal people. And this is maybe the main lesson and the guideline that inspire the whole series

About Denmark, this series says more about the U.K. than any other series I have seen! Moreover, it says what many people feel, having a sort of Liberal Democrat but with guts approach we sadly lack here. Do you feel bad about the American rendition policy (if not you are a stupid, inhumane ostrich)? It gets aired in one episode, and with all the difficulties of adopting a decent policy explored too. Not interested in politics? Hm, they will destroy Europe (again) soon if too many people "switch off". While Borgen is based in politics it has scenes of interest to you too. Are there any work-life balance and/or male versus female priority issues in your family/work place? No? Lucky you! But watch anyway, it's so well done, and not knowing the actors helps British viewers accept the very sympathetic characters as virtually real people. I'm saving up to buy the second series. Gill Mulley