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Reviews
Arcadia (2023)
Visually stunning, strong plot with unexpected touching moments
In Belgium the series is received with very mixed reviews, mostly because Belgian people like to complain about things, especially when it concerns something outside the comfort zone, or actually very close. And also when taxpayer's money is involved... But I haven't seen too many argumented opinions. So, I'll try to write an honest review of the series, especially aimed at those who doubt, but are open to try something new.
Although the world in which it takes place lacks some depth, the plot becomes more mysterious and gripping towards the end with a massive cliffhanger as the ultimate reward. Along the way, the series frequently tests your emotions and also inspires you to think. Despite having seen similar dystopian stories before, some social and technological parameters in this near-future world seem frighteningly close, especially at the rate where we humans allow technology to enter our lives for the benefit of convenience and luxury, no matter the potential privacy rights that are given up.
Considering it's made by Dutch and Belgian production companies, the sets, costumes and environments are impressive, and the deliberate choice for an 80s technology design only adds to the visually appealing cinematography. Maybe the choice for old fashioned looking technology is also there to make viewers feel at ease, as the use of technology based on things we use today, might scare people more easily because of its familiarity. At least now, we still have a sort of 'far away from reality'-feeling.
As the series is broadcasted in both the Netherlands and Belgium, some characters may come across as stiff because they avoid specific dialects and some might even look a bit unnatural. However, this does not detract from the icing on the cake: the outstanding performances of the main cast, especially by Lynn Van Royen, who convincingly portrays a special needs character that masterfully tugs at the viewer's heartstrings in expected and unexpected ways. Also praise for the young Dutch actress Ellie de Lange for her emotionally strong and believable performance.
One possible hurdle might be that it takes about three episodes to get into it, so give the series a chance to conquer you and be open to a daring genre that is rarely seen in the Netherlands and especially Belgium, let alone at this level of production. I am already looking forward to the second part.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022)
Much better than given credit for. Don't be the narrow visioned fan that fails to see beyond previous epic days adaptions. Give it a chance to inspire new generations.
The Lord of the Rings and its lore is most likely the biggest fantasy epic out there with a fanbase stretching all over the known universe. Yet, as is often the case, the average fan's expectations are based on what's already out there, the code of law, within a set of rules often made by the same fanbase calling blasphemy when someone wants to do something other than literally translating source material to screen. What happens next is that the snobby die hards clinging on the source material, leaving no room for creative freedom for new stories based on the world we/they love. And while we also live in a world where every little piece of information released prior to the show's premiere is studied with a magnifying glass, it becomes unpopular to watch something unbiased, giving it a chance to love it. It's insane how much hate this show has received, even months before its release.
You would expect self-proclaimed Tolkien fans would be looking forward to see a story set in Middle Earth to return to the screen. Instead popular opinion is to desire this show to fail, while picking up every little stone to throw with the aim of knocking it down before anyone has the opportunity to love it. Even when the series may not exceed expectations for someone, it doesn't invalidate or negate the existence of the books or the Peter Jackson films. In fact, this series offers the opportunity to inspire new generations who may not have fallen in love with Middel Earth yet.
Whatever backlash the series may still encounter, it's nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece with stunning scenes and amazing sets immersed with some astounding storytelling magic that even sometimes exceeds the movies we all know. Don't even mention the highly detailed and beautifully crafted costumes. And as for dialogue, it's definitely written by people with the same passion for languages as Tolkien. Yes, the new series adds diversity to the story which may feel as if it's a necessity for the age we currently live in, but if it truly bothers us that some characters may have different ethnic backgrounds, we truly do ourselves short.
While some scenes have a sense of familiarity, others invite us on to new adventures, giving LOTR Wiki editors a lot of fresh material. We do get introduced to a whole bunch of known (which we'll get to know from a different perspective) and new characters, making it quite the adventure to process everything. But the good pacing of the show offers a helping hand. I am curious about how the series will unfold and where the different story arcs will take us in the next couple episodes. And yes, I will still love the original books, that will always have a place on my nightstand.