Herrens Veje (2017-2018)

I stumbled through the depths of Prime Video/Starzplay and suddenly there it was: Ride upon the Storm. From 2017. When the series came out at the time, I wanted to see it, but lost track of it. Because as far as I know, no Canvas, no Netflix, no NPO, and I haven't bought a DVD for a long time. I can see it now in all its glory. And what a great family drama this is from Borgen creator Adam Price.

The series is set around a family of pastors of the Danish People's Church. The charismatic paterfamilias Johannes Krogh holds sway over church and offspring, and wife. Lars Mikkelsen does this subtly, then 'full on the organ'. There is a lot going on in the series, but in 10 one-hour episodes there is plenty of room for character development at a pleasant pace. Don't be put off by the religious setting: this modern multi-layered epic is all about love and lust, fidelity, forgiveness, moral choices and faith...uh, yes in yourself.
All roles are superbly performed by the top of Danish cinema. With a lot of depth, an extraordinary screenplay and an intense story about family relationships, this series places itself next to The Legacy (also Danish) and Thicker than Water (Swedish). Recommended. Det there godt!

Translated from Dutch · View original

Danish television dares to make a series around a difficult theme such as philosophy of life, without this being at the expense of accessibility. The Ways of the Lord is about a father and two sons who all try to find happiness in different ways.

Johannes Krogh is a pastor of the old school. He is not open to dialogue or innovation. With his puritan views, he sees himself as the representative of the true faith in a deteriorating world. He is imposing in the pulpit, but insufferable in private. He is hypocritical, because his fancy words do not match his behavior.

The eldest son Kristian ironically distances himself from Christianity. In Buddhism he discovers the difference between esotericism and exotericism: inner spirituality instead of outward display.

The youngest son August becomes addicted to antidepressants or "happiness pills" after a traumatic experience. Later he gives meaning to his life by helping people on the street, a form of charity.

Lars Mikkelsen gives an impressive role, but the rest of the cast is also impressive. The philosophical conflicts are intertwined with family, romantic and business disputes. The foreign scenes and some hallucinations provide visual variety. Scandinavia delivers another great drama.

Translated from Dutch · View original