Category Archives: Violent

2010, 2013, Alcoholism, Arson, Based on a Book, Bloody scenes, Catholic culture, Child abduction and murder, Child Molestation, Complicated, Could Be Hard To Watch, Dark, Detective, Flirting, Grim, Irish Detective Series, Mother-son relations, Murder, Netflix Streaming, Pedophilia, Police Story, Religious Theme, Revenge, Sex Scenes, Suspense, TV Series, Unmarried mother, Use of Irish Brogue, Violent

Jack Taylor (2010)

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From Netflix:

As he faces his own struggles with the bottle, boozy but big-hearted ex-cop Jack Taylor earns a reputation for being a tough-as-nails private investigator who’s not afraid to take on ruthless vigilantes or track down merciless killers.

From Netflix I streamed:

Season 1
The Guards
The Pikemen
The Magdalen Martyrs

Season 2
The Dramatist
Priest
Shot Down

  • Season 3
  • Cross
  • Headstone
  • Purgatory

Kathy and I watched “The Guards” together and decided against watching any more episodes. However, on my own I tried one more episode and was hooked. Not all the episodes are equal in value. “The Guards” introduces us to Jack Taylor as a sloppy drunken former Guard (which means a member of the Irish Guarda, that is to say, the police force). Although episodes refer back to earlier episodes you could conceivably watch selected episodes.

All the episodes are violent, grim, and harsh. Ian Glen does a convincing job as Jack Taylor. You may remember Ian Glen as Jorah Mormont in “Game of Thrones” or Sir Richard Carlisle from “Downton Abbey”.

Riveting but definitely not relaxing. Proceed at your own caution.

2013, 2014, Child abuse, Detective, DO NOT MISS, Forensics, Irish Detective Series, Kidnapping, Lesbian Theme, Netflix Streaming, Psychological Thriller, Serial Killer, Sex Scenes, Violent

The Fall (2013)

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From Netflix for Season One (2013)

When the Belfast police are stalled in their investigation of a spate of murders, Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson is drafted to investigate. Under her lead, the team uncovers an intricate web of lives entangled by the killings.

By now (November 2016) Netflix offers all three seasons of this well-done serial-killer TV series. Season one has 5 episodes. Season two has 6 episodes. Season three has 6 episodes.

Gillian Anderson (of the X-Files) plays Stella Gibson as a blonde, slim, beautiful, intelligent, introspective, understated (not quite a sphinx) Detective Superintendent. Jamie Dornan (Christian Grey in “Fifty Shades of Grey”) is superb as the serial killer Paul Spector, who is as crafty as he is disturbed. From the very beginning of season one we witness his crimes and his impressive deceptions. He is a dedicated family man whom no one suspects. In season two his crimes continue, but more importantly he feels challenged to engage in personality combat with Stella. In fact, season two emphasizes the psychology of these two characters, both of whom had difficult childhoods.

Of course any serial killer theme is violent, but this series is no more gory than other similar TV series. Good writing, careful plots, fine acting all combine to make this a worthwhile adventure.

From Netflix for Season Two (2014)

When the Belfast police hit nothing but dead ends in their investigation of a series of murders, London-based Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson is sent to take over the case in this suspenseful and unsettling crime series. As she navigates her way through bureaucratic and personal entanglements, Gibson soon discovers that her serial killer prey is a far more complicated foe than she ever imagined — and he’s not about to give up easily.

Season Three (2015)

Season Three takes up exactly at the tense ending of Season Two which was obviously planned as a cliff hanger. Season Three starts off with a boring depiction of hospital emergency room procedure. But have patience, because Season Three is primarily a psychological delving into the personalities of Stella Gibson and Paul Spector and also Katie Benedetto (the teenager obsessed with Paul). There can be no possible continuation of this series beyond Season Three.

For its genre, this TV series is a DO NOT MISS.

2009, 2010, 2011, Amazon Prime, Bloody scenes, British Mystery Series, Computer geeks, Conspiracy, Corruption, Could Be Hard To Watch, Creepy, Crime, Detective, Disturbing Image, Forensics, Grim, Made For TV, Mental Illness, Murder Investigation, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Police Corruption, Psychological Thriller, Serial Killer, Suicide, Suspense, Violent

Whitechapel (2009)

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From Netflix:

Historic horror meets modern investigative methods in this atmospheric crime series set in 2008. When a killer mimics the murders of Jack the Ripper, a team of detectives and a tour guide join forces to bring the copycat to justice.

Amazon Prime offers all three seasons via streaming.

Yet another superb British detective TV series, and also as gory as are many other British shows.

Rupert Penry-Jones plays DI Joseph Chandler who suffers from OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), especially when he is under stress, which is most of the time in this riveting series. Chandler is from the upper classes and is supposedly being groomed for upper management in the police force.

Philip Davis plays DS Ray Miles, who comes from the working class and acts as a perfect foil to Chandler’s obsessiveness. Initially Miles opposes Chandler. However, as Chandler gains the admiration of the force, both men become friends. In fact, Miles becomes somewhat of an emotional mentor for Chandler.

Steve Pemberton plays Edward Buchan who is fanatically fascinated with the history of crime, especially the history of such serial killers as Jack the Ripper. Many of the multiple episode stories involved copy-cat killers in which case Buchan’s dedication is essential in solving the cases.

There are three seasons: Season one and season two have each 4 episodes. Season three has 6 episodes. Every story is at least two episodes. Season one is devoted entirely to a Jack the Ripper copy-cat.

Kathy and I restricted ourselves to watching only one episode per night. However the stories are so engaging that it is very tempting to become a serial binger (i.e. one who binges on one episode after another non-stop).

As I have said, REALLY GORY!, but if that’s your cup of British tea, you will not regret watching.

2011, 2013, Abduction, British, Child abduction and murder, Could Be Hard To Watch, Crude Talk, Dysfunctional Lives, Dystopia, Ethical struggles, Gritty, Netflix Streaming, Pessimistic, Prozac appropriate, Psychological Drama, Psychological Internet Damage, Sadism, Sci-Fi, Sex Scenes, Suspense, Thought provoking, Torture, Unusual, Valium appropriate, Violent, Vulgar

Black Mirror (2011)

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From Netflix:

This sci-fi anthology series in the vein of “The Twilight Zone” reflects on the darker side of technology and human nature.

UPDATE: January 2018. Netflix now offers Season Four with 6 more upsetting episodes. At the suggestion of a neighbor, I have introduced two new categories: “Prozac appropriate” is for depressing stories and “Valium appropriate” is for anxiety producing stories. For “Black Mirror” I would apply both categories. You are warned!

UPDATE: October 2016. Netflix now offers Season Three which is similar to and just as brilliant and disturbing as the first two seasons. Sometimes a known actor appears in an episode. For example in the first episode of Season Three the bother of the main character is played by James Norton of “Happy Valley” fame.

“Black Mirror” is probably the darkest and most disturbing TV series I have ever seen. Both season one (2011) and season two (2013) of this British series offer 3 episodes, all of which can be streamed from Netflix. If not just to be daring or sensational, supposedly the aim of the 6 episodes is to show the mind-numbing effects and other emotional dangers stemming from the internet and especially from our umbilical connection with our smartphones and other technologies. In any case the stories are clever and attention-grabbing.

Let me describe a few episodes in an effort to dissuade you from watching.

Episode 1 “The National Anthem” shows an effort to blackmail the British Prime Minister into saving the life of a kidnapped princess by appearing on TV while having sex with a pig. Of course you never see the sex act itself, but the idea is initially shocking and appalling (undoubtedly the intent). There is a point to the story which makes sense.

Episode 2 “Fifteen Million Merits” is an episode I could not finish because it seemed to show us as numb automatons.

Episode 5 “Black Bear” is just plain sadistic. Here we humans watch on our smartphones or capture film on our smartphones of the mental torture of a convicted killer. But you don’t know what it going on until the very end.

If you have a strong stomach and such entertainment appeals, then you will at least never be bored.

2014, Acceptable Sci-Fi, Bloody scenes, Dancing, Dystopia, Gloomy, Human spirit, Imperfect, Pessimistic, Sci-Fi, Somewhat ridiculous plot, Suspense, Thought provoking, Violent

Automata (2014)

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From Netflix:

This futuristic thriller stars Antonio Banderas as Jacq Vaucan, an insurance investigator for a robotics company. While looking into a case involving a robot malfunction, he uncovers a massive threat to all of humanity.

Despite enough logic holes to sink a space ship, a lot of imagination went into this intelligent sci-fi dystopian thriller. Moreover you get to watch a bald Antonio Banderas playing what for him is a very uncharacteristic role. He even gets to dance with a robot.

Plot and action are important, but the underlying theme is very thought provoking: Would the universe care if human life, owing to its self-destructive mentality, ceased but a more intelligent race of self-creating robots survived?

Who were the heroes and who were the villains? You might notice that your loyalties shift by the end of the film.

Note that this film got poor reviews. Nonetheless I was glued to the screen without any idea of how this plot could ever end. But end it did with one symbolic gesture that for me was one of those gooseflesh moments.

Not perfect, but quite passable.

2005, Abduction, Addiction, Alcoholism, Alzheimer's disease, Based on a Book, Bloody scenes, Clever Plot, Corruption, Crime, Dark, Depression, Detective, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Drug Dealers, Father-daughter relations, Forensics, Gay theme, Interest in dogs, Kidnapping, Lesbian Theme, Made For TV, Marital Infidelity, Murder Investigation, Netflix Streaming, Police Corruption, Revenge, School Teacher, Sex Scenes, Suicide, Suspense, Swedish, Swedish crime series, Teenagers, Tragedy, Violent, Well developed plot

Swedish Wallander (2005-2012)

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From Netflix:

Detective Kurt Wallander is an intense, headstrong maverick who’s prone to eating poorly, sleeping irregularly and drinking too much. Wallander relies on instinct and experience and doesn’t shy away from using illegal means to solve crimes.

Kathy and I have just finished stream-bingeing on all the Swedish Wallander episodes of which there are many. Cable TV gets worse each day and we were grateful to have something well-written, well-acted, and gripping to watch in the evening. Thank you, Netflix. “Gripping” is an important keyword (picture Kathy leaving the room during violent encounters).

To be precise about numbers of episodes:

Season 1 comprises 13 episodes.
Season 2 comprises 13 episodes.
Season 3 comprises 6 episodes.

Henning Mankell’s Kurt Wallander is a dedicated (even better – obsessed) detective whose personal life is one of drinking, loneliness, and coldness to his family. In other words, he is a mess. To his credit, the Swedish actor Krister Henriksson portrays such a man to perfection. However, as in often the case in such types of TV series, as much time is spent exploring his relations with others as in solving murder cases. For example, “Dicta“, which I have strongly recommended is cast in the same mold.

Quite a bit of camera footage is devoted to leisurely scanning the Swedish landscape and waterways. Wallander and his beloved dog Jussi take many walks on the beach outside his house.

During the course of the three seasons, characters come and go, never to be seen again.

Season 3 ends tragically. But I will not say more because that would be a spoiler. If you want to know what I mean, then send me email.

Once again, if you enjoy intense detective procedurals DO NOT MISS either “Dicta” or “Wallander”.

Be aware that there is also the Kenneth Branagh “Wallander” English series from Masterpiece Mystery.

2013, Bloody scenes, Child abuse, Crime thriller, Detective, Divorce, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Dysfunctional Lives, Forensics, Journalist, Lesbian Theme, Love Story, Marital Infidelity, Medical Theme, Melodrama, MHz Choice, Mother-daughter relations, Mother-son relations, Murder Investigation, Netflix Streaming, Revenge, Sex Scenes, Suicide, Suspense, Swedish, Swedish crime series, Teenagers, Thriller, TV Series, Unmarried mother, Violent

Dicte (2013)

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From Netflix:

A crime reporter starts a new life by returning to her hometown, where she finds herself at odds with the police when she tries to solve their cases.

UPDATE: From MHz Choice you can now stream 3 seasons of Dicte. The stories and writing continue to be captivating and suspense filled. Currently (January 2020) there is a new episode of season 3 released each Tuesday.

OLD REVIEW ————————————————————-

No doubt about it, streaming is taking over. Just today (Dec 9,2014) the papers echo complaints that Netflix streaming is threatening cable TV. No surprise there seeing how cable offerings continue to worsen.

From Netflix I streamed 10 wonderful episodes of the only season made of the Swedish thriller “Dicte”. If you loved the Swedish “Wallander” you will be ecstatic over “Dicte”. Dicte is the character name of the lead actress who is a newspaper crime reporter dedicated to uncovering the truth often by using methods not legally available to the police.

More than crime solving, the series is equally if not more concerned with the personal lives of Dicte and all the people surrounding her. In this respect you can call it a melodrama. Expect to see married couples break up, exchange partners, and so forth: today’s operative word is “blended”.

As with “Wallander” the sound track is in Swedish with English subtitles.

DO NOT MISS either “Wallander” or “Dicte”!

2007, Abduction, Amusing banter, Conspiracy, Corruption, Detective, Forensics, Kidnapping, Murder Investigation, Netflix Streaming, Police Corruption, Police Story, Politicians, Prison, Revenge, TV Series, Violent, Zen

Life (2007)

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From Netflix:

Exonerated after 12 years in prison, a former LAPD cop has his life and job restored, but he brings a new Zen attitude to his work

Netflix offers this as streamable.

Thirty-two episodes of the TV series “Life” are a lot of episodes. However, Damien Lewis as Charlie Crews is quirky enough to keep the interest going. Adam Arkin as Ted Earley helps as well.

Each episode is a self-contained who-done-it, but running through the entire series is Charlie’s attempt at finding out who framed him and sent him to jail. Probably because I enjoyed Damien Lewis in “The Forsythe Saga” and “Homeland” I was also willing to plow through the series.

Start from the beginning and see how long you last.

2014, Acceptable for children, Acceptable Sci-Fi, Action Film, Action Hero, Clever Plot, Corny at times, Good digital effects, Mayhem, Military, Nasty Aliens, Violent, War

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

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From Netflix:

As Earth fights an alien invasion, Lt. Col. Bill Cage is killed in action, and a time loop forces him to continually relive his last day. With each iteration, Cage’s skill grows, as does his understanding of the enemy and how it operates.

Are you ready for 113 minutes of Tom Cruise fighting invading aliens? Those 113 minutes might seem long because he keeps getting killed and then repeating his life from his entry into the war against the aliens. He does this at least 300 times. But fear not, only the first rebirth seems repetitious and the film moves briskly, albeit with some unexpected failures along the way. Needless to say this is a violent film consisting mostly of shooting aliens with really big machine guns.

Cruise’s character Cage is accompanied by another re-liver Rita (played by Emily Blunt of “The Devil Wears Prada” fame). Don’t expect a great love affair from old stone face. In all fairness this is Cruise’s kind of film: lots of action, no need to emote.

Acceptable for children who can take the violence. Clever eye candy suitable for an idle moment.

2013, Action Film, Amputee, Based on a Book, Bloody scenes, Child abuse, Dark, Drugs, Ethical struggles, Fantasy, Mayhem, Personality or religious cult, Sci-Fi, Suspense, Torture, Violent

Snowpiercer (2013)

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From Netflix:

The Earth’s remaining inhabitants are confined to a single train circling the globe as revolution brews among the class-divided cars. Based on a French graphic novel and set in a new ice age, this futuristic thriller stars a top-notch ensemble cast.

Owing to a failed climate-change experiment that essentially froze the earth, when you look out of a window on this perpetual motion train, you see snow everywhere. Although the idea of a dystopia with a brutal separation of classes is nothing new, placing the only remaining inhabitants of the planet in a train is a novel approach. From a visual standpoint, “Snowpiercer” is one of the more original sci-fi films I have seen. Progress in the story is measured by the struggle of the underclass in the rear of the train to reach the front of the train. Moving through the train offers some wonderful eye-candy.

Chris Evans does a good job as the “hero” Curtis. Ed Harris as the god-like Willford is sufficiently amoral and heartless. But Tilda Swinton as the quirky class enforcer Mason steals the show.

Now for the WARNING: This film is incredibly violent. At certain points the punishments inflicted on anyone foolish enough to rebel are possibly hard to watch.

In all honesty I was mesmerized, but then good guys against bad guys always holds my attention.