MovieChat Forums > The Bridge (2013) Discussion > So sad for you Americans who can't see t...

So sad for you Americans who can't see the original Scandivian series...

posted 10 years ago by steven-222
57 replies | jump to latest

As an American who's currently watching the BBC broadcast of Series 2 of the original Scandinavian series "The Bridge"...hands-down one of the brilliant mysteries ever broadcast on TV...I just shake my head at the stupidity of American broadcasters who insist on "Americanizing" (and ruining) the best work from elsewhere in the world. You can have your "Breaking Bad" and "Mad Men"; I will take "The Bridge" and "The Killing." Sad that Americans have to settle for so much that is second-rate these days.

[–] palvdb 10 years ago

I'm really starting to grow hatred towards these stuff. I don't know if you can really blame the viewers. I imagine the americanized *beep* is getting wider releases.
If people actually think the American versions are better because they're American, they're just retarded.
I don't care if they change the story, the title whatever, a rip off is a rip off. I was actually searching for the scandinavian "the Bridge" but this version came up first on google, how bad is that.

[–] Nuncle_Euron 10 years ago

For me personally, the Mexican-American border sounds substantially more interesting of a setting than the originals.

The main plot that stuck closest to the original was the weakest part of the first season TBH.

Sad that Americans have to settle for so much that is second-rate these days.

Say what? Guess you haven't watched True Detective yet.

I'll pump her full of motley seed, until she pops out a little me! -Shagwell

[–] jimprideaux2 9 years ago

I agree. As an American I can pick up on the tensions involved at the US/Mexico border. Am starting to watch the original series and can't pick up on similar vibes with the Sweden/Denmark border. It's as if the American series took place on the US/Canada border.

As far as the two main characters they're played equally well in my opinion, maybe with the Mexican policeman having the edge. I think the Waco police chief seems to have his head more in the game and is more emotionally invested than his Swedish counterpart. Also, the Waco lead reporter is more enjoyably obnoxious than the Swedish counterpart.

[–] Karl Aksel 9 years ago

Am starting to watch the original series and can't pick up on similar vibes with the Sweden/Denmark border. It's as if the American series took place on the US/Canada border.

The US/Canadian border is certainly more equivalent to the Swedish/Danish border, yes. There are no tensions between Sweden/Denmark, nor was there meant to be in the original series. But by placing the plot on both sides of the border, the series will have equal appeal to audiences of both countries. I guess the reason the creators of the US remake didn't go for the border with Canada, is perhaps that this would be less interesting to most US audiences. The original series was never about the contrast between the two countries, as the only significant difference between them is the language. And even that difference isn't all that significant.

[–] lavender1905 10 years ago

I don't think it is on Netflix but it is on Hulu. (Just season 1 right now, so I don't want to get involved).

[–] 10 years ago

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[–] lavender1905 10 years ago

Oh cool, thanks for the info MrBobWhite. I had heard of people being able to do this from the US and now I have a reason to try!

[–] 10 years ago

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[–] trillium_731 10 years ago

The Scandinavian version of The Bridge is on the Canadian version of Netflix.

[–] mathmaniac 9 years ago

It can be rented or bought for streaming on amazon instant video. Just season 1.

[–] TheForumTroll 10 years ago

Hmm...

pretentious
1.
attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed.

If you by pretentious mean the comment in itself, then I agree. If on the other hand you meant the subject I have to disagree. The Scandinavian version is actually a lot better in almost every way.

Most American copies of international shows are sadly lacking, especially in the acting which I find strange when a lot of the original shows are really good (True Detective, House of cards). On the other hand I can't pretend to understand the taste in shows most people have. For one I really cannot see why Breaking Bad is anything special at all.

British and Scandinavian films and shows are the best on average in my opinion* but opinions are like arseh....

*- No I'm not British :P

[–] bringonthelucie 10 years ago

The original one was better in many aspects, but I honestly like the american remake better. And Breaking Bad and Mad Men are incredible (although I think Mad Men has been pretty inconsistent in quality for the last two seasons.)

[–] trillium_731 10 years ago

The Scandinavian version is available on the Canadian version of Netflix. I've watched a couple episodes of it, and will be watching the rest. I thought the Swedish leading lady was better, or at least that character's apergers was handled with a lighter touch.

[–] Hill_Dan2000 9 years ago

Actually, House of Cards is not a US original. It is a remake of the 90s BBC series of the same name.
Saz

[–] de3206 8 years ago

UK and Scandanavian copper shows ARE the best. Agreed, completely. I'm not a Brit either.

[–] LuckyMatt93 10 years ago

I watched the original a few weeks ago. Still prefer the Americanized version overall.

Bihir is much better in the role of Marco than Bodnia is in the role of Martin (Marco, to that extent, is much better developed as a character). Sonya is also much more developed than Saga, even if Kruger is admittedly the inferior actress compared to Helin.

There's also a richer layer of atmosphere and New Mexico flair which I love.

"All in the game..." - Omar Little

[–] albnadia 10 years ago

I shake my head at this - I believe you that it's great, but there isn't a Scandinavian Juarez

[–] Sally1829 10 years ago

I've seen both pilots, and, frankly, I prefer the american one. I'm open to arguments as to why the original was better, but, having seen one episode of each, they both seem to have their merits.

I find the Mexican/american border issues resonate more with me, but that's unsurprising.

[–] eddiewinehosen 9 years ago

The original isn't about border issues and conflict but about co-operation across it. That's something that has been added to the American version and having seen both, the original series is far superior.

[–] de3206 8 years ago

Malmö/Copenhagen

[–] jessthehuman 10 years ago

I actually preferred the USA version of The Killing. Although, that is fairly rare, I usually enjoy the original versions more.

That said - I enjoy watching them all, with The Bridge - there is also a British take; The Tunnel.

If you enjoy, there's no need to get cynical about the other 'Americanised' versions, just watch them all - it's good to see different takes on the same basic ideas.

And - you may even be surprised,as I was with The Killing - the American version of that show, season 1 & 2, is definitely in my top-3 TV-Dramas of all time, the original probably doesn't even hit my top 10.

[–] 10 years ago

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[–] malcolm-smith 9 years ago

Have fun with your 4 hours of sunlight, dipstick.

And then six months later they're going to reply "Have fun with your twelve hours of sunlight, dipstick."

Just sayin'