This is neither good nor bad. Its very much in between, so the best thing to say is that it leaves you quite indifferent. There was endless trumpeting and media coverage as the series was filmed and aired, but sadly it failed on so many levels. I watched it for the actors, but sometimes their lines are awkward and the plot is just plain boring. This series very badly wants to be something that it's not.
10 Reviews
Louis Bunuel's ghost moves north
egaliani10 March 2020
Boy are Estonians seriously weird. That's not necessarily a bad thing. A wacky, disorganized pastiche of ideas, tempos, styles and soundtracks. And to think that when I was young I thought I needed to drop acid to feel like this. I haven't turned it off yet.
Milktoast
Warin_West-El25 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Each episode was so non-nondescript, I waited until I'd seen the whole series before writing this review.
For me, it was a let-down. The main character is not strong enough to suit my taste. He sort of goes through an evolution, but nothing worth noting. I thought after dinner he should have pinned the ol' lady to her bedpost and then chalked it up to transitioning through his Oedipal complex. Especially, since those scenes allegedly took place in Sweden. But no . . . No fire.
Yes, it was about a bank. But still, where was the life? The Swedish woman raised an important point regarding no longer enjoying her home. But the lead character had NO insightful reply. IOW: he really was just another stupid lost sheep.
If you're gonna eat up several hours of my life, you gotta show me something. If I can't learn from your exposition, then you've wasted my precious life.
This presentation was too bland to be meaningful. As others have mentioned, this series includes some interesting cinematography. But when everything is said and done, that was just another vacuous pretty face.
For me, it was a let-down. The main character is not strong enough to suit my taste. He sort of goes through an evolution, but nothing worth noting. I thought after dinner he should have pinned the ol' lady to her bedpost and then chalked it up to transitioning through his Oedipal complex. Especially, since those scenes allegedly took place in Sweden. But no . . . No fire.
Yes, it was about a bank. But still, where was the life? The Swedish woman raised an important point regarding no longer enjoying her home. But the lead character had NO insightful reply. IOW: he really was just another stupid lost sheep.
If you're gonna eat up several hours of my life, you gotta show me something. If I can't learn from your exposition, then you've wasted my precious life.
This presentation was too bland to be meaningful. As others have mentioned, this series includes some interesting cinematography. But when everything is said and done, that was just another vacuous pretty face.
Gray world
rainz-5736610 November 2018
Estonias finest
rakzcs5 January 2019
In the context of Estonian television series, this is a masterpiece. But in the context of the world, it is bad.. it is really bad.
Pank tries so hard to be something special and excellent, borrowing everything from top movies and series to the extent that it has no personality of its own.
If that alone isn't bad enough the acting will surely make you feel uncomfortable. In times when they want you to feel sadness, you cant help yourself at laughing... that bad.
Altogether Pank wants to be compared with the best and in that comparison they fail to meet expectations. I waisted my time.
Not for American viewers
arnessmarta19 March 2020
A very good drama series and interesting plot, mirroring the Estonian economy of the 90's.
Obviously the series does not comply with Hollywood or the American audience, as the cinematography is more European with much more depth and beautiful visual imagery. The actors play their characters very well, and the music is very different.
A must for cinephiles, but don't expect it to be a "blockbuster" film!
Down to earth but beautiful with a Scandinavian touch
markvinewood23 December 2018
I am usually very critical with Estonian production but this series is something that I would genuinely be proud of. Yes, it is a bit slow and artsy at times (like most stuff from around here) but unlike many films and series, this is definitely worth giving a look.
It is based on a true story and using real life people as prototypes. It consists of 10 episodes that take place over the span of some 15 years. The action may slow down a little somewhere in the middle of the run but the series finishes strong and has great soundtrack to back up the visuals. Spoken languages include: Estonian, English, Swedish, Finnish etc.
It is based on a true story and using real life people as prototypes. It consists of 10 episodes that take place over the span of some 15 years. The action may slow down a little somewhere in the middle of the run but the series finishes strong and has great soundtrack to back up the visuals. Spoken languages include: Estonian, English, Swedish, Finnish etc.
Banks R The Same Everywhere
Rgrsfuret23 April 2020
Contrary to the prior and only review Pank IS for American viewers. The smart ones...it's so fun to watch another country go through what the US has, 2008 redux. And now even before the pandemic they're starting it all over again. The acting, script, and sense of deja vu made funny and tragic at the same time is a real slice of life that'll make you want to bring back the Resist movement. No matter what country you're being exploited in...
Makes you understand Estonia
c_s_p_r29 September 2019
Even though there are few moments where the script or acting fails a bit this is very unique story in world of TV series. The brief history of Estonia independence during past 20-30 years offers interesting environment for storytelling in world of finance and patriotism. Characters feel real and they develop throughout the series.
It's good.
parkentosh2 February 2021
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