Before the Frost

Coincidence And Happenstance Fuel Three New Mysteries, But It's Good To See Branagh's Wallander Again
Kenneth Branagh has become something of an industry chameleon and his evolution in the entertainment world has been fascinating and unpredictable to watch. Making his name by spearheading Shakespearean adaptations (his first "Henry V" earned him a couple of Oscar nods for Best Director and Best Actor), he branched off into more mainstream roles before becoming an A-list director of blockbusters (Thor, anyone?). He might not have been my first choice to play Henning Mankell's enigmatic and introspective Swedish detective Wallander, but he's come to inhabit the role quite comfortably. He was, after all, born in Northern Ireland which is quite different (even if geographically close) than Mankell's Scandinavian protagonist. If anything, though, he epitomizes the unstable nature and world weary despair that personifies the series of books on which these mysteries are based. It can be a showy role, but it's also one inhabited by a quiet sadness and a distinct vulnerability. These...

It's About Wallander The Man
Those who are "bored to tears" with Kenneth Branagh's portrayal of Kurt Wallander probably have never read the books. I would say his portrayal is as close as any Englishman can come. I think you have to be a fan of Henning Mankell's brilliant books to fully appreciate what is being done here. I do appreciate it, very much.

Marvelous Series
I am not the type of person who normally enjoys moody tv shows and movies. I was leery about the BBC Wallander series, with Kenneth Branagh playing the lead role of Kurt Wallander. I am so glad I made an exception when the series was presented on Public Television. I was hooked after the first episode.

I was thrilled when the series was released on DVD and I bought the set with 9 episodes from Amazon UK. Even though I have seen most of the episodes, a few times before, I am still enjoying them again. One of the plus sides of short-term memory loss is that I can watch my favorite shows over and over as I am doing with Wallander.

One of the best features of the series is the breathtaking scenery of southern Sweden. It adds a unique touch I haven't found in any other series outside of documentaries.

I am so glad Branagh agreed to play Wallander. I think he does a wonderful job of portraying the very complex character of Wallander.

I hope...

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