Old World Charm Meets Modern Mysteries

Read Time:3 Minute, 15 Second

TV SERIES REVIEW
Mongeville: The Complete Series
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Genre: Crime, Drama
Year Released: 2013-2021, 2023 MHz Choice DVD
Runtime: 42h 12m
Creator(s): Jacques Santamaria
Cast: Francis Perrin, Gaelle Bona, Jean-Philippe Lachaud, Pierre Aussedat
Language: French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available now, order here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In MONGEVILLE: THE COMPLETE SERIES, viewers are treated to a journey through the beautiful French city Bordeaux’s cobbled streets and vineyard vistas, where mystery and justice intertwine in an engaging dance. The series thrives on its compelling narrative and rich character development, anchored by the performance of Francis Perrin as the wise and discerning Antoine Mongeville.

MONGEVILLE presents a striking contrast in its lead characters. Mongeville, a retired judge with a knack for sleuthing, combines a razor-sharp intellect with a cultivated lifestyle. His iconic Jaguar, a symbol of elegance and practicality, perfectly mirrors his approach to dissecting complex cases. The series initially pairs him with the introspective Axelle Ferrano (Marie Mouté), whose inner conflicts and depth of character set the stage for a storyline rich in detective insight and emotional resonance.

The narrative takes an unexpected detour when Ferrano exits, leaving her character arc open-ended. This paves the way for Valentine Duteil, portrayed with vibrancy by Gaëlle Bona. Duteil’s early introduction marks a tonal shift in the series, injecting a lighter and more whimsical element into the mix. This evolution broadens the scope for character evolution and narrative innovation, skillfully blending humor with the gravitas of detective work.

MONGEVILLE consistently showcases its prowess in tackling intricate and captivating mysteries. Adding characters like Sylvestre (Marc Depond,) the reformed burglar, and connecting the series as a spinoff to MAGELLAN, having Simon Magellan (Jacques Spiesser) pop-up as Mongeville’s long-time friend infuses the storyline with additional humor and complexity.

MONGEVILLE stands apart from its American counterparts as a beacon in European crime drama by eschewing sensationalized glamour and violence. Instead, it offers a more grounded and nuanced foray into crime-solving, maintaining a delicate balance between enigmatic cases, character-driven plots, and the captivating charm of Bordeaux.

Throughout its run, the series transitions from a darker, more intense tone to a lighter, more charming ambiance. This shift sees the emergence of a new dynamic between Mongeville and Duteil, different yet equally enthralling, and offers a fresh perspective on the detective partnership genre.

MONGEVILLE is a well-executed show that seamlessly transitions from its more somber beginnings to a narrative with a lighter touch, all without losing its essence. This series is a shining example of the richness and diversity of European crime dramas, blending edge-of-your-seat suspense, in-depth character development, and the picturesque setting of Bordeaux. For anyone searching for a series that melds thrilling mysteries, deep character connections, and a stunning visual backdrop, MONGEVILLE: THE COMPLETE SERIES is an unmissable experience.

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[photo courtesy of MHZ CHOICE, KINO LORBER]

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