The short TV series "Mevrouw de minister" (3 episodes) may well have been the inspiration for the popular Danish series Borgen. For outsiders: both are political stories. A young and promising female politician joins a coalition cabinet as one of the ministers. Right from the start various political storms break, which threaten the political future of the heroine - and perhaps her initial integrity makes matters worse. Both series are realistic, convincing and credible (is there a difference?). I value "Mevrouw de minister" higher, but then again, what do I know about the state of Denmark? True, it is odd that she is good-looking, and not the usual Thatcher-Merkel type. On the other hand, Hillary Clinton is definitively not bad either. I do think that H.C. is prettier than Obama or even M.L. This makes one ponder. OK, considering that I am of the male sex, this is not amazing. Or am I being too offensive here? In both cases the marriage of our new star suffers. The profession demands the total dedication of the office-holder, which is irreconcilable with the give and take of an emotional relation. She hardly leaves her desk. In addition, the power is addictive to such an extent, that other pleasures (such as a happy marriage) seem to become futile. The career move is accompanied by a relational role reversal. The female becomes the hunter. There is just this person, becoming increasingly self-assured. Only she can do the job. She identifies the goals of her party with her own political survival. You witness how heroism in politics amounts to self-preservation. Evidently she believes, that her political allies in the cabinet lack her talents and gifts. Are you still with me? The personal ploys and tricks are a rather unpleasant sight, but probably indeed necessary. Opportunism abounds, especially with female politicians, who seem to be ill equipped for political orthodoxy. No, these are facts! Obviously, little room is left for idealism. It has been said that the character of a top politician is by definition incompatible with that of a representative of the people. This is an amazing paradox, and nevertheless it is true. In summary, the narrative should be praised for its honesty, just like in Borgen. If politics and power (within a small state supporting a coalition system) interest you, this film is the thing for you. Wow, a review with two amazings and one Obama, I am getting better all the time.
2 Reviews
How an enthusiastic, ambitious politician in cynical coalition play is sacrificed by the antique dinosaurs of the political elite
dourface27 February 2018
Madam Minister (Mevrouw de minister) tells the fictional story of municipal councilor Dirkje Holman appointed to Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. Unlike her colleagues, Dirkje wants to tackle things differently. She is innovative and quirky. Scenario-technical not brilliant, but with dynamic camera work, compelling music, and interesting tricks in the field of framing and camera making, which gives the series - entirely in black and white - the necessary grandeur and allure.
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