Could've been a pretty decent show but for the overwhelming presence of the girl's mother, blundering from one sinkhole into another. Such a huge chunk of the series devoted to a weak, irritating character portrayed by an even weaker, irritating actress.
104 Reviews
To enjoy, suspend disbelief
ikanboy22 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I don't know whose more to blame for this the Norwegians or the Israelis? They never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity. It could be viewed as ludicrous fun, or just as entertainment for the masses. Plot holes galore, plenty of bad Arabs, and they even made Hamas look half sane. They spend half the time in Egypt without a single Egyptian? A foreigner claims to have hired some mercenaries in Israel and Shin Bet doesn't interrogate her and jail/deport her? OyVe!
Accent-uate The Positive?
annlevtex7 January 2022
This show is decent in terms of plot and acting, but it's basically B-Grade. A young Norwegian girl visiting Israel is captured by Isis along with her friends, an Israeli brother and sister. Her mother, who comes to find her, enlists the help of an unlikely ally, and dot dot dot....
There are some strong players in this show, along with good scenery and production, but it's very formulaic and the characters fall flat in large part because of the choice to make all the main players converse in English. It makes sense, since the Norwegian mother is fluent in the language and even participated in the Oslo talks, as did the main Israeli touch-point. The daughter who is kidnapped is fluent too. As is, apparently, the head of of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza. And a Palestinian doctor she befriended at the time.
But it doesn't work. Because the actors are not fluent, and that's fine, and should have stayed that way.
After a few episodes of this, I felt like I was was watching the SNL "Norwegian Playhouse" sketch. The mother tells someone her plan will pay off "Big Time." He replies "Don't Mess With Me" (OK I made up the second part, but it's basically apt). It ends up sounding ridiculous. The scenes with subtitles work much better, especially those that feature the hostages and their captors, all of which are sufficiently tense.
Anyway, this is a weird mash-up of Scandinoir and "Fauda." It's OK, but not great.
There are some strong players in this show, along with good scenery and production, but it's very formulaic and the characters fall flat in large part because of the choice to make all the main players converse in English. It makes sense, since the Norwegian mother is fluent in the language and even participated in the Oslo talks, as did the main Israeli touch-point. The daughter who is kidnapped is fluent too. As is, apparently, the head of of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza. And a Palestinian doctor she befriended at the time.
But it doesn't work. Because the actors are not fluent, and that's fine, and should have stayed that way.
After a few episodes of this, I felt like I was was watching the SNL "Norwegian Playhouse" sketch. The mother tells someone her plan will pay off "Big Time." He replies "Don't Mess With Me" (OK I made up the second part, but it's basically apt). It ends up sounding ridiculous. The scenes with subtitles work much better, especially those that feature the hostages and their captors, all of which are sufficiently tense.
Anyway, this is a weird mash-up of Scandinoir and "Fauda." It's OK, but not great.
A good watch but overlong
Vindelander6 January 2022
Pretty reasonable overall but about 3 episodes too long. Story is rather weak but there are quite a few action scenes and reasonable character development.
Production and casting ok but on balance I wouldn't watch it again.
Production and casting ok but on balance I wouldn't watch it again.
The Girl from Oslo
Tweekums25 December 2021
Pia is a young Norwegian girl who hasn't told her parents that she has gone to Israel on holiday. While there she goes on a day trip to a beach in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula with an Israeli brother and sister. As they return through the desert their car is stopped by armed ISIS terrorists; their driver is killed and they are taken hostage. The terrorists demand the release of several prisoners; most are in Israeli jails but one is being held in Norway. Neither country wants to give in to terrorists but Pia's father, a lawyer, agrees to represent the man being held in Norway. Meanwhile her mother, is in Israel trying to pressure anybody who might be able to help to do what they can. Most prominent of these is the Israeli Intelligence Minister who she had got close to when he attended the Oslo peace talks in the early nineties some of her actions may make things worse.
I thought this was a fairly solid thriller; the tension is high whenever we are with Pia and her fellow hostages. Things aren't quite as strong when we are with her parents, in particular her mother whose actions don't seem like those of somebody who worked as a diplomat... everything she does seems to potentially make matters worse or harm other people. The acting is decent enough; annoying characters are more down to writing than acting. I did like the settings; especially the bleak deserts where much of the drama takes place. Overall a decent enough series; not a must see but good enough.
These comments are based on watching the series in Hebrew/Norwegian/Arabic with English subtitles; much of the conversation is in English as it is the language used by characters who don't speak other's native languages.
I thought this was a fairly solid thriller; the tension is high whenever we are with Pia and her fellow hostages. Things aren't quite as strong when we are with her parents, in particular her mother whose actions don't seem like those of somebody who worked as a diplomat... everything she does seems to potentially make matters worse or harm other people. The acting is decent enough; annoying characters are more down to writing than acting. I did like the settings; especially the bleak deserts where much of the drama takes place. Overall a decent enough series; not a must see but good enough.
These comments are based on watching the series in Hebrew/Norwegian/Arabic with English subtitles; much of the conversation is in English as it is the language used by characters who don't speak other's native languages.
For the Love of a Daughter
albertval-6956030 December 2021
It has all the trimmings of an engaging political thriller with the powder keg that is the Middle East as backdrop. In fact, it harkens to the failed 1993 Oslo Accords. It is where the two protagonists Alex Bakke and Arif Shor meet for the first time.
Some viewers might consider the motivations of Alex for doing what she did as extreme, irresponsible or even implausible but we can suspend disbelief here and give her a pass considering that she's a desperate mother who only wants Pia to be rescued and be freed.
The directors are able to turn up the tension steadily as the story progresses. The viewer can appreciate the complicated situation faced by the protagonists although we glean that they, too, are practical individuals. The dynamics between Daesh and Hamas is quite interesting. This adds excitement to the film.
There are dramatic moments. One scene in particular tugs at the heart: when Nadav is reunited with his mother and estranged father.
The actors are good. Aside from Annake von der Lippe whose strong performance as Alex is admirable, credit should be given, too, to Raida Adon who portrays Layla al Kelani. Those who are fans of Fauda might recognize Shadi Mar'i and Boaz Conforty in this series. They play the roles of Walid al Abed and Avichai, respectively, in Fauda.
The viewer appreciates the locations of the series---from Oslo to Sinai. Perhaps, this is one rare film that makes copious use of wide-angle shots of biblical Sinai with its barren peaks.
Watch out for Season 2. The last scene of Episode 2 sets up the incoming new season.
Some viewers might consider the motivations of Alex for doing what she did as extreme, irresponsible or even implausible but we can suspend disbelief here and give her a pass considering that she's a desperate mother who only wants Pia to be rescued and be freed.
The directors are able to turn up the tension steadily as the story progresses. The viewer can appreciate the complicated situation faced by the protagonists although we glean that they, too, are practical individuals. The dynamics between Daesh and Hamas is quite interesting. This adds excitement to the film.
There are dramatic moments. One scene in particular tugs at the heart: when Nadav is reunited with his mother and estranged father.
The actors are good. Aside from Annake von der Lippe whose strong performance as Alex is admirable, credit should be given, too, to Raida Adon who portrays Layla al Kelani. Those who are fans of Fauda might recognize Shadi Mar'i and Boaz Conforty in this series. They play the roles of Walid al Abed and Avichai, respectively, in Fauda.
The viewer appreciates the locations of the series---from Oslo to Sinai. Perhaps, this is one rare film that makes copious use of wide-angle shots of biblical Sinai with its barren peaks.
Watch out for Season 2. The last scene of Episode 2 sets up the incoming new season.
Poor plot, poor screenplay
gban-1862712 January 2022
Why all bad reviews? Better than most junk
tarawoiderski25 December 2021
Quite Ok. But very annoying.
heirofodin12 January 2022
Yes. The mother drove me bezerk watching this. If you were a top politician/negotiater before, how come you get braindead 20 years after?
The girl. Everytime something happens she screams like a hurt pig. If something happens, you concentrate to get your ass outta there and quiet. Dont think the writer/author likes women.
When it comes to the story it is a bit simple. Israelis have made really excellent series before, but this was not a great moment. If you want to watch somethin while you wait for your pizza its ok.
The girl. Everytime something happens she screams like a hurt pig. If something happens, you concentrate to get your ass outta there and quiet. Dont think the writer/author likes women.
When it comes to the story it is a bit simple. Israelis have made really excellent series before, but this was not a great moment. If you want to watch somethin while you wait for your pizza its ok.
10 episodes that go on and on...
thorntonburns19 December 2021
There is a lot that is wrong with this series. The characters annoyed me. Especially the kidnapped daughter Pia and her pain in the butt mother. Maybe do yourself a favor and watch episodes 1 & 2 then reward time is due, skip to the last one episode 10.
Don't let the bad reviews stop you from watching this excellent series
BAGHEERA_8226 December 2021
I was truly chocked when I saw the bad reviews. Both me and my girlfriend got hooked from the very first episode and we have recommended this series to friends and family. The acting is outstanding and the tension is there all the time. Whenever an episode ends you want to see the next right away. This series should deserve a 7-9 grade. I give it a 9.
There are better series Like Fauda on this conflict.
mohinderchugh10 January 2022
In case you have watched Fauda than you can watch this series. You may not find this series any where near to Fauda. Still it is watchable due to its excellent cinematography . Story telling is interesting but story it self is outdated in present context. Acting of most the actors is ok to good. In case you have not watched Fauda I will suggest you watch Fauda and than if you have extra time than you can watch this series.
Get ready to sit at the edge of your sit.
smadarprager20 December 2021
Good acting tells a story full of suspension and unexpected twists and turns in the plot.
Shame thought, that some of the plot's facts - in some cases crucial to the plot's validity - are unrealistically weaved in, or impossible to be true, making the plot seam exaggerated or shallow. This shaved off some points from the rating.
Nonetheless, fantastic and lacking of authenticity as it is , you'll find yourself at the edge of your sit untill the last frame.
Shame thought, that some of the plot's facts - in some cases crucial to the plot's validity - are unrealistically weaved in, or impossible to be true, making the plot seam exaggerated or shallow. This shaved off some points from the rating.
Nonetheless, fantastic and lacking of authenticity as it is , you'll find yourself at the edge of your sit untill the last frame.
Really annoying
saintgermain-8392531 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This series promised so much but instead delivered little .The main problem that runs through every scene is the ludicrous behaviour of the Norwegian mother ,Anneke von der Lippe .It is not the actress's fault but the script which shows her as undertaking ridiculous nasty counter productive actions at every turn .She excuses this as "she is a mother" as if being a mother allows just about every pathetic worthless action rather than letting the experienced professionals get on with trying to sort things out She is the cause of the deaths of the hostage girl and the Gaza boy because she keeps pressing the Israeli intelligence chief to take crazy actions using blackmail . . And suspend disbelief as she would never have been allowed to rampage aroud Israel and Gaza if this were a real situation . The contribution of the Norwegians in the so called Oslo Accords 1993
was completely pointless and achieved nothing .. It is ironic that the opening credit shows Bill Clinton declaiming a major event for world peace ..worthless just like almost all of his statements .
There are some major plot holes but just about forgiveable if the rest of the script had been plausible but alas it was not .
The relationship between Alex the Norwegian woman and. Arik the Israeli minister was miscast as she is in real life 12 years his senior and on screen looks more .Perhaps he was her toyboy .
Disappointing and makes you want to scream at Alex ....go back to Norway you jerk.
There are some major plot holes but just about forgiveable if the rest of the script had been plausible but alas it was not .
The relationship between Alex the Norwegian woman and. Arik the Israeli minister was miscast as she is in real life 12 years his senior and on screen looks more .Perhaps he was her toyboy .
Disappointing and makes you want to scream at Alex ....go back to Norway you jerk.
retsi/retsi?
titiboirok21 December 2021
I liked this overall,swings quite a bit,up and down but overall got into it..maybe because i was in the sinaii long time ago,landscapes....acting a bit much..not an uncommon phenomena...worth a watch...episodes go fast...pace!(peace too!)
Bortfort (or 'Girl from Oslo') is a watchable albeit un-earthshattering Israeli drama
bestfootie2 January 2022
Bortfort (or 'Girl from Oslo') is a watchable albeit un-earthshattering Israeli drama of the Fauda genre.
It doesn't force any feelings one way or the other for either side and just let's you feel the pain of what each person is going through and the difficulties of their individual journey. Realpolitik, how things will be perceived, as well as personal mistakes and weaknesses from the past all play a part in the characters' stories.
Not going to change your life but easy to watch drama. If you're going to choose one of the two though, Fauda is much more action-packed.
It doesn't force any feelings one way or the other for either side and just let's you feel the pain of what each person is going through and the difficulties of their individual journey. Realpolitik, how things will be perceived, as well as personal mistakes and weaknesses from the past all play a part in the characters' stories.
Not going to change your life but easy to watch drama. If you're going to choose one of the two though, Fauda is much more action-packed.
Not the best out there, but ok
baccianti2 January 2022
Deceptive leftist presentation that distorts the true situation in Israel
sashairk24 April 2022
I did not like The Girl from Oslo because of its left slant and deceptive presentation of the situation in Israel, namely:
1) There are no private para-military groups in Israel that can freely enter and exit Sinai and do whatever they wish without any coordination with the government
2) Israel never bombs Gaza just to make a statement, only as a response to the rocket attacks that were never mentioned
3) Hamas shown in the film as a serious military organization and not a terrorist organization that controls Gaza and has a goal to destroy Israel by conducting terrorist attacks on Israel's territory and sending hundreds of missiles with the purpose of killing civilians there.
I respect the opinion of others, including the leftists that want to show something from their point of you. However, I resent lying in order to make this point.
I respect the opinion of others, including the leftists that want to show something from their point of you. However, I resent lying in order to make this point.
Suspenseful and exciting
pennyjune15 January 2022
I don't get the negative reviews here, but maybe I'm just not that familiar with the middle east and how things are over there. Regardless, if you like suspense, this one had me biting my nails. I'm glad it's several episodes, because it gives me something to look forward to in the evenings. There are disturbing scenes and frustrating ones, but I didn't find anything wrong with the acting. I am a very picky viewer and won't even tune into anything if it's not well done, so I honestly don't understand why others didn't appreciate it. Norwegian programs are usually far better than silly American stuff. Try Witch Hunt (with subtitles, of course) for another absorbing Norwegian program, although I did like this one better. Happy viewing!
Good time killer
Luigi Di Pilla24 April 2022
Nothing exceptional in the story but full of beautiful landscapes from the Israeli desert.
Interesting Netflix cooperation with Norway and Israel film production. Some good suspense and sentimental moments. The story helps perhaps a bit better understand what is going on between the organization of Hamas and Daech.
The actors played all good the characters and congrats to the direction. 6/10.
Interesting Netflix cooperation with Norway and Israel film production. Some good suspense and sentimental moments. The story helps perhaps a bit better understand what is going on between the organization of Hamas and Daech.
The actors played all good the characters and congrats to the direction. 6/10.
The mother....
matkier21 December 2021
vary good story line
rick-09019-0180520 December 2021
Some people have reviewed and said something about using inexperienced actors ..possibly true but every actor has to start someware
for amatuers its worth the watch ..fed up of all star casting and great so see new faces instead of the same old faces.
Very Good and watchable
pahurkarrahul7 January 2022
Sometimes surprising, sometimes confusing
Nozz25 June 2021
The episodes are short, and the showrunners try to be sure there's a surprise in each of them. Sometimes indeed the plot departs from conventional expectations. Underlying it all, and connected a little artificially to the action-and-adventure story, is the story of an almost stereotypical Scandinavian marriage-- undemonstrative, troubled, somewhat hopeless. I can't judge the Norwegian actors, but they seem at home in their roles, unlike Israeli sweetheart Rotem Abuhab, who has a less prominent role as a spouse and seems unable to find a character in it.
I can't pretend that I understood every plot development; there are factions against factions against factions. But matters keep moving, even if sometimes they seem to move in circles.
As an Israeli, I'm happy to see this kind of collaboration come about. I wish I could recommend it more enthusiastically.
I can't pretend that I understood every plot development; there are factions against factions against factions. But matters keep moving, even if sometimes they seem to move in circles.
As an Israeli, I'm happy to see this kind of collaboration come about. I wish I could recommend it more enthusiastically.
Nice little thriller/action serie to watch.
d_heier30 December 2021
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