The Golden Hour (2022– ) User Reviews

A Dutch masterpiece (but pretty horrible still)

[wschukken · 6/10 · 9 October 2023]

The most notable part of this series was the general ineptness and response time of Dutch police.

After a terrorist attack occurs in the center of Amsterdam at a market or mall, the Dutch security forces, which appears to consist of roughly 10 men, is called up out at their house in Groningen or Maastricht. After taking their morning cappuccinos they decided to bike to the scene of the crime. On children's bikes. This all left ample time for the terrorists and victims to get to know eachother.

Besides this, the 4 low-IQ'd employees at the Dutch FBI (aivd) are only focussed on interrogating the main character's wife, all while one of them is dating the boss of the main character(?).

The acting varies and the story is flat out predictable. The action scenes are actually pretty ok except for the realisticness of it all.

This leads to a rating of 3 or 4 stars. But in the NL we call that a masterpiece! I recommend.

Was going great guns

[TomatoesareRotten · 6/10 · 20 December 2023]

Until the last ( and quite frankly ridiculous episode ). There is quite a lot of shoot outs and gory, terrorist based violence. That is where the initial investment in the main protagonists takes speed. Unfortunately, we get sidetracked on a few occasions with random characters that don't give anything to the plot. Add to that, innumerable flashbacks all covering the same scene - I think I couldn't one of the same repeat scenes at least half a dozen times. Back the ending of the series itself ; the episodes 4 and 5 were gut wrenching and extremely well done ( although the rookie/ hero cops were soon forgotten in the plot ). The last episode smacked seriously of a budget that simply ran out and the direction and script became the principal victim.

Would have been great if properly written

[discardability · 6/10 · 23 December 2023]

Well, the cast is fantastic, the script ok, but the contrivances are just covering poor plotting and concept writing.

Firstly if you're an Afghani immigrant come Dutch policeman, you are open about everything you do and say. Because if you aren't, you don't get to be a Dutch policeman - that's just the reality for immigrants from unstable countries with a high proportion of terrorist and criminal activity.

Our hero would have been calling all his colleagues to look at the 'murder-board' in his house at every party, national security would have already known he knew the guy at the school from before - because he would have told them. Heck, he would have enlisted their help!

Mardik would not have been sullen and pulled attitude with the security services, because in his line of work, he knows that will earn instant suspicion about his background.

And ok, given all these impossibilities were ok, I don't think the NSS woman would have asked why he didn't take his wife and female child to Afghanistan. Nobody in their right minds would take any woman or girl to this country and many like it, if they seriously cared for their welfare.... so it was just bad and obvious contrivance, one after the other...

I just couldn't get past episode 2, and I think that this could have been much better planned out to a similar story but with believable happenings.

It's a shame because I love the cast, but the stupidities just keep taking me right out of the happenings.

Move over Scandinavia, here is Dutch television

[boself · 10/10 · 26 October 2022]

I have been watching a lot of Dutch shows lately and I prefer them over your average Netflix show. So whenever a new Dutch show is released, this girl is happy!

But, with The Golden hour, Dutch television just went up an extra notch. Boy, was it good. In every aspect: acting (you just forget you're watching and you get sucked into the story immediately), storyline and writing, camerawork and cinematography, but also sets and extra's. I don't know if people who helped bring this show to life are reading this... but I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed watching it. In spite of the very difficult topic.

It had me on the edge of my seat throughout the episodes and I can't wait for season 2 to be released.

Quick note: I'm your average Jane, so I have minimal knowledge of police and detective work. This review is just based on my personal experience as a viewer.

Good Job!

[Guanche48 · 8/10 · 26 September 2023]

One of the best Dutch series I have seen. I will also honestly say that I am not a big fan of a lot of meaningless action, that is, without a plot, but here there is an interesting and also strong story. Most of the series is filmed in Ede, not Amsterdam. It's great to have chosen another city, because Holland is muuuch more than the tourist massacre of Amsterdam.

It even seemed a little short to me due to the great variety of action that barely let you move and keep you on the edge of the chair, a lot of tension and very exciting. Time goes by very quickly watching this one.

The actors are all quite good and the the action scenes and editing do not disappoint.

Of course, as in every series, there are always stupid and unrealistic moments, like the racism present, and the torture of a minor and her mother are taken out of context. On the other hand some of the passive decisions of the Dutch police are quite realistic.

Don't miss it if you like action combined with a good story. And.. I'm waiting for the second season. Please don't take too long.

Fast-paced terrorists' action mini-series from the Netherlands

[paul-allaer · 7/10 · 25 December 2023]

As Episode 1 of "The Golden Hour" (2022 release from the Netherlands; 6 episodes ranging from 47 to 50 min each) opens, we are in "Amsterdam", where we get to know Mardik, a detective who grew up in Afghanistan but now a longtime resident in the Netherlands and married to a Dutch lady. In a parallel story line, we are introduced to Faysal, a childhood friend of Mardik, who now has become a hardline extremist and terrorist... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: almost from the get-go, this mini-series is tense, and it stays tense. Beware: there are several terrorist attacks that are brought with a shocking level of realism, and this is most definitely not for the feint of heart. That aside, the mini-series reminded me of the Jason Bourne franchise, with its relentless pace and handheld camera work. Bottom line: I quite enjoyed it (I grew up in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, so it was fun to follow along in the original Dutch version).

"Het Gouden Uur" premiered in Fall of 2022 on Dutch TV. I had never heard of it, but Netflix recently recommended it to me based on my viewing habits. Glad I took up Netflix on it. If you are in the mood for a hard-hitting, fact-paced terrorists' action mini-series, I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.

Unbelievable but brilliant

[johnlett-29225 · 10/10 · 30 December 2023]

This Dutch terrorist attack drama is gripping and will have you on the edge of your seats. The violence is intense and some might say gratuitous , but perhaps is the most realistic aspect of this drama. The hero of the tale, an Afghan migrant who became a Dutch cop is well portrayed. The way the Dutch secity services and emergency services dealt with the various attacks was hopefully not reflective of these services in reality and though totally unbelievable didn't detract from a plot that was never dull and kept ones attention from the first minute of episode 1 right to the last minute of episode 6. I hear a second series is planned: bring it on!!

First 4 episodes taste for more!

[belgique_moi · 7/10 · 22 November 2022]

The first 4 episodes are of a high level in terms of tension, acting, screenplay, writing and so on. T leaves you gasping for breath and you sit on the edge of your seat I would give it a 9. Then it becomes less believable, the playing is exaggerated and the lyrics often make no sense anymore. They also want to rush way too much in the last episode, which is a shame. The 1st 4 episodes deserved a much better sequel. Hopefully the makers will be able to reach that level again in a next season. Due to the last 2 episodes I end up with a lower rating unfortunately. I definitely recommend the series so watch everyone.

I'm hooked

[lmonahan91 · 8/10 · 30 December 2023]

I'm. Not familiar with Dutch police but there did seem to be a lack in number, (commenting on others remarks about showing police force inept) I don't think it's unusual to show police as idiots in shows like this. Anyway, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Love Marduk character and will keep watching if the series continues. I do think we are missing something with Ilyd character story line. Does he hate all Muslims? Or is he a terrorist or what's his story. Big hole there. Other plot lines a little up in the air that could be answered in future episodes. Like where did Marduk and Michelle meet? What happened to Marduk after Americans took him. I think they can do a lot with this series if continued. I'll be watching!

Bad acting, not historical acccurate, but somewhat entertaining.

[svanwelie-177-496844 · 6/10 · 30 September 2023]

Intriguing stoey, but the acting is bad, sometimes even very bad. The extra's do a better job than most of the main actors. Some scenes which were ment to be shocking just make me laugh. Ok, therre are definatly good parts, which show the makers did do some research. How do people respond on violence, what kimd of emotions do terrorist go through, stuff like that. Which made me almost forgive the total absence of bystanders after one of the events. Unfortunatly the researchbudget ran out on the psychology. There obvious was no money left for historical research. When taking the age of the main afghan characters in mind, it was impossible for them to have encounter western troops in afghanistan. In the most optimistical way the russians just left, but it took about 15 year before the UN intervened in Afghanistan to fight the Taliban. The actor were way too old to make it believeble they were only living 20 years in the Netherlands. Further more the absurbt way the aivd was depicted (dutch nsi). The writers were peobably smoking some bad stuff or did sau too many american movies. Ow and seeing a stuntperson jump over a fene before falling down was really funny, too bad it ment to be sad and horrible instead. I was able to watch the complete series, so it must somehow be watchable. That is why I give it a 6, even though it was bad and it deserves less points than 6 our of 10.

The power of hatred

[nickwiles-15507 · 9/10 · 22 December 2023]

This is a great story about hatred, ignorance and prejudice and leaves no side unsullied. In a world where whole races of people are considered good or bad because of their birthplace, skin colour and religion, it's refreshing to see the hypocrisy of those a westerner like myself is expected to feel "one of us". Innocence, trust and the implicit sense of safety enjoyed by most of us Europeans is challenged violently here.

The acting I felt was very credible, good casting very good script and the production was also very good. I imagine it was quite low budget but the was little indication of that, very well worth watching. I became engaged quickly with the characters, I think because the subtitling seemed to be reasonably true.

The only failing being the wait I have now for season 2.

Bad decisions

[brainwerx-1 · 6/10 · 19 December 2023]

This series is pretty typical: rogue cop that has the answers, and nobody believes him. They suspect him and behave accordingly.

Basically the series is about a number of bad decisions made by everyone because everyone assumes the worst about everyone else. It's about xenophobia, mistrust and assumptions about who an individual is or isn't based on their background. In short, it is all about profiling of people.

The other problem is, at least for me, none of the characters are particularly likeable. The acting is good, and I have seen the actors in other things. But, as I said, none of these characters are likeable. While the series is good, you really don't care if the characters live or die.

Good series

[amvanklinken · 8/10 · 25 October 2022]

The Dutch series Het Gouden Uur ("The Golden Hour") is a good and realistic thriller series. I finished it last night. Since I live in The Netherlands the language is of course no problem for me.

The series is about several terrorist attacks in Amsterdam. We see the police, the Dutch CIA called AIVD, the terrorists and we follow the hunt for the terrorists.

Dutch script maker Simon de Waal was inspired by the Jason Bourne films: the same fast-paced action but also the same superficial and often vulgar communication between the characters. That's the problem with Dutch films and series: the characters do not communicate professionally.

I've seen a lot of series like Het Gouden Uur made by Scandinavian and British producers and they are so much better: the same fast action and the characters always communicate in a very civilized and professional way.

Its not perfect, but it's a great Series..

[canuckteach · 9/10 · 26 December 2023]

An Afghani-born police officer (Mardik) in the Dutch police is implicated wrongfully in a terrorist plot, that appears to involve dissident middle-Eastern villains. (Their motives are unclear, but plain revenge against Western powers is alluded to).

The story contains one of my favorite plot devices: the crossover character!! In this case, a sort of Internal Affairs cop (female, bossy, unlikeable) switches from chasing our hero of the story to helping him recover his family from another ruthless investigator. That guy is as bad as the terrorists who shoot up innocent people in a mall.

I agree the acting is suspect in places, as are the long drawn-out attacks, but the Director takes time to 'flesh out' several secondary characters. The kind of attacks we see may, sadly, become more numerous in this violent day and age. A handful of ruthless sociopaths can do major damage.

Might add: the story's attack in a mall reminds me that in Israel, well-armed security forces apparently check you 3 times: exiting the car, entering the Mall, and as you window shop! Holland may not be as vigorous-hence the relative (and tragic) ease of the caper.

No sexual activity so far (5.5 episodes in), but several stomach-turning shootings, and a volley of (stupid) F words. Buyer beware. But 9/10 anyway.

Better than many Dutch series

[laduqesa · 7/10 · 7 November 2023]

I'll get over the anomaly that was very difficult to take in at first. I just don't get why Mardik decided to go it alone. Wouldn't his tips and investigations have been enhanced with the resources of the police force behind him? And it would have kept the internal affairs/Dutch CIA off his back.

That apart, the fast-paced plot and its developments left not a moment to wonder about any other inconsistencies. In addition there were some moments of human interest stories, one of which was particularly touching.

A second season is definitely on its way as is obvious from the final few scenes. I'll be watching it.

A really good show!

[lucmolenaar · 9/10 · 1 January 2024]

I was a bit surprised to discover this really good Dutch action thriller. This show is fast paced and holds you at the edge of your seat during all episodes.

We have literally binge watched the whole thing all at once, which almost never happens.

From the first episode that starts with a good and little bit funny scene, all the way to the final episode... it was all great. Details such as uniforms and protocols seems accurate (as accurate as it can be in such a show) albeit that in real life the police force will respond sooner and with more force. But that would have made the show to be over too soon. So I forgive the show makers for that.

I am looking forward to the next season!

Almost good

[satefan-66546 · 7/10 · 27 September 2023]

Pretty well played, very good stunts, great cinematics.

The script was a non sense. Why would some Afghans risk their lives and spend a lot of money for some random attacks in a country that, in their opinion, didn't help enough.

The main character, a good detective, risks his life and his family's, to solve the problem by his own, even if he realize that without police help, it wouldn't be possible.

I'm not an expert, but it doesn't seem right for a person that had a powerful bomb exploded right by it's side, to just throw the whole body in one direction. More likely to tore it in pieces.

The last two episodes were so slow paced, that's irritating. The real time was a few times longer than in the movie.

Ridiculous

[nhaffar-67148 · 31 December 2023]

Ridiculous plot. If the main character did early in the series what most normal people would have done under similar circumstances this series would have been cut in half. Not to mention that if the Dutch police is as incompetent as is shown in this series then I pray for the Dutch people. They are in deep trouble. I suggest that the NYPD send some people to Amsterdam to give the police some pointers.

You might be surprised to find out that according to this series the Dutch police in one of the most liberal countries in the world also tortures innocent people and uses children as human shields.

Otherwise it is a great series ( Not ).

Gripping, committed, sustained tension. Watchable

[healingtoolbox · 9/10 · 22 December 2023]

This concerns fictional terrorist attacks in Holland. As often happens with sensational subject matter "ripped from the headlines." I was concerned this would sink to the level of US network dramatic tropes, "terrorist attack of the week" fare. It mostly does not. Nor does it follow the pattern of Keith Sutherland's 24 series; where, tension is artificially sustained as an end in itself.

What saves it is first, most of the good guys and girls are Afghanis. The main cast features three breakout performances by three newcomers(?). One supporting role, the young, female African police officer is also a breakout performance.

Secondly what saves it is an unusual script which arranges its chess pieces to sustain tension and suspense thru six hour episodes. This is unusually good scripting. Nothing cheap here at all. In quality, I compare it to the Night Agent (2023) on Netflix.

Congratulations to all involved in producing this effort.

Real life is like this

[oliverdearlove · 6/10 · 24 December 2023]

I am not sure if the critics above live in America or just dont read the newspapers. The lorry attack is based on the Nice lorry attack where a lorry killed 86 people.

The title ( Gouden Uur ) is ironic. The first sixty minutes is when the chances of saving the lives of blasted or shot victims is greatest. I wondered if it were ironic that this phrase describes the fist 60 mins where the first responder are prevented from going in.

This occurred in the Arena bomb 2017 when a victim looked up into the face of a policeman who had stuck a gun in his face and asked: "are you actually going to do anything to help us?" He passed on to another injured victim and checked HIM out for bombs and arms. An hour was wasted, the telecomms didnt work, the firebrigade was sent away. Real life is much more chaotic

Americans should be aware of the Uvalde shooting where the police delayed entering the school on the grounds of their own safety.

The police in the Netherlands are much more integrated. 10% of British Police are Indian or Afro Caribbean - and I have never seen a policeman with an Arabic or Dari background.

Setting two bombs off within minutes of each other, the second one where the crowds of frightened people may collect was a standard IRA tactic.

So the facts are perfectly real - and based in events. The plot? Well you have to tell a story of sorts.

Well recommended.

It resembles Mumbai 2008 attacks

[telangnilesh · 9/10 · 15 December 2023]

When such attack occurs, one realises it. India has faced these kind of attacks way back in 2008. While this is fictional, i pray ot does not happen anywhere else. The series should not be seen as just a fictional depiction of violence and terrorism, but also something which if it happens can become a nightmare.

The acting and the direction is average but the content is good. While people who have not experienced it might mot relate to it, but I personally do see similar attacks in Mumbai where they not only attacked one place but multiple other places at the same time.

Overall an average series but I give higher ratings because of the content.

Heard of state of emergency?

[jvisnjic-57397 · 7/10 · 19 January 2024]

I gave good rating because it had my attention but everything is so weird, absence of logic.

First of all - HAVE YOU HEARD OF STATE OF EMERGENCY? When the first attack occurred go to the news and tell people to stay at home?! To close stores, schools, public events, malls?? Or maybe get police checkpoints everywhere?

This is just ridiculous. They are driving around like nothing happened. AND two officers went to the mall to EAT just after the attack because that's what would be the first thing to do in that moment! We almost got killed but hey, let's eat something in the mall where are hundreds of people and it's totally safe...

Good if you turn your brain off

[Otte1 · 4/10 · 16 December 2023]

The series in intriging, gripping and a nice piece of action if you do one thing....turn your brain off.

The series is based upon plot devices, entirely on plot devices. A very simple, 'I have to go because my daughter is in trouble' statement could have reduced this series in half. Really. That is all that was needed, and something that 99.9 % of the population would have done. Instead there is silence(for no reason at all except to give the story a plot)...and that is how this entire series go.

All cops are stupid and incompetent, investigators are the bad guys for no reason at all, and the victims are so uncharaccteristically dumb that yo are actually rooting for their death(I was upset when one victim got away).

The protagonist (and his friends) purposely put themselves in danger for no other reason than to have another episode. Also, people routinely teleport to where they need to be without rhyme or reason. I need to magically be at bad guys' apartment without divulging how I got here, done. Bad buys show up at the random warehouse on time...done.

Thoroughly enjoyable

[BaronBadger · 8/10 · 22 December 2023]

"The Golden Hour (2022)" is a riveting 6-part series that seamlessly weaves together outstanding acting, suspenseful storytelling, and a highly believable narrative. The Dutch detective of Afghan descent, Mardik, takes center stage as he receives a text message that sets off a chain of events. The brilliance of the series lies in its ability to keep the audience on the edge of their seats throughout each episode. The acting is top-notch, with a commendable performance by the cast, especially in capturing the complexities of Mardik's character. The suspense is expertly crafted, drawing viewers into a web of intrigue and mystery that unfolds with precision. What makes "The Golden Hour" stand out is its commitment to believability-every twist and turn feels grounded, making the unfolding drama all the more gripping. As Mardik delves into the investigation with high stakes, the series takes the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving them eagerly anticipating each new episode. "The Golden Hour" is a masterclass in storytelling, combining exceptional performances with a compelling plot that captivates from start to finish.

What's with the Dutch police?

[Cinephilos · 9/10 · 18 December 2023]

It seems like the Dutch police have lost all their valor and resolve to defend the public due to their political correctness and peace initiative. The two cops who happened to be in the mall where mass shooting occurs are so afraid to engage the gunmen, and when they do, they can't pull the triggers. Why did they become cops if they can't use their weapons? Have the European people become so soft that they can't take the lives of mass murderers? The way the cops perspire and tremble at the sight of the gunmen is pathetic. We thought that the U. S. police were trigger-happy and prone to violence, but if such proclivities make for better cops, the U. S. law enforcement is way better than the Dutch.