When a legendary criminal mastermind like Berlin (Andrés de Fonollosa) returns to the screen in his own spin-off series, fans of La Casa de Papel must be thrilled. Berlín (2023) takes us back to when Berlin was still alive, before the events of the main series. He assembles a team of professional thieves for a major heist in Paris. Expect thrills, clever tricks, and that Berlin charm that made us fall for him all along.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The series begins with Berlin planning the greatest heist of his life: stealing 44 million euros worth of jewelry from a famous auction house in Paris in one night. To succeed, he assembles a team with unique skills, including Camille (Samantha Siqueiros), his ex-wife who is the heart of the plan; Damian (Tristán Ulloa), a tech expert; Keila (Michelle Jenner), a mechanical engineer; Bruce (Joel Sánchez), an action-oriented thief; and Cameron (Begoña Vargas), a combat specialist. But the complex plan faces obstacles when love, revenge, and the French police led by Raquel (Najwa Nimri) are watching.
Acting and Characters
Pedro Alonso reprises his role as Berlin with a charm that blends cynicism, genius, and romance, making us forget the ruthless character from the main series. He has great chemistry with Samantha Siqueiros as Camille, who is both strong and vulnerable. Meanwhile, the rest of the team, like Michelle Jenner as Keila, is cute and has interesting angles. Unfortunately, some new characters are not developed enough, making the team dynamics less tight than the Professor's gang in the original series.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Directors Albert Pintó and David Barrocal maintain the identity of the original series with fast-moving cameras, thrilling action scenes, and beautiful night-time Parisian lights. The music by Lucas Vidal and Manzoline keeps the fun rhythm of La Casa de Papel but adds a French touch. Overall, the production is high quality, though not quite matching the main series in some scenes.
Editorial Analysis
The editorial team believes Berlín is a bold spin-off that manages to separate itself from the mother series while retaining Berlin's spirit. Its strength lies in a less complex thriller narrative, making it more accessible. However, the series lacks strong characters to replace the Professor or Tokyo, and some episodes drag on unnecessarily. Still, it's an enjoyable series that gives fans a deeper look into Berlin's character.
Verdict
If you're a die-hard fan of La Casa de Papel and especially Berlin, this series is a gift you shouldn't miss. It's fun, charming, and adds depth to a character we love. Despite some flaws, overall it's a well-made spin-off worth watching.
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👍 Pros
- +Pedro Alonso's return as Berlin, still charming
- +Beautiful action scenes and cinematography, especially in Paris
- +Intense plot with decent twists
- +Fun music that fits the atmosphere
👎 Cons
- −Some new characters are underdeveloped
- −Team dynamics not as tight as in the main series
- −Some episodes are slow and dragged out
Top Cast
FAQ
Not necessarily, because Berlín is a prequel that tells the story before the main series. But watching it first will give you more background on Berlin.
Currently, there is 1 season with 8 episodes, and season 2 has not been officially renewed.
In the series, Berlin is inspired by the legend of a 19th-century noble thief and his love for Camille.
Not boring, but slightly less intense than the main series. It's suitable for those who like Berlin's character and want to see his story.
