Babylon Berlin

Babylon Berlin, streaming on Netflix and helmed by showrunner Tom Tykwer, is a riveting German period drama that places viewers into the bustling, decadent metropolis of 1920s Berlin. The magnetic presence of Volker Bruch and Liv Lisa Fries, who are joined by an ensemble cast featuring the likes of Benno Fürmann, lend their palpable talents to this web of labyrinthine plots, intricate character interactions and meticulous period detail.

Set amidst the Weimar Republic, at a time when Berlin was considered the cultural heart of Europe and was teetering on the edge of economic catastrophe, Babylon Berlin captures the complexity of a society grappling with progress and decay. It skillfully weaves through the contrasting spheres of the roaring 1920s' wild nightlife, rampant crime, political unrest, and rapid modernization. Against this backdrop, Babylon Berlin tells the story of Gereon Rath, a police inspector from Cologne played by Volker Bruch, who is transferred to Berlin to solve a criminal case that ostensibly involves pornography but swiftly unfolds into much more serious implications.

Complex and flawed, Rath's character, a World War I veteran, struggles with post-war trauma and a morphine addiction. This protagonist navigates the city’s seething underworld of organized crime, brewing political unrest, and the emergence of a new force that would soon sweep across the nation and the world: The Nazis.

Meanwhile, Liv Lisa Fries portrays Charlotte Ritter, a young woman from one of Berlin's impoverished neighbourhoods who works as a stenographer for the police department. Confronting the sexist norms of the era, her dream is to become the first female homicide detective in Berlin. By night, to survive, she immerses herself into the city's vivacious nightlife. Her character explores the gender, economic, and social dynamics of that era — bringing to light the trials and resilience of women at the time.

What sets Babylon Berlin apart is its unusually wide scope. It is not just a detective story, a historical drama, or a critique of the Weimar Republic. It is all of these elements and more, combining them without undermining their individual importance. Themes such as decadence, despair, power, corruption, and the brewing storm of a political revolution provide the show with an underlying tension, making it a potboiler of suspense and intrigue.

The series also brings to life the era's splendour and grit through a high production budget: extraordinary sets, authentic costuming, and innovative cinematography blend to granite-like effect, creating a show that visually stuns and subverts expectations. The attention to detail is impeccable, from the art deco buildings to the lively jazz music reverberating in the smoky air of underground clubs.

Directed primarily by Henk Handloegten, Achim von Borries, and Tom Tykwer (known for his acclaimed film "Run Lola Run"), the 16-episode first season emerged from the gate in 2017 as one of Germany's most expensive television dramas. This troika of directors offer an incisive view of the Weimar Republic — not as a stopgap between two World Wars but as a tumultuous, vibrant era, marred with conflict but also filled with its own unique effervescence.

One cannot talk about Babylon Berlin without mentioning its soundtrack. Alongside the spectacular visuals, the music becomes a character itself, portraying the time's hedonism and decadence and underlining every plot twist. Whether it's the brassy jazz numbers echoing the carefree spirit of Berlin’s nightlife or the somber compositions that represent the show's darker moments, every piece complements the narrative strikingly.

Browsing through the catalog of Netflix originals, Babylon Berlin stands tall, not only because it brings a lesser-seen time period to the screen, but also for the way it maintains a balance between grand historical narrative and personal storylines. Each character’s personal struggle is intricately meshed with the city's broader socio-political conflicts, resulting in a comprehensive and empathetic characterization of a society on the brink of radical transformation.

With its intricately woven plot lines, remarkable performances, compelling characters, and lavish production, Babylon Berlin delves deep into a remarkable period in history — reminding the audience not to passively accept the events in a history book, but to experience them through lively narratives, deeply flawed yet relatable characters, and intimate, personal triumphs ad tragedies. The show is an absolute treat for history buffs and crime-drama aficionados alike, promising an unforgettable dive into the pulsating heart of pre-war Berlin.