Bad Banks

Bad Banks is an intriguing financial drama series produced by German-French public broadcaster Arte, which aired between the years 2018 and 2020. The series delves into the world of high finance following the life of ambitious investment banker, Jana Liekam, played by Paula Beer. Bad Banks offers a revealing look into the personnel, the machinations, and the ethical dilemmas inherent in the banking sector.

Created by Oliver Kienle and set mainly in luxurious high-rise bank buildings in Frankfurt, Germany - the financial hub of Europe, Bad Banks unfolds over two seasons, providing viewers with a window into the dazzling but deceptive arena of banking and high finance.

In the throes of it all is Jana, an incredibly talented investment banker who finds herself embroiled deeply into the operations of a prominent international bank. The series chronicles her journey as she navigates this high-stakes world, striving to etch out a successful career while dealing with the personal and professional conflicts that arise.

The series begins with Jana being unjustly fired from her job at a prominent investment bank in Luxembourg. However, Jana’s fortunes change after providentially meeting Christelle Leblanc, played by Désirée Nosbusch, who is a high-ranking, power-clad operative at the rival Deutsche Global Invest bank. Seeing Jana's potential, Leblanc arranges a job for her at the bank in Frankfurt.

Plunged back into the whirlpool of finance, Jana uses her technical skills, strategic thinking, and unyielding determination to advance in the bank. However, the finance world is not as it seems. It's a playground of political manoeuvres, clandestine meetings, secret deals, and a place where trust is a commodity as precious as the billions of dollars that flow through the bank's accounts. Through Jana's perspective, Bad Banks uncovers the acceleration of a system that, beyond speculation and fraud, approaches the point of uncontrollable escalation.

A noteworthy aspect of Bad Banks is its strong female leads. Not only does Jana dives headfirst into the testosterone-driven world of finance, but she does so under the mentorship of the even more enigmatic Leblanc. Through these characters, the series provides an admirable representation of women in roles of power.

Additionally, the series provides a detailed and realistic portrayal of the banking world. It not only gives viewers a bird's eye view of the mechanics of international finance but also explores the repercussions of these operations on the personal lives of those involved. Jana’s strained relationships add a deeply human perspective to the ruthlessness of the world of finance. This humanity helps to strike a balance in the narrative, preventing it from being all about numbers and transactions, allowing audiences to relate to and invest in the characters on a visceral level.

Moreover, Bad Banks does not shy away from complex financial concepts. The complex discussions about hedge funds, leverages, and risk evaluations might be difficult for the uninitiated, but they lend an air of authenticity to the show. The series' creators have crafted their story with an intricate understanding of the banking world, transporting audiences to the nerve-centre of global finance and offering them front-row seats to its machinations.

Needless to say, the acting performances in Bad Banks is top-notch. Paula Beer delivers an excellent performance, subtly emoting the character's drive and vulnerability. The supporting cast, including Désirée Nosbusch, Tobias Moretti, and Barry Atsma, are equally compelling in their roles, creating a vivid ensemble of memorable characters.

With realistic sets, attention to detail, fantastic cinematography, and its fast-paced, suspenseful style of direction, Bad Banks is a captivating blend of Wall Street intrigue and human drama. Each episode impels the viewer to watch the next, creating a cascade of dramatic moments that culminate in an absorbing viewing experience.

In conclusion, Bad Banks is a riveting addition to the financial drama genre that encapsulates the essence of high-stakes finance through consummate storytelling. It is a thrilling exploration of ambition, power, and the inevitable sacrifices one must make in a world obsessed with money. For those seeking a glimpse into the machinations of globalization and finance or those longing for a strong character-driven drama, Bad Banks delivers on both fronts. It is truly an entreating watch for both the finance buff and the casual viewer alike.