Skylines

Skylines is a gripping and fascinating crime drama series produced by Netflix. Premiered in 2019, the show presents a compelling blend of different worlds, including music, drugs, and high-stakes business. It is a German-based series directed by Maximilian Erlenwein and Soleen Yusef, giving viewers an intricate and detailed perspective of Frankfurt's underbelly. The show stands out with its unique plot narrative, seamlessly merging the underworld of crime with the glamour and appeal of music.

The storyline revolves around an ambitious young hip-hop producer named Jinn, portrayed by the talented Edin Hasanovic. He secures a contract with Skyline Records thanks to his undeniable talent and dreams of making it big in the music industry. However, little does he know that the recording label is a funnel for an entire drug operation, giving the series its first significant turning point right from the outset.

Jinn soon gets entangled in a complex web of corruption, drug trafficking, and gang rivalry. His primary challenge is balancing his newfound success while dealing with the rising pressure from the gritty underbelly of the crime world. Skylines elegantly depicts the thin line that separates the glamour of success from the unremittingly dark world of crime.

The captivating character of Jinn is complemented by an equally intriguing supporting cast. Arash Marandi plays Ardan, the current owner of Skyline Records and Jinn's childhood friend. There's also Sara, played by Peri Baumeister, Ardan's estranged sister, and a former business partner who has a complex relationship with the company. Each character is meticulously developed, with hidden motivations and complex relationships creating an intricate narrative that keeps the viewer hooked.

An intriguing aspect of Skylines is its willingness to highlight the often-overlooked city of Frankfurt. Unlike Berlin or Munich, Frankfurt is not traditionally depicted in the German media landscape. Yet, its diverse population and vibrant music scene provide the perfect setting for this thrilling drama. Skylines presents Frankfurt as a city with a unique identity, while offering a gritty, realistic representation of its lesser-known neighbourhoods.

Additionally, the show integrates hip-hop as an essential element and it’s not merely as a backdrop but intricately embedded into the narrative. Skylines delves deep into the musical culture of Germany, particularly emphasizing on Hip Hop, and highlights how it’s intermingled with the underground world of crime. The power of music as a form of expression, communication and a medium to transcend barriers serves as a thematic undercurrent throughout the show.

In terms of production, Skylines boasts spectacular cinematography, with hauntingly beautiful images of Frankfurt's skyline appearing throughout the series. The visual splendour of the city is juxtaposed with the visceral and dark existence of the criminal underground, lending a unique visual element to the show.

Moreover, the dialogues are loaded with a sharp and crisp dialect that is certainly engaging. The show successfully combines English and German, providing subtitles for non-German speakers, a combination that adds to the distinctive, multicultural feel of the show.

Given its widespread appreciation, Skylines also caters to a diverse audience. For music-lovers, the series offers rich detail of the hip-hop scene, lacing it with the story's conflict and drama. For fans of crime drama, Skylines delivers suspenseful plot development, and the degree of uncertainty built throughout the episodes is remarkably absorbing, making viewers crave for the next sequences.

In sum, Skylines is a dramatic exploration of the intertwining worlds of music and crime set against the rugged beauty of Frankfurt. Its compelling narrative structure and dynamic characters, combined with the striking convergence of music, crime, and business, make for an exciting watch for anyone seeking a dose of high-stakes drama. The show provides an immersive experience that explores the complexities of ambition and survival in a world steeped in tension and threat.