The Half Brother

The Half Brother, originally known as "Halvbroren," is a riveting Norwegian drama series that premiered on MHz Worldview in 2013. Based on the critically acclaimed novel by renowned Norwegian author, Lars Saabye Christensen, this series beautifully combines elements of mystery, family drama, and history to create an entrancing narrative that keeps viewers intrigued from start to finish. Directed by Per-Olav Sørensen, The Half Brother serves as a striking initiation for many international audiences into the world of Scandinavian television.

Set in the beautifully scenic landscapes of Oslo in the 20th century, the story of The Half Brother revolves around the lives of two brothers born of different fathers. The storyline unfolds between two timelines. The narrative switches back and forth between the post-second world war period of the 1940s and the 1990s, creating an enthralling web of stories that beautifully blend past and present.

The series begins with the story of Vera, a spirited woman who, at the end of World War II, faces a horrific incident that changes her life forever. She finds herself pregnant with a child named Fred who later grows up to become a celebrated screenwriter in the film industry. Later, Vera marries a boxer, and together they have another son, Barr. Despite being half-brothers, Fred and Barr share a unique, complex bond marked by fondness, protective instincts, and the unaddressed trauma of their past.

The Half Brother portrays the brothers' childhood life, revealing the skirmishes, camaraderie and an underlying tension that never dissipates. They find solace in each other as they navigate through the rough terrains of their family life peppered with loss, reconstructions, and threats. The focus then shifts into the lives of the two brothers, spotlighting Fred's successful yet personally unfulfilling journey as a screenwriter and Barr's never-ending search for his lost sibling when Fred mysteriously disappears one day without any trace.

The Half Brother magnificently excavates the hidden dynamics of family life, exploring the darkness that lies beneath the surface and the lengths to which one would go to protect, search, and fight for their loved ones. It is about reconciliation, acceptance, and dealing with one's faded past and how it bleeds into affecting the present and jeopardizes the future.

Each character in The Half Brother, from the pair of brothers, their struggling mother, the steadfast boxing champ father to the other ensemble cast, is richly developed, each carrying a set of secrets, dreams, sorrows, and joy that hold the story together. The performances are powerful, coupled with a tight narrative that does justice to the original novel, making it an emotionally resonant and fascinating watch.

Furthermore, the cinematography, down to the smallest of details, complements the series perfectly. The veteran director has managed to perfectly encapsulate the essence of 20th century Oslo, taking viewers on a journey through time. The ambiance evokes sentiments of nostalgia and melancholy, thus perfectly setting the tone of this riveting drama series.

The Half Brother is particularly unique because, although it includes the historical backdrop of post-war Norway, it is not simply a narrative of political or war drama. Instead, the series serves as a deep exploration of familial bonds, secrets, and human responses to trauma. In doing this, The Half Brother brings to light the enduring strength of familial love and the pieces of our past that help shape our identities.

For those seeking a captivating, layered drama that draws you in and keeps you guessing, The Half Brother is a compelling classic, revered as a masterpiece in Norwegian television. Its meticulous melding of family and historical drama, enveloped with mystery, makes it a must-watch for international audiences.