La Casa de Papel, or Money Heist, as it is popularly known worldwide, is much more than a triumph for the global citizenry. This Spanish crime series, which first began to receive some traction on Spanish television, was snapped up by Netflix. Money Heist is one of those shows with amazingly complex storytelling, magnetic characters, and high tension drama that all melted together to make it one of the most iconic series in memory. Let's dive deeper into this masterpiece.
Summary
Money Heist was originally a two-parter as a limited series on the Spanish network Antena 3 in 2017. After Netflix came on board to acquire the global streaming rights, it took off immediately with more seasons that needed to be filmed over the next five parts and 41 episodes between 2017 and 2021.
The series unfolds around an intricately choreographed heist, planned by an enigmatic genius known as The Professor. High stakes drama, depth of emotions, and unexpected turns propel the series to delve deeper into themes of resistance, loyalty, love, and betrayal.
Storyline
Part 1 & 2: The Royal Mint of Spain
The movie opens with The Professor, Álvaro Morte recruiting an eight-member gang of very skilled, individually damaged individuals for the robbery. The crime is a plan for a 12-day hold-up of the Royal Mint of Spain. Their intent will not be to steal the money but print €2.4 billion and then turn to hostages as leverage.
The gang, whose nicknames are the names of cities around the world (Tokyo, Berlin, Nairobi, Rio, Denver, Moscow, Helsinki, and Oslo), are always on the verge of sabotaging the master plan from within and without: emotional distress, unexpected twists and turns, and the cleverness of law enforcement, specifically, brilliant Inspector Raquel Murillo.
Part 3 & 4: Bank of Spain
The gang reunites after Rio's arrest by Europol. They plan an even more spectacular heist at the Bank of Spain to force his release. The stakes are much higher as they try to steal Spain's gold reserves while fighting a much stronger foe in the person of Inspector Alicia Sierra (Najwa Nimri).
Inside action-packed sequences and emotional arcs, the series plunges into vulnerability with the gang on all things love, loyalty, and the cost of rebellion.
Part 5: The Finale
The last installment is a heart-stopping conclusion as the gang fights for survival inside the Bank of Spain. The plan of The Professor begins to unravel, and there are sacrifices, tests of alliances, and surprising justice. The series concludes with emotional themes of freedom and redemption.
Cast and Characters
Money Heist's brilliance is its ensemble cast, all of whom deliver compelling performances.
Álvaro Morte as The Professor:
The brilliant mind behind the heist planning, the manipulator who has a tragic past.
Úrsula Corberó as Tokyo:
The narrator and hot-headed rebel, whose impulsive nature often takes the story forward.
Pedro Alonso as Berlin:
The effeminate, morally ambiguous leader with a terminal illness.
Itziar Ituño as Raquel Murillo/Lisbon:
The inspector turned accomplice of the gang.
Miguel Herrán as Rio:
A young hacker and boyfriend of Tokyo.
Jaime Lorente as Denver:
A laughter as contagious as it is irresistible and a heart made of pure gold.
Alba Flores as Nairobi:
The conscience of the group and the forger.
Darko Perić as Helsinki:
The toughest and most faithful of all, with a heart of gold.
Esther Acebo as Mónica Gaztambide/Stockholm:
A captive who turns on her kidnappers, falls for Denver.
Najwa Nimri as Alicia Sierra:
An ambitious police inspector, as significant antagonist in later seasons.
Supporting actors also deliver excellent performances in Arturo by Enrique Arce, Bogotá by Hovik Keuchkerian, and Palermo by Rodrigo de la Serna, among others.
Themes and Analysis
Resistance and Rebellion: The show depicts the gang as the modern-day Robin Hood; they resist oppressive systems and question the status quo.
Complex Morality: The characters are neither good nor bad. They make it complex and relatable.
Emotional Storytelling: The series brings love, loss, and sacrifice, and connects viewers at an emotional level.
Symbolism: The red jumpsuits and Salvador Dalí masks have become the symbols of resistance, beyond that the series has inspired actions around the world.
Cultural Impact
Money Heist is the series that dominated the world and received its award in 2018 through International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series. Its soundtrack particularly "Bella Ciao" was a traditional Italian protest song but became the song of resistance globally. And the series even inspired products, fan theories, and an adaptation such as a Korean version, Money Heist: Korea.
How to Watch Money Heist
Money Heist is only available on Netflix. To watch, follow these steps:
1. Sign up for Netflix: Sign up for an account and choose your subscription package.
2. Find "Money Heist": Use the search bar to find the series.
3. Choose Your Language: The series is in Spanish but can be viewed with multiple audio and subtitle choices.
4. Start watching: Dabble into the exciting world of Money Heist.
Why You Must Watch Money Heist
1. Intricate Plot: The series keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with the many twists.
2. Active Characters: Each character has a different arc that makes them memorable and relatable.
3. Universal Appeal: With universal themes and high production value, the show transcends cultural barriers.
4. Emotional Depth: Beyond the heist, the series explores human connections, making it emotionally resonant.
Critical reception
Money Heist received huge appreciation in narration, character development, and production quality. Many viewers did not like the pacing of most of the later series, but overall, the show received huge positive reception. The rating of the show is highly rated on both IMDb (8.2/10) and Rotten Tomatoes (92% audience score).
Behind the Camera:
The show Money Heist is as engaging as the production process itself. Some interesting facts include:
Initial Reaction
Initially, the Spanish thought it was a flop when Netflix bought it.
Mask of Dalí
Dalí masks were how the character would embody surrealism and anarchy.
Álvaro Morte
He auditioned the day before they filmed.
Even when the main run ended in 2021, fans can't wait for the spinoff shows like Berlin, focusing on the elusive character's identity. Another has been offered as a new series: Money Heist: Korea.
Conclusion
Money Heist is nothing less than a heist drama, but it sure is a masterclass in the art of storytelling that captured millions of hearts. A show that resonates way after the credits roll - it has unforgettable characters and a gripping plot with so much emotional depth. Money Heist is an action, drama, or a character-driven narrative that offers something for everybody.
In case you haven't seen this, then put on the Dalí mask and get ready for a great heist - heist of life.
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