I'd definitely recommend this if you are trying to find the next bingeable show. I came to watch Ólafur Darri Ólafsson and stayed because it's a poignant portrait of mental illness blended with political intrigue. There were a few too much cringey over the top scenes, but that's my only criticism.
12 Reviews
What a gem of a series
markfranh23 December 2020
I don't know how they do it. Iceland has a population of 350,000 people and yet they manage to turn out such high quality series on a regular basis. Especially impressive when you consider that they have no natural secondary market for their productions because their language is unique to the island (i.e. you'll need subtitles to watch).
Ólafur Darri Ólafsson is one of our favourite actors in any international series and after the first series of Trapped several years ago my wife and I became fans of his. He is outstanding in this because of the complexity of the character. Initially he has to be the calm sane politician with just the hint of a quirk or two to having a few eccentricities in the second and third episodes to being a bit over-the-top irrationally enthusiast about projects as the series progresses to finally reach the inevitably conclusion. He portrays all this really well.
One minor criticism (from my wife who used to work in mental health) is the change from extreme manic to extreme depression late in the series is a bit unrealistic but I think viewers will excuse that realism flaw readily enough - especially given the circumstances of the change (say no more, don't want to give any spoilers).
The plot itself isn't perfect, but the character study and the acting from the cast and the beautiful Icelandic scenery more than make up for anything one might want to quibble with.
More please, Iceland, and especially more from one of our favourite actors.
Ólafur Darri Ólafsson is one of our favourite actors in any international series and after the first series of Trapped several years ago my wife and I became fans of his. He is outstanding in this because of the complexity of the character. Initially he has to be the calm sane politician with just the hint of a quirk or two to having a few eccentricities in the second and third episodes to being a bit over-the-top irrationally enthusiast about projects as the series progresses to finally reach the inevitably conclusion. He portrays all this really well.
One minor criticism (from my wife who used to work in mental health) is the change from extreme manic to extreme depression late in the series is a bit unrealistic but I think viewers will excuse that realism flaw readily enough - especially given the circumstances of the change (say no more, don't want to give any spoilers).
The plot itself isn't perfect, but the character study and the acting from the cast and the beautiful Icelandic scenery more than make up for anything one might want to quibble with.
More please, Iceland, and especially more from one of our favourite actors.
Another solid Icelandic series elevated by the leading performance
BeneCumb28 September 2021
Ólafur Darri Ólafsson is just splendid, so different from his role in Ófærð where he was excelling too... And so many things to ponder or and over in relation to politics, including - should a top politician be mentally challenged for showing empathy and seeing a bigger picture? How to you intend to change things if there is a fierce competition for fame and power?
And again - beautiful Icelandic nature is a fine supporting cast.
It is a must watch, unless you hate politics and/or no nothing about Nordic mentality.
And again - beautiful Icelandic nature is a fine supporting cast.
It is a must watch, unless you hate politics and/or no nothing about Nordic mentality.
Politics and mental illness in Iceland.
DimitrisPassas-TapTheLine27 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
His show is the best Icelandic television export of the last few years and one of the most compelling political dramas ever filmed in the Nordic countries. Many reviewers saw The Minister as the Icelandic response to the popular Danish series, Borgen, but in reality, it is much more than that. Even though I enjoyed all three seasons of Borgen and I intend to watch the forthcoming fourth season when it will be broadcasted, I find the comparison to be unfair to this majestic production which features an engaging plotline, great photography, exceptional direction and a set of the most well-outlined characters ever portrayed in the genre. In the first four episodes, the audience observes the newly elected prime minister of Iceland's first steps in the government, his decisions and actions as well as their consequences to the lives of the simple people who may or may not have voted for him. In the second half though, the show changes its scope and we witness the descent of the most powerful man in the country into madness and paranoia and the grave implications for the nation and for those who are dearest to him. Keep in mind that there will be some spoilers in the lines that follow.
Ólafur Darri Ólafsson gives the performance of his life as prime minister Benedikt Rikardsson and he certainly deserves an Emmy Award for his depiction of a man battling with bipolar disease and mental illness, while at the same time struggling to make the necessary, and sometimes unpopular, revisions in the nation's political life. The show tackles many crucial political issues such as the separation of state and church, the problem of the immigrant's integration into Icelandic society, the sprawling development of the tourism industry that disrespects the country's natural wealth, and others. The viewer can form a rather accurate picture of the Icelandic socio-political reality today while at the same time admiring the picturesque landscape that renders Iceland one of the most popular tourist destinations.
The character of Benedikt, leader of the Icelandic Independent Party, is the main focus of the show's creators and the audience is introduced to his exuberant persona in the first episode, during a pre-election debate along with his opponents. Benedikt is a jovial, good-natured politician who has a bold vision for the future of Iceland and he succeeds in winning the majority in the elections through a series of innovative ideas that he implements regardless of his party's reactions to them. He loves music and he has a knack for playing the piano and singing. Furthermore, he is married to Steinnun (Anita Briem) who is a supportive wife and a fierce proponent of her husband's decisions.
After Benedikt's landslide victory in the recent elections, he will begin to behave impulsively and erratically, causing particular concern to his party's top brass and his own family. His father, who is a vicar living in the northern town of Akureyri informs Steinnun that Benedikt's mother was a manic-depressive artist who committed suicide by hanging during a severe depressive episode. Steinnun is reluctant to realize the true extent of Benedikt's illness but she will soon have to reconsider as her spouse's behavior escalates from mercurial to full-blown manic. The ramifications of his volatile attitude for the people who support and believe in him will be devastating, especially as paranoia seems to get the better of him and isolate him from the environment.
Of course, the show features a high level of political intrigue as the ministers of the government will quickly comprehend that something is really wrong with Benedikt. They will conspire and form unholy alliances in order to topple him as prime minister. There is Grimur (Thor Kristjansson), the Speaker of the national parliament of Iceland (Althing), who believes that he was treated unfairly by Benedikt, the Ministers of Interior and Finance who are baffled with their prime minister's bizarre, unilateral rulings and the members of the opposition who are keen on retrieving their lost power.
The Minister is the best Nordic series that I've watched for this year and it is highly recommended for those who enjoy character-oriented political dramas. Fans of Borgen will instantly love it, but you have to be warned: this is a show that takes a truly sad and depressing turn, especially in the second half. So, if you are not in the mood for dealing with extreme mental and emotional states of mind, you should better watch something else. I hope that the story will continue for a second season as there are many loose ends left in the first season's finale.
Ólafur Darri Ólafsson gives the performance of his life as prime minister Benedikt Rikardsson and he certainly deserves an Emmy Award for his depiction of a man battling with bipolar disease and mental illness, while at the same time struggling to make the necessary, and sometimes unpopular, revisions in the nation's political life. The show tackles many crucial political issues such as the separation of state and church, the problem of the immigrant's integration into Icelandic society, the sprawling development of the tourism industry that disrespects the country's natural wealth, and others. The viewer can form a rather accurate picture of the Icelandic socio-political reality today while at the same time admiring the picturesque landscape that renders Iceland one of the most popular tourist destinations.
The character of Benedikt, leader of the Icelandic Independent Party, is the main focus of the show's creators and the audience is introduced to his exuberant persona in the first episode, during a pre-election debate along with his opponents. Benedikt is a jovial, good-natured politician who has a bold vision for the future of Iceland and he succeeds in winning the majority in the elections through a series of innovative ideas that he implements regardless of his party's reactions to them. He loves music and he has a knack for playing the piano and singing. Furthermore, he is married to Steinnun (Anita Briem) who is a supportive wife and a fierce proponent of her husband's decisions.
After Benedikt's landslide victory in the recent elections, he will begin to behave impulsively and erratically, causing particular concern to his party's top brass and his own family. His father, who is a vicar living in the northern town of Akureyri informs Steinnun that Benedikt's mother was a manic-depressive artist who committed suicide by hanging during a severe depressive episode. Steinnun is reluctant to realize the true extent of Benedikt's illness but she will soon have to reconsider as her spouse's behavior escalates from mercurial to full-blown manic. The ramifications of his volatile attitude for the people who support and believe in him will be devastating, especially as paranoia seems to get the better of him and isolate him from the environment.
Of course, the show features a high level of political intrigue as the ministers of the government will quickly comprehend that something is really wrong with Benedikt. They will conspire and form unholy alliances in order to topple him as prime minister. There is Grimur (Thor Kristjansson), the Speaker of the national parliament of Iceland (Althing), who believes that he was treated unfairly by Benedikt, the Ministers of Interior and Finance who are baffled with their prime minister's bizarre, unilateral rulings and the members of the opposition who are keen on retrieving their lost power.
The Minister is the best Nordic series that I've watched for this year and it is highly recommended for those who enjoy character-oriented political dramas. Fans of Borgen will instantly love it, but you have to be warned: this is a show that takes a truly sad and depressing turn, especially in the second half. So, if you are not in the mood for dealing with extreme mental and emotional states of mind, you should better watch something else. I hope that the story will continue for a second season as there are many loose ends left in the first season's finale.
Danish 'Borgen' vs. Iceland 'The Minister'
djowens-472-26823413 November 2020
If you were a fan of TV series, 'Borgen' - I believe you will enjoy 'The Minister'.
Writing, directing, acting, scenery, photography wonderfully capture the essence of the person vs. the politician as well as provide a travel log of Iceland and insight into local / EU politics.
TV's golden age isn't mined out yet
rujoeking16 January 2021
Captivating TV Show from Iceland
David_Alexander_L18 November 2022
I wish more people would watch scandi shows regularly.
This show is a fine example of a tight script accompanied with fantastic acting - in particularly the lead, he is truly amazing - and an amazing setting of the island itself, Iceland.
Again we see the power of good writing. Icelandic TV RUV in cooperation with the other 4 scandi TV channels - SVT (Sweden) NRK (Norway) DR (Denmark) and YLE (Finland) served us with yet another masterpiece.
I would definitely watch more Icelandic film and TV in the future. I enjoyed the wonderful Icelandic language as well. It gives the story an air of being from strange, far away land which is an added bonus to the plot.
Go and watch this - it's good.
This show is a fine example of a tight script accompanied with fantastic acting - in particularly the lead, he is truly amazing - and an amazing setting of the island itself, Iceland.
Again we see the power of good writing. Icelandic TV RUV in cooperation with the other 4 scandi TV channels - SVT (Sweden) NRK (Norway) DR (Denmark) and YLE (Finland) served us with yet another masterpiece.
I would definitely watch more Icelandic film and TV in the future. I enjoyed the wonderful Icelandic language as well. It gives the story an air of being from strange, far away land which is an added bonus to the plot.
Go and watch this - it's good.
Great job at the lead
Posterboy114 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
You kinda know how the story is going to end, but the acting from all the cast is really well done. Points given for helping portray mental illness in a lead character, although they did use some common stereotypes that distracted from the story. Overall though they reinforced that mental illness can be treated and patients live productive lives. It was those around who harboured ambition and took advantage to advance themselves.
I can recommend this great flick and find it sad it only produced one season.
I can recommend this great flick and find it sad it only produced one season.
Another Icelandic Winner
crumpytv12 October 2023
Ráðherrann aka The Minister
This engrossing 8 part political drama from Iceland has all that one has come to expect from this country.
Ólafur Darri Ólafsson is quite superb as the eponymous character (Benedikt), the newly elected Prime Minister of Iceland.
The problem is that he is bipolar, a hereditary disease he has inherited from his mother who as a result committed suicide when he was young.
What unfolds is a thoughtful drama about not only the illness but also the was the way Benedikt sees through the politics and makes decisions which are more logical to his mind, despite being against his party's politics and in some cases law.
If it can't be done, make up a new law!
The viewer is behind Benedikt for the most part, but the last couple of episodes sees a shift in this view.
Behind the scenes, the party politics is as you would expect, all self serving manipulation towards personal gain, so nobody really has he countries' or Benedikt's interests at heart, just their own. No change there!
The supporting cast is very strong. Where do they find so many good actors in such a small country?
Ólafur Darri Ólafsson is quite superb as the eponymous character (Benedikt), the newly elected Prime Minister of Iceland.
The problem is that he is bipolar, a hereditary disease he has inherited from his mother who as a result committed suicide when he was young.
What unfolds is a thoughtful drama about not only the illness but also the was the way Benedikt sees through the politics and makes decisions which are more logical to his mind, despite being against his party's politics and in some cases law.
If it can't be done, make up a new law!
The viewer is behind Benedikt for the most part, but the last couple of episodes sees a shift in this view.
Behind the scenes, the party politics is as you would expect, all self serving manipulation towards personal gain, so nobody really has he countries' or Benedikt's interests at heart, just their own. No change there!
The supporting cast is very strong. Where do they find so many good actors in such a small country?
Another offbeat gem from the Icelandic drama hit factory.
davidhiggins-8975630 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
**Does contain entire season spoilers** **Does contain entire season spoilers**. **And even possible future season storyline spoilers**
Strange how the Icelanders can keep doing it so well. The series 'Trapped' especially the first season showed us how intriguing and absorbing a drama series can be made.
Maybe a constant attention to the screen, the need to read the dialogue rather than fiddle around with other things really does focus and draw a person in to the production.
It gives these foreign language subtitled series almost a novel like structure to it. Almost as if you are reading a book and instead of using ones imagination to picture it all in your mind it is instead played out in front of you.
Of cause there is not a total suspension of all of ones imagination as that is usually put to use considering what has gone on, working out what is going on in that particular scene & episode and contemplating where it is all going. Freeing up you could say some of our AI processing power to be able to utilise it elsewhere then.
In this series I consider the Dog was the key to it all. Many folk just did not realise until much later on that the Minister actually had no dog. (except to him of cause!), That instead it was just a part of his deranged mind, his ever malfunctioning mind. We were never shown a contradiction by another person as to the existence of this dog.
Around his abode the dog fitted in, we initially were given the idea by the producers that the dog was real and actual, a party of the family. Though upon an aircraft journey to some place up north where that hotel complex was being built, later on in the wanderings of the Minister by the roadside along came his dog Leo. (Wasn't on the aeroplane was it, and would not likely have travelled all that distance across land even though on occasion some are able to).
So OBVIOUSLY the dog was not 'real'. Though to the Minister the dog was incredibly real and initially to us it also was real. Maybe before that there was a 'giveaway' sign. But cleverly the producers for a while gave us an insight on the same par to the mental processes of the Minister.
The dog being SO REAL to the Minister even we could see it, not just him stroking & fussing up thin air which would have 'given away' the SEVERITY of his condition from the start. Skilfully we were gradually made aware of his condition.
This then I would say took on a more sinister and frightening tone, that he could not differentiate between real & imaginary. The title of this season for me turned more from being The Minister to The Monster. From Ráðherrann to Skrímsli. (Maybe season two can), keeping the same title logo as seen above with the flag across the face, though with a jif the 'Minister' morphing into the word Monster.
Of cause of no great fault of his own other than not seeking expert treatment he was gradually at an increasing pace turning into a Monster. Exhibiting monstrous overbearing outrageous behaviour for sure.
Highlighting with the brief sexual assault upon his female aid and that piano stool scene shortly thereafter with his giant buttock in show, (thankfully only that!!) that he really had 'gone'. Completely gone.
Underlyingly a modern day Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde screenplay, having aspects of that.
Though the monster was increasingly taking over the Man not due to the use of some concocted potion of chemicals but we find likely due to being a genetic condition and due to the demanding position he found himself in. From a teacher to a Prime Minister of a Nation with all those responsibilities he had to deal with.
Yes this really was an enjoyable series, what more was there to want?. Well acted by all the ensembled cast, they fitted in well, with twists & treacherous turns in the plot with an ending to me that was unsuspected. I didn't think it would turn out like that. (though does it?).
A nice little series then that was not 'milked' as some are into being a 10 episode series or even longer but from how it played out was rightfully kept short and sweet as an 8 episode production. Just the right amount.
Good acting, great story line, nice scenery as well, though to me this time around as wonderful as the Icelandic countryside is that was secondary to the actual performance. It added to it, was a part of the splendour & plot of it all but it was the compelling portrayal of this Man into Monster then at the end thankfully so back into being a reasoning Man once again by the lead actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson that was the heart of it all.
There was other good acting in this but Ólafur's acting was exceptional. Terrorised people at times by his sheer compelling size & bulk and by the power of his spiralling out of control malfunctioning mind. Terrorised & horrified them increasingly so in a personal one on one physical way, in a way that left them almost in incapacitating shock and there being the bigger terror & horrification of him being in such a position of power. Adding to it all.
Something we see that the victim himself exhibiting this malfunctioning mind struggles without much success to get to grips with, with those around him having to come together collectively with great planning & indeed deceit to deal with this emerging threatening problem.
IF there is a second season, I really can't see where it is all going, ***Future possible season alert!!***.
WILL the Minister actually resign or will the Icelandic people support him and he does carry on and it turns even more sinister & darker. Some sort of Dictatorial nightmare with the Ministers opponents one by one disappearing and great social change.
Then we get to see in a fictional way what it is like to live in a Fascistic type Dictatorial regime, as sadly people of many nations endure. That really would be frightening and compelling to see.
Or will instead his wife Steinunn seek high office with him supporting her as she sought even through difficult times to support him. There could be another season, though it could just be a 8 episode one season and done series. I'd sooner see it get even more sinister.
MAYBE even have a 3rd season, a prelude to it all perchance a 6 episode season, even shorter & sweeter. Set in the Ministers early teaching, political awakening & romantic courting of his wife days, plus his initial mental breakdown, entitled Maður. Man, Minister, Monster. A nice compelling trilogy then. Yea, Producers do that.
OK then I wont be mean instead I'll give it a 10 stars. Having recently given Ms Marvel a -10 star score this one gets the full 10 stars. Ten stars for what it is and for what it could turn out to be.
Strange how the Icelanders can keep doing it so well. The series 'Trapped' especially the first season showed us how intriguing and absorbing a drama series can be made.
Maybe a constant attention to the screen, the need to read the dialogue rather than fiddle around with other things really does focus and draw a person in to the production.
It gives these foreign language subtitled series almost a novel like structure to it. Almost as if you are reading a book and instead of using ones imagination to picture it all in your mind it is instead played out in front of you.
Of cause there is not a total suspension of all of ones imagination as that is usually put to use considering what has gone on, working out what is going on in that particular scene & episode and contemplating where it is all going. Freeing up you could say some of our AI processing power to be able to utilise it elsewhere then.
In this series I consider the Dog was the key to it all. Many folk just did not realise until much later on that the Minister actually had no dog. (except to him of cause!), That instead it was just a part of his deranged mind, his ever malfunctioning mind. We were never shown a contradiction by another person as to the existence of this dog.
Around his abode the dog fitted in, we initially were given the idea by the producers that the dog was real and actual, a party of the family. Though upon an aircraft journey to some place up north where that hotel complex was being built, later on in the wanderings of the Minister by the roadside along came his dog Leo. (Wasn't on the aeroplane was it, and would not likely have travelled all that distance across land even though on occasion some are able to).
So OBVIOUSLY the dog was not 'real'. Though to the Minister the dog was incredibly real and initially to us it also was real. Maybe before that there was a 'giveaway' sign. But cleverly the producers for a while gave us an insight on the same par to the mental processes of the Minister.
The dog being SO REAL to the Minister even we could see it, not just him stroking & fussing up thin air which would have 'given away' the SEVERITY of his condition from the start. Skilfully we were gradually made aware of his condition.
This then I would say took on a more sinister and frightening tone, that he could not differentiate between real & imaginary. The title of this season for me turned more from being The Minister to The Monster. From Ráðherrann to Skrímsli. (Maybe season two can), keeping the same title logo as seen above with the flag across the face, though with a jif the 'Minister' morphing into the word Monster.
Of cause of no great fault of his own other than not seeking expert treatment he was gradually at an increasing pace turning into a Monster. Exhibiting monstrous overbearing outrageous behaviour for sure.
Highlighting with the brief sexual assault upon his female aid and that piano stool scene shortly thereafter with his giant buttock in show, (thankfully only that!!) that he really had 'gone'. Completely gone.
Underlyingly a modern day Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde screenplay, having aspects of that.
Though the monster was increasingly taking over the Man not due to the use of some concocted potion of chemicals but we find likely due to being a genetic condition and due to the demanding position he found himself in. From a teacher to a Prime Minister of a Nation with all those responsibilities he had to deal with.
Yes this really was an enjoyable series, what more was there to want?. Well acted by all the ensembled cast, they fitted in well, with twists & treacherous turns in the plot with an ending to me that was unsuspected. I didn't think it would turn out like that. (though does it?).
A nice little series then that was not 'milked' as some are into being a 10 episode series or even longer but from how it played out was rightfully kept short and sweet as an 8 episode production. Just the right amount.
Good acting, great story line, nice scenery as well, though to me this time around as wonderful as the Icelandic countryside is that was secondary to the actual performance. It added to it, was a part of the splendour & plot of it all but it was the compelling portrayal of this Man into Monster then at the end thankfully so back into being a reasoning Man once again by the lead actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson that was the heart of it all.
There was other good acting in this but Ólafur's acting was exceptional. Terrorised people at times by his sheer compelling size & bulk and by the power of his spiralling out of control malfunctioning mind. Terrorised & horrified them increasingly so in a personal one on one physical way, in a way that left them almost in incapacitating shock and there being the bigger terror & horrification of him being in such a position of power. Adding to it all.
Something we see that the victim himself exhibiting this malfunctioning mind struggles without much success to get to grips with, with those around him having to come together collectively with great planning & indeed deceit to deal with this emerging threatening problem.
IF there is a second season, I really can't see where it is all going, ***Future possible season alert!!***.
WILL the Minister actually resign or will the Icelandic people support him and he does carry on and it turns even more sinister & darker. Some sort of Dictatorial nightmare with the Ministers opponents one by one disappearing and great social change.
Then we get to see in a fictional way what it is like to live in a Fascistic type Dictatorial regime, as sadly people of many nations endure. That really would be frightening and compelling to see.
Or will instead his wife Steinunn seek high office with him supporting her as she sought even through difficult times to support him. There could be another season, though it could just be a 8 episode one season and done series. I'd sooner see it get even more sinister.
MAYBE even have a 3rd season, a prelude to it all perchance a 6 episode season, even shorter & sweeter. Set in the Ministers early teaching, political awakening & romantic courting of his wife days, plus his initial mental breakdown, entitled Maður. Man, Minister, Monster. A nice compelling trilogy then. Yea, Producers do that.
OK then I wont be mean instead I'll give it a 10 stars. Having recently given Ms Marvel a -10 star score this one gets the full 10 stars. Ten stars for what it is and for what it could turn out to be.
Second rate
random-707787 March 2021
I found this to be fairly shallow, predictable. you have the main character's quirks/illness and very little else. The remaining characters are very thinly drawn and pretty much stereotypes.
Also we already know from academic peer reviewed work that their is a streak of what most would consider mental illness broadly present among politicians and elected and unelected govnrerment officials. It is not manic behavior -- it is narcissism and sociopathy. In the US for example, the location with the most psychopaths and sociopaths is Washington DC. And that is not arising from the general citizenry there -- it is quite specifically the govnrerment officials. Just google: Washington DC psychopathy capital of the US. And in fact northern Virginia, and southern Maryland where a large chunk of the government workers live is the second highest level of psychopaths.
So this show presents an illness that is mercurial almost charming and then something worse. It doesn't come near the reality which is more like US and UK House of Cards. As outrageous as House of Cards was, the data show that is actually a reality. And a much more interesting, fascinating reality. Most European productions and narratives tend to shy away from that. Bad actors in govnrerment tend to be portrayed as outliers. That is a bit infantile.
Ultimately this series has nothing to say. And it also does not entertain. Yes, we get it, the stark landscapes from scando-noir, are compelling. and Iceland is particularly stark, but it's not compelling not when there is nothing else.
So this show presents an illness that is mercurial almost charming and then something worse. It doesn't come near the reality which is more like US and UK House of Cards. As outrageous as House of Cards was, the data show that is actually a reality. And a much more interesting, fascinating reality. Most European productions and narratives tend to shy away from that. Bad actors in govnrerment tend to be portrayed as outliers. That is a bit infantile.
Ultimately this series has nothing to say. And it also does not entertain. Yes, we get it, the stark landscapes from scando-noir, are compelling. and Iceland is particularly stark, but it's not compelling not when there is nothing else.
See also
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