Crime and leisurely life on the Canary Isles' ranch, with a touch of romance and culinary pursuits
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El Hierro, a small island located off the coast of Spain, has become a hotbed for captivating police thrillers in recent years. One such series, 'Hierro', has garnered widespread acclaim for its intricate plot and compelling characters.
In 'Hierro', Judge Candela Montes, played by Candela Peña, is the main character. Her character, both in writing and interpretive defense, is favorably constructed, adding depth to the narrative. Judge Montes must overcome various obstacles to uphold justice and move forward the murder investigation, making for a gripping watch.
The island of El Hierro is not just a backdrop but a central element of the plot. Its geography, including cliffs, wind, hills, beaches, and sabinas, plays a significant role in the narrative, adding an authenticity that is hard to replicate. The idiosyncrasy of the El Hierro area is also well-exploited, incorporating jokes, local expressions, and customs that enhance the storytelling.
Judge Montes is not alone in her quest for truth. Antonio Díaz, played by Darío Grandinetti, is another significant character with an aura of ambiguity. Their dynamic adds another layer of intrigue to the series.
If you're looking for police thrillers similar to 'Hierro' and 'Broadchurch' in terms of how geography influences the narrative, there are several Spanish productions that might interest you.
One such series is 'When No One Sees Us', a Spanish crime drama set during Holy Week in Morón de la Frontera. The series features a Civil Guard sergeant and a U.S. Army special agent investigating interconnected cases, blending local culture and geography with mystery and crime.
Another recommendation is 'Two Graves', a Netflix series that follows a grandmother's quest for justice after her granddaughter and friend go missing. The story unfolds in a way that reflects the intense, personal nature often found in smaller communities, similar to 'Broadchurch'.
For those seeking a more historical take, 'La Peste' might be of interest. Set in 17th-century Spain, this series combines historical drama with elements of mystery and crime, using the backdrop of the plague era to explore societal tensions and personal narratives.
Lastly, while more comedic, 'Paquita Salas' features detective work in a Spanish setting, often leveraging the country's unique cultural and geographical elements for humor and intrigue.
On a different note, 'Como agua para chocolate', a recent trend in American networks adapting novels of Latin American magical realism, also explores the kitchen as a universe of empowerment. Tita de la Garza, who was "pushed into this world by an impressive torrent of tears," suffers for not being with Pedro due to tradition and her mother's arbitrariness. The kitchen becomes her sanctuary, where she expresses and translates the world and her own life through her ineffable recipes.
The serial version of 'Como agua para chocolate' does not transcend the feature film but is praiseworthy for its meticulous reconstruction of the era and detailed visual work within the kitchen. Irene Azuela plays the monotonous maternal character Elena, who directs the Mexican hacienda with an iron fist.
The miniseries 'Como agua para chocolate' (HBO, 2025) is based on the homonymous book by Laura Esquivel. The character of Elena acquires exaggerated features, becoming soap opera flesh, a departure from the subtle nuances of 'Hierro'.
'Hierro', however, remains a standout in the realm of Spanish police thrillers. Its first season is superior to the second in every way, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. Candela Peña delivers a noteworthy performance as the peculiar lawyer governing the judicial destiny of El Hierro.
In conclusion, El Hierro is more than just a picturesque island. It is a setting that breathes life into captivating narratives, providing a unique blend of mystery, crime, and local culture that keeps viewers hooked. Whether you're a fan of police thrillers or historical dramas, there's a Spanish production out there that will cater to your tastes.
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