Lilyhammer

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Fish-out-of-water dramedy has some mature content.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this entertaining made-for-streaming Netflix series contains some mature content, including some sexual references (including nudity), and very strong language ("c--ksucker," "f--k", etc.). Drinking, smoking, and shooting (animals and humans) is visible, though the blood is minimal. The main character is a reformed gangster, so some of his dealings are borderline illegal or refer to past illegal activities.

  • The series promotes some understanding of a foreign country (Norway) from a unique American immigrant's perspective. There's also a sense of community and cooperation among the newcomer and his small-town neighbors.
  • The main character is a gangster who vows to become a "brand-new guy," but attempts some underhanded ways to get things done for himself and for others. He threatens people who anger him in order to get his way and engages in illegal conduct without remorse. He also uses offensive language toward ethnic minorities and women.
  • Guns and rifles visible, but are used primarily for hunting. Contains occasional shooting, intimidation, physical violence, and minimal blood. Dead animals (including a severed sheep's head and a shot dog) are visible; one cast member accidentally gets nicked by a bullet (the incident is more funny than violent).
  • Some sexy stuff, including photographs of bare breasts and references to having sex with minors.
  • Unbleeped (or subtitled) language includes "f--k," "c--ksucker," "s--t," etc. As well as occasional epithets like "towel head," in reference to a man of Middle Eastern descent.
  • Mercedes-Benz and Toyota logos are visible. Various Norwegian brands are also visible.
  • Wine, champagne, ale, and homemade brew is frequently consumed. The main character runs a bar. Smoking is visible.

What's the story?

LILYHAMMER is a dramatic comedy that follows a mobster-turned-witness who moves to Norway hide from his enemies. After voluntarily testifying against Aldo Delucci (Thomas Grube), Frank Tagliano (Steve Van Zandt) asks to be relocated to the Nordic town of Lillehammer, thanks to his memories of watching the 1994 Winter Olympics on television. Now an unemployed immigrant in a new country, Frank, known now as Giovanni Henricksen, begins building a quiet life and making friends among the locals, including the Lien brothers (played by Trond Fausa Aurvåg and Steinar Sagen) and Sigrid Haugli (Marian Saastad Ottesen). But he can't seem to shake his gangster instincts, which raises the suspicions of his neighbor, Laila Hovland (Anne Krigsvoll), who just happens to be Lillehammer's Chief of Police.


Is it any good?

 

The series, which is Netflix's first original program, features an ensemble cast of characters who are likable and quirky. Frank's (AKA Giovanni's) personality adds depth to the show, thanks to his unique combination of warmheartedness and street-smart mobster tactics.  

Despite the mixture of English and Norwegian conversations (some of which requires subtitles), the story is both easy to follow and entertaining to watch. If you're looking for a well-written, mature series that effectively balances drama and humor, this one fits the bill.


Explore, discuss, enjoy

  • Families can talk about what it is like to move to another country. What are some of the benefits of doing so? What are some of the challenges? What is it like for folks from other countries moving to the U.S.?

  • Many of the tactics the main character uses to help his community are against the law. Do the ends justify the means?


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This review of Lilyhammer was written by
TV rating:TV-MA
Network:Netflix
Cast:Anne Krigsvoll, Steven Van Zandt, Trond Fausa Aurvåg
Genre:Drama

This review of Lilyhammer was written by
 

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