The popular heist team from “Money Heist” are recognizable by their scary masks and trademark red suits (pictured above). “Money Heist” is a Spanish television series availible to stream on Netflix. The show has so far released three parts and has completed the filming of a fourth part during August of this year (courtesy of Marco Verch).
As Netflix continues to expand and worldwide viewership increases, a push for more varied shows has spawned from a growing interest in watching content from countries with cultures and languages different from our own. The popular German sci-fi thriller “Dark” is a notable example of a successful non-English series that has received both critical acclaim and devoted fans, furthering foreign shows’ influence in America.
The Spanish television show “Money Heist”—“La casa de papel” in Spanish, which translates to “The House of Paper”—is perhaps the best example of a show that was not made in America but has impacted the American understanding of an ideal television program.
“Money Heist” was not only the most-watched non-English-language series on Netflix in 2018, it was also one of the most-watched Netflix series and movies of all time in any language ever. The show has won an International Emmy and has received praise from renowned American author Stephen King. Boasting high production values and a brilliant cast, this heist crime drama tells the tale of a group of eight robbers who attempt daring escapades under the leadership of an enigmatic man known as “El Professor”—portrayed by Álvaro Morte—who is an incredibly interesting character.
The show’s first season is broken into two parts. During these parts, the team is tasked with infiltrating the Royal Mint of Spain in Madrid and printing €2.4 billion to send a message to the world. During the second season, which is part three of the series, the team sets out to save a captured team member and target the Bank of Spain in order to move the Spanish government into action.
Among “Money Heist”’s many strengths is its subversive nature. For example, a female protagonist code-named Tokyo—portrayed by Úrsula Corberó—narrates the series. While the plot is essentially headed by an ensemble cast, the story is mostly told from Tokyo’s point of view. Feminism is a recurring theme throughout the series, and the female members of both the heist team and the Police Corps are determined fighters who challenge their often-sexist male coworkers.
The cinematography and direction of “Money Heist” are stellar, with exciting set pieces that are assembled without flaw. The show’s fiery dialogue crackles with plenty of colorful language so that the characters’ interactions heat up the scenes.
During “Money Heist,” the lines between good and evil are heavily blurred, and it is often not clear to any character what is truly the right thing to do. Each character’s values and understanding of society are heavily tested. The heists aren’t ordinary robberies, as the Professor and the team are determined to show the world that they rebel against the government. Many witnesses and bystanders end up supporting the team’s efforts, much to the chagrin of the authorities.
It has been suggested that “Money Heist” is the TV version of a page-turner. The story may not always be entirely plausible, but with suspense and constant tension “Money Heist” commands the viewers’ attention throughout. Thanks to a story that is willing to ask the hard questions and sympathetic characters who are full of depth, this series manages to be addictive, wildly entertaining and informative of Spanish identities at the same time.