The best films and TV
This year saw the rise of geopolitical tensions between Russia, China and the US, as well as a global energy crisis, so it’s timely that these issues are front and centre in the revival of the cult Danish political drama Borgen. Borgen: Power & Glory (Netflix) sees the fictional Birgitte Nyborg (Sidse Babett Knudsen) take over as foreign minister in a coalition government. She has to grapple with the implications of a major oil discovery in Greenland by an energy firm with shady owners. Despite her green politics, she finds herself drawn into supporting the project, much to the dismay and anger of her friends, allies and family.
The new series is much darker than the original three, and old favourite characters, including Pilou Asbæk’s Kasper Juul, have disappeared. The new characters, however, such as Arctic ambassador Asger Holm Kirkegaard (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard), and Birgitte’s eco-warrior son Marcus (now played by Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen), are compelling and the actors put in strong performances. The ending resolves things in an upbeat manner, without being too – or indeed anyone looking for eight hours of well-crafted, high-stakes drama.
