Zen

Zen
[DVD Zen]

Based on a series of novels by Michael Dibdin, featuring Italian police detective Aurelio Zen, this set of three adaptations aired on BBC ONE in the UK, and on PBS' Masterpiece Mystery here in the US. The movies starred Rufus Sewell as the titular hero, Zen, with strong supporting work from a cast of relative unknowns, highlighted by Caterina Murino as Zen's romantic interest, and the late Francesco Quinn (son of Anthony Quinn) as Zen's private investigator friend Gilberto. The producers chose to film the show in English, even though the characters are all supposed to be Italian, and if you can accept and get past that little incongruity, this is a stylish, slick, enjoyable mystery series. Aurelio Zen is far from a "perfect" cop, but he's got good instincts and a respectable moral code. Sewell's portrayal is terrific, and the stories held together very well -- although I've never read the novels the three movies were based on, so I can't speak to how effectively they were adpated. The settings and atmosphere of these three stories are just oozing with colorful details, and the jazzy soundtrack is as much a character in the films as any of the speaking roles. After re-watching all three of these stories on DVD (with some nice behind-the-scenes "making of" featurettes), I was disappointed to learn that the BBC has decided not to produce any additional Zen episodes. But, I highly recommend the three that do exist! -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library [subscribe to Scott's monthly "It's All Geek to Me!" booklist newsletter or any of the 35+ other newsletters available through the libraries Books, Movies & More email newsletter service!]

[Also available are the Aurelio Zen mystery novels, by author Michael Dibdin.]

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ]

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