Oktoberfest: Beer & Blood

Oktoberfest: Beer & Blood, or locally known as Oktoberfest 1900, is a 2020 Netflix miniseries built on the foundations of a historical drama filled with crime, ambition, passion, and the unending thirst for power. The narrative is set in Munich at the onset of the 20th century and is steeped in the intoxicating ambiance of the world-renowned beer festival Oktoberfest, coinciding with the zenith of the Industrial Revolution. It combines the charm of historical settings with the thrill of crime and manipulated powerplay, achieving a harmonious blend of history and drama.

The six-part series gravitates around a fictional character named Curt Prank, a brusque, unapologetic businessman who dreams of building the largest beer hall Munich and the world have ever seen, aiming for the infamous Oktoberfest. Played by Misel Maticevic, Curt Prank is based on real figures from Munich's beer history, adding an authentic touch of history to the narrative.

While his dreams are lofty, Prank is not a man to underestimate. He represents the quintessential self-made man, an enduring, manipulative, opportunistic figure that embodies the spirit of the industrial revolution. His determination to establish a super beer hall imposes upon Munich’s traditional festivals and impacts the social and economic dynamics of the city.

Curt Prank attracts controversy by manipulating the local political scene to his advantage and employs ruthless tactics against his competitors to have his way. In this endeavor, his loyal and equally dangerous right-hand man Roman Hoflinger, portrays a complicated, well-constructed character performed exquisitely by Klaus Steinbacher.

In the backdrop of this fierce competition and ambition, unfolds a passionate love story between Prank's rebellious daughter Clara and the young brewer Roman Hoflinger. Played by Mercedes Müller, Clara defies the norms of her time, offering a feminist perspective to the archaic society of the early 1900s.

While the series treats viewers to the unruly historical escapades of its characters, it also gives viewers a taste of the rich Bavarian history and culture. The story has an elaborate set up of 1900 Munich with authentic costumes, carefully designed locations, set decorations, and accessories such as horse carriages, old-styled beer barrels, and a grand display of the world-famous beer festival, showcasing the very fabric of Bavarian life at the turn of the century. The lavish production brings alive the old-world charm with the beer tents, traditionally attired townsfolk, and a lifestyle that revolves around beer and festivity.

However, Oktoberfest: Beer & Blood isn't merely a historical drama or a crime story. It is a meditation on ambition, control, and the ways individuals clash with tradition to create a new world order. It revisits the spirit of the time, blending personal destinies, class struggles, manipulations, and machinations painted on a canvas of indulgence and excess. There’s an omnipresent sense of tension that pervades the narrative, showing how the desire to succeed can drive people to unspeakable acts.

The series, directed by Hannu Salonen, captures the raw depiction of elements like manipulation, crime, the political power struggle, capturing the essence of the Industrial revolution when societies were shifting their dynamics. Scripted by Christian Limmer, Ronny Schalk, and Alexis Wittgenstein, the story of Oktoberfest: Beer & Blood comes to life with an engaging storyline coupled with compelling performances that add to the narrative's stark reality.

Moreover, it's not just the show's immersive storyline but its technical section that deserves appreciation too. The cinematography by Felix Cramer remarkably brings forth the period's tapestry with a prominent sepia tone that runs throughout the series, enhancing its period outlook. The transition from the opulence of the upscale society to the subdued worker's class has been effectively portrayed.

In all, Oktoberfest: Beer & Blood isn't a conventional historical drama. It derives its soul from the intricate details of the era, presenting a narrative that's both historically rich and dramatically satisfying. For those intrigued by history, drama, crime, and the brewery's beautiful journey, this series is a must-watch.

Oktoberfest: Beer & Blood successfully dramatizes a pivotal era in Bavarian history, and whether you're a history buff or just someone who enjoys a good drama, the series provides a captivating watch and a subtle insight into Bavaria's vibrant culture and brewing history.