Mini-series released on October 1, 2020 on Netflix, The Oktoberfest Empire (original title: Oktoberfest 1900), makes us live the beer festival, and this despite the cancellation of the 2020 edition by the city of Munich due to Covid 19. The creators of this series, Ronny Schalk and Christian Limmer, did not plan to make a documentary. Their desire was to create a story based on real facts, based on real people. So, the beer festival as the central theme of a mini-series, good or bad idea?
What is Oktoberfest?
Of course, not all the mode knows this event that particularly appeals to beer fans, because it is THE beer festival. This is not recent, indeed it was on October 17, 1810 that this feast took place for the first time following the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig (future Louis 1st of Bavaria) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12 of that same year, in order for the public to honor this marriage. Every year (with some exceptions) important festivities are organized in Munich for their wedding anniversary. It was for nationalist purposes that this event was initially used, in order to unify a territory that had just expanded. So what could be better than partying to get there?
Do you have to drink beer to watch this series?
Let everyone rest assured, the answer is NO! No need to consume Guinness, Tripel Karmeliet or Spaten Oktoberfestbier to understand this story. The story is not about beer in depth or how it is made from malt and hops. Instead, it focuses on the universe around it. Releasing a series about Oktoberfest at the time when it was supposed to take place, turns out to be a very good choice. If we can't attend, we fully experience this party and discover behind the scenes. Regardless of our relationship with alcoholic beverages, L'Empire Oktoberfest will find its audience without too much difficulty.
A series where it's not just beer flowing
Although the series is very pleasant to watch, it is not to put in front of all eyes. The first scene opens with a head floating in the water, the frame is set! Between blackmail, extortion, corruption, rivalries, love and disillusionment of the characters mingle. When money is a game, humans tend to be ruthless and violent.The protagonists of this series are no exception to this sad rule.
We quickly discover Curt Prank (played by the talented Mišel Maticević ), a mysterious character and prosperous brewer from Nuremberg.
His goal? Reinvent Oktoberfest by making a tent that can accommodate six thousand people to replace beer barracks, in order to develop its business and enrich itself.
The problem? The local barons of Munich take a very dim view of this project, they who hold power over this festival. They decide that it is now mandatory to sell exclusively Munich beer, which will complicate the plans of the one who is nicknamed "The Prussian".
His daughter, Clara (played by the beautiful Mercedes Müller) will have to juggle between her family, her family's business and her own life, so her future looks very uncertain. Another central character of this series, it is Roman Hoflinger, a young man who seems to have fun with life, rather flirtatious, but whose shadow part could well end up coming out.
A story we revel in
This story can be enjoyed without moderation. So captivating is this story, it manages to keep us in suspense during its six episodes. And it starts with this visually interesting credits, composed of Oktoberfest shots embellished with embedded videos. The music of this theme is the song " Wos Übrig Bleibt" by the group Dreiviertelblut that we find ourselves appreciating. There is a very good choice of music used in the series. Special mention goes to the interpretation of the song " Für immer und nie" by actress Brigitte Hobmeier. She also perfectly interprets the role of Colina Kandl, Clara's chaperone. This woman of character may well please you… The actors are endearing, moving, always very fair in their role. They manage to make themselves loved or hated by the public without the slightest difficulty.
However, there is a caveat on an aspect that comes up several times. It would have been wise to remove or suggest the sex scenes that add absolutely nothing to the story. This is all the more surprising when you know that the series is not recommended at least thirteen years, it's a shame given that this mini-series is really a treat to follow.
Trailer The Oktoberfest Empire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnplqE2mooQ
