Why watch Shadow and Bone, a fantasy TV series inspired by Tsarist Russia

On April 23, the first season of the TV series "Shadow and Bone", based on a series of books with the unofficial title "Grishavers" by American Lee Bardugo, was released on the streaming service Netflix. The scriptwriter of the films "And the lights go out ..." and "Arrival»Eric Heisserer, who was assisted by the writer herself.

The authors came up with an energetic storyline with many storylines, unexpected twists and worthy special effects. But at first it is easy to get confused in action, and some points seem too commonplace.

Messy but addictive storyline

The orphan Alina Starkova (Jesse Mei Li) lives in the fantastic country of Ravka, divided into two parts by the Shady Canyon, where the monsters of the volcra live. People regularly have to cross dangerous terrain in ships that move overland. And even local magicians - Grisha - not able to fully defend against attack.

However, many believe that one day the strongest Grisha will come, capable of destroying the Canyon. Alina discovers hints of these forces in herself. But she immediately falls into the center of political intrigue. She is sent to the palace to develop her abilities under the supervision of the army leader Grisha Darkling (Ben Barnes). Meanwhile, a friend of the protagonist Malien Oretz (Archie Reno) finds himself in mortal danger, and a group of criminals are going to kidnap Alina, whom many believe to be an impostor.

The series "Shadow and Bone" throws the viewer into a fantastic world, somewhat similar to our past, but with completely different laws and geography. In this regard, the new project is partly reminiscent of the famous “Dark beginnings"From HBO. But the authors choose a completely different pace and style of presentation. If "Dark beginnings" were sometimes scolded for too slow start, then "Shadow and Bone" literally in the first half hour gives out the entire main exposure.

So the hardest part of watching is getting through the first two episodes. We'll have to remember all the abilities of Grisha on the fly, at least partially understand the geography and main names. You may need to periodically spy on guides on the Internet or write down some points yourself. Otherwise it is very easy to get confused.

But don't be afraid. Already from the third episode, the pace of the narrative will even out, and the action will be divided into three main storylines, even differing in genres. And the heroes traditionally come together only closer to the finale.

Moreover, the authors have a surprise in store and for fans of original books. In addition to the plot of the first novel, Shadow and Bone, characters from the Six of Crows, a group of criminals who are trying to get into the palace, are introduced into the story.

This is a very good move, because without their line, the series could turn into some kind of a new version "Winx». The story of a chosen girl who does not know about her true origin looks too typical.

In part, the desire to diversify the narrative leads to an oversaturation of the plot with fillers. Some unnecessary heroes regularly appear who die before the viewer has time to become attached to them. At the same time, there is not enough time to reveal the main action. But this approach allows you to maintain a vigorous pace until the season finale.

Politics, intrigue and love

The plot of "Shadows and Bones" is not limited only to the fantasy component. There are more intrigues and political twists and turns in the series than in the aforementioned "Dark Principles". Although up to the level "The game of thrones»The project still falls short. But still this is only the first season.

The division of Ravka and the need to cross the dangerous Canyon leads to discontent among the inhabitants. Moreover, politics cannot do without regular wars with neighbors. And in film adaptation the authors added an even more social component, making Alina half shu - a representative of another people.

To the complex relations of different nations is added the dislike of the townsfolk for the Grisha. People with supernormal abilities at first seem like an elite with a separate army. But in fact, they resemble a rogue. No wonder a whole line was allocated for the history of foreigners who kidnap and execute magicians.

In the palace, where the main character falls, everyone also pursues their own goals. If for many she looks like the chosen one and the savior, then for the higher ranks Alina is just another pawn in the external and internal politics. And even her new patron turns out to be a very controversial character.

Criminal intrigues are also intertwined here. Therefore, the plot periodically reminds movie-robberywhere everything is based on the characters' wit and regular betrayal.

Against the background of such a load and dynamics, the line of the main character's relationship with men looks the most losing. The authors could not do without love triangles and a choice between a childhood friend and a fatal seducer. And at the same time, they added an envious person, a faithful assistant and other typical characters of teenage fantasy.

Unusual surroundings

This is ironic for the American series coming out on Netflix, but it will be more interesting and even more fun for Russians to watch "Shadow and Bone" than residents of other countries. Bardugo refers to his cycle of books as "Tsarpunk", since "Grishavers" is based on the atmosphere tsarist Russia. Moreover, we are talking about geography, and about the entourage, and even partially about the text.

A big plus of the project is that it talks about a fantasy world, so no talk about compliance real story it can not be. But the costumes of the heroes are somewhat reminiscent of the form of those times, among the geographical names there is the island of Kerch and the cities of Kribirsk and Novokribirsk. At first, it’s just fun, and then it helps to remember the scene. But just in case, there have been community maps on the Web for a long time.The Grishaverse Wiki the book world.

And if you turn on the original soundtrack, you might be surprised that the king is always called My King behind his back, but Moy Tsar is personally addressed.

Even the very word "Grisha" dubbed into Russian with an emphasis on the last syllable in order to avoid funny associations with the diminutive form of the name Gregory, although in English it sounds with an emphasis on the first. True, in some cases, fantasy obviously led the author of the book too far. For example, both the novels and the series feature the character Ana Kuya. A separate pleasure is to search the Internet for English-language interpretationsEverything wrong with Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo this name.

Nice visuals and cool special effects

The main reason the first season of Shadow and Bone is only eight episodes is the lack of money. Talked about itHere’s Why the First Season of Netflix’s ‘Shadow and Bone’ Is 8 Episodes Instead of 10 the author of the project is Eric Heisserer. According to the showrunner, for 10 episodes he was allocated the same amount, which would make certain elements cheaper.

Although the reduction in timing made the action too hasty, Heisserer's decision looks as logical as possible. A large-scale fantasy project can only work with decent special effects. That is why, before Game of Thrones, such sagas were released quite rarely.

In Shadows and Bones, the visuals are great. The journey of the heroes through the Shadow Canyon seems to have come from horror, and the magical abilities of Grisha look much more interesting than the powers of the fairies from Winx.

In addition, bloody fights and people being cut into pieces are shown. And the combination of different genres adds to the gunfight in the spirit westernsthen mystical scenes with the search for a magic deer.

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The first season of "Shadows and Bones" turned out to be rough: the beginning of the narrative looks hasty, and the love line seems to come from teenage melodramas. But as a start for a project for several seasons, it is excellent. The action is captivating, and the variety of characters allows you to choose the closest heroes and themes. In addition, the visual series of the series looks very dignified, and references to Slavic themes are entertaining.