DAVID BIANCULLI

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MARSEILLE
May 5, 2016  | By David Bianculli

Netflix, 3:00 a.m. ET

 

SERIES PREMIERE: Netflix is making all sorts of bold moves this year to increase its reach and inventory – and this latest move, which starts today, is one I heartily applaud. Taking the approach that it can present lots of things that appeal to only a tiny fraction of its audience, so long as those viewers will be intensely appreciative, today Netflix imports Season 1 of Marseille, a new French drama series starring Gerard Depardieu as the long-time mayor of that city, about to leave office until a string of events make him reconsider his decision. It’s a high-quality French drama series, and is presented in its original form: In French, with subtitles. Telenovelas have been presented that way in the States for a while, as has some Japanese anime, but importing regular series from other countries is another boon for quality TV viewers. I used to judge international TV series at the Banff TV Festival, and wondered then why so many of the world’s best television shows never reached the United States. Maybe, through this new avenue of distribution, more of them will. Mr. Netflix, tear down that wall!

 
 
 
 
 
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