Bank Under Siege Review 2024 Tv Show Series Cast Crew Online
“Asalto al Banco Central”, a Netflix miniseries directed by Daniel Calparsoro, revisits one of the most dramatic and controversial events in Spain’s recent history: the assault on Barcelona’s Central Bank in 1981. Amid a fragile democracy, still reeling from an attempted military coup just months earlier, eleven armed men storm the bank, taking over 200 hostages and demanding the release of military figures linked to the coup. The five-episode series delves into the political, social, and personal repercussions of this crime with a suspenseful tone.
Although visually impressive and effective in recreating the 1980s atmosphere, the narrative execution suffers from pacing issues and character development. The action scenes don’t consistently deliver the expected suspense, and the portrayal of characters-especially the criminals and hostages-feels underdeveloped. Despite a strong cast that includes stars from “Money Heist”, the performances lack the emotional depth necessary for such a historical event. Moreover, numerous flashbacks disrupt the main storyline, undermining the narrative flow. One of the most jarring flashbacks reveals the assassination of the journalist’s father, a moment that adds little to the storyline and detracts from the overall tension. If this journalist is indeed a fictional character, created solely for the adaptation, the choice weakens the plot’s realism and credibility.
The series also tackles media censorship and control through the journalist’s character, who attempts to reveal the truth behind the assault, suggesting that official reports may mask political motives. While this subplot holds potential, it’s overshadowed by the emphasis on action sequences and historical exposition, leaving the narrative wavering between heist thriller and investigative drama without fully exploring either genre.
In the final moments of the last episode, the inclusion of real photos of the incident is a compelling touch, reminding the viewer of the tangible impact of the event. However, “Asalto al Banco Central” ultimately appeals mostly to fans of real-crime stories and political dramas, as its pacing and character development might disappoint viewers expecting a more engaging and cohesive thriller.
