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- lighton
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- From: Fillory (first floor)
- Registered: 2018-03-21
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Topic: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
https://next-episode.net/utopia Watchlists: 1429
A drama which follows a shadowy unit called The Network and a strange graphic novel.
8.4/10 @ IMDb!
- lighton
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
Quoted from https://forum.next-episode.net/viewtopi … 41#p165941 : scorpius074 wrote:graybags wrote:I loved the UK one from a few years back, was gutted when they canned it. I'll watch this in the hope that it has the same "feel" as the UK one.
This is exactly the reason why I'm starting the UK one first. I've been meaning to watch it, and now seems like an opportune time before the 2020 version drops. As soon as I finish my second round of The Boys S1, and catchup to S2, I'm in Utopia! I couldn't help but notice that the Utopia 2020 trailer is getting hammered in the comments section on YouTube by fans of the UK version. It's brutal! I'll reserve judgment until I've completed both.
Your post helped me change my decision... I decided to watch Utopia (2013) before Utopia (2020). Watched 1x1 today. Wow... many UK shows don't appeal to me, but this one is really good so far! And the music that's used... again, wow! Fits the show's mood perfectly - quite subtle at times, then noticeable, but not too dominating.
- graybags
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
I'm a big fan of the original British 2013 version and have to 2020 remake to watch, but I'm in two minds whether to bother or not. Also, why don't many UK shows appeal to you? What sort of shows do you like? I don't think that I'd ever say that I don't like most of the TV shows that an entire group of countries produce.
2020. Meh.
- lighton
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
graybags wrote:Also, why don't many UK shows appeal to you? What sort of shows do you like? I don't think that I'd ever say that I don't like most of the TV shows that an entire group of countries produce.
Let's discuss that here: https://forum.next-episode.net/viewtopic.php?id=10362
- scorpius074
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- From: The Thirteenth Floor
- Registered: 2013-08-01
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
lighton wrote:Your post helped me change my decision... I decided to watch Utopia (2013) before Utopia (2020). Watched 1x1 today. Wow... many UK shows don't appeal to me, but this one is really good so far! And the music that's used... again, wow! Fits the show's mood perfectly - quite subtle at times, then noticeable, but not too dominating.
It was probably the greatest decision I've made so far this year. The haunting, melodic soundtrack to go along with the excellent acting, directing, cinematography, and writing! This one is a true work of art that should've continued longer than it did. I don't understand how I missed this back in '13. Shame on me! At least we're both enjoying it now. The current climate made it even more interesting to watch IMO. Rating: 4.47/5 (19 ratings) My rating: 5/5
- graybags
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
As far as I can remember it got canned because of just one scene.
2020. Meh.
- colinsp
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
Got halfway through episode 1 of the 2020 series and binned it. Not a patch on the UK series, I was disappointed in this version. YMMV.
- graybags
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
merc_1 wrote:What a weird show. I have just watched the first 2 eps. Must have one of the highest body counts in any opening series? Even the heroine is not averse to killing the good guys
Yeah, great eh?
2020. Meh.
- proteinnerd
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
Oh I'm intrigued, think I'll check out the 2013 UK version...how did I never even hear of this before?
- lighton
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
scorpius074 wrote:The haunting, melodic soundtrack to go along with the excellent acting, directing, cinematography, and writing! This one is a true work of art that should've continued longer than it did. I don't understand how I missed this back in '13. Shame on me! At least we're both enjoying it now. [...] My rating: 5/5
After watching the first season I give it a 4/5. It started out great but then (for me) lost some of its appeal.
It's still a really good show though. merc_1 wrote:What a weird show. I have just watched the first 2 eps. Must have one of the highest body counts in any opening series? Even the heroine is not averse to killing the good guys
https://next-episode.net/lost still wins I guess.
11 Reply by merc 2020-09-30 19:14:09 (edited by merc_1 2020-10-01 20:05:36)
- Registered: 2018-09-14
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
well I picked up the dvd of the original UK Utopia season 1 for just £2. and today also season 2. Seems to be quite a rarity. very similar to the yank offering. My comments above were about the 2020 show
- lighton
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
Just watched 2x1. Wow! Real 70s feeling - the aspect ratio, the lower image quality, the music (to some extent), and interweaving it all with historic TV footage and news! merc_1, that's a good price!
- scorpius074
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
@lighton Yes, it was definitely one of the better throwbacks I've seen in a series. Compelling backstory too, to go along with the great performances, interesting color palette, and eccentric soundtrack.
- lighton
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
scorpius074 wrote:Compelling backstory too, to go along with the great performances, interesting color palette, and eccentric soundtrack.
When you can appreciate that, make sure to check out https://next-episode.net/alex-rider too. It's a lovely combination of a unique story, quality acting and soundtrack, suspense and more.
- Registered: 2016-11-10
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
Just watched the original series (2013). BRILLIANT!. Excellent story, excellent acting, excellent weird music.
- graybags
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
jimslim wrote:Just watched the original series (2013). BRILLIANT!. Excellent story, excellent acting, excellent weird music.
Yes, and so much better than the poor remake. They just didn't get it right at all.
2020. Meh.
- g371
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- Registered: 2013-11-08
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
graybags wrote:As far as I can remember it got canned because of just one scene.
Which one?
- graybags
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
g371 wrote:graybags wrote:As far as I can remember it got canned because of just one scene.
Which one?
The mass shooting in the secondary school. I remember at the time lots of people in the UK complained about it.
2020. Meh.
- lighton
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
That might not have been the reason. Found this on https://screenrant.com/utopia-uk-origin … on-return/ : Unfortunately, fans eagerly anticipating Utopia season 3 were left bitterly disappointed when Channel 4 announced that Utopia had not been renewed for another run. In late 2014, the broadcaster wrote that ending Utopia was "a necessary part of being able to commission new drama." In other words, Utopia didn't attract large enough viewing figures to warrant its place on Channel 4's 2015 schedule. Indeed, despite rave reviews and a loyal, passionate following, Utopia season 2's viewership dipped consistently below the 1 million mark, with the winding story, uncomfortable themes and unique style perhaps not suited to retaining casual viewers. Dennis Kelly has since speculated that releasing in summer didn't help Utopia's chances, while its director suggested that the London-heavy setting might've played a part in deterring a wider audience.
Anyway... I've finished the show! It's great, I rate it 8.4/10. (The way the end was done lets me assume they were quite certain the show would be renewed.) Loved the music, how it was filmed (reminded me of https://next-episode.net/legion at times), (most of) the actors and she show's quirks. Will wait a bit before I start watching https://next-episode.net/utopia-2020.
20 Reply by merc 2020-10-25 21:14:17 (edited by lighton 2020-10-25 22:01:05)
- Registered: 2018-09-14
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
lighton wrote:Anyway... I've finished the show! It's great, I rate it 8.4/10.
I still have to watch it, saving it for when the UK locksdown again or xmas which ever is first (ADMIN EDIT COMMENT: Please don't quote 20 lines when one line (or less) is enough.)
- g371
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Re: Utopia (2013) [Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi]
Posts: 21
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