Watch Invisible Heroes

Invisible Heroes is a Finnish-Chilean drama series created by Mika Kurvinen and Alicja Björk, which premiered on Finnish streaming service Yle Areena in 2019. Based on a true story, the series is set in the early 1970s, during Chile's political upheaval, which ultimately led to the 1973 military coup that overthrew socialist President Salvador Allende and brought Augusto Pinochet to power.

The series follows Tapani Brotherus, a Finnish diplomat working in Santiago, Chile, who becomes deeply involved in efforts to save Chilean citizens targeted by the brutal dictatorship. Through his efforts, Brotherus ends up providing a safe haven for hundreds of citizens in the Finnish embassy.

The show stars Pelle Heikkilä as Brotherus, and is supported by a strong cast of Chilean actors, including Sophia Heikkilä, Ilkka Villi, Juan Cano, Pedro Vicuña, and S. The series was co-produced by Kaiho Republic, Parox, and Chile's Promocine.

Invisible Heroes is a gripping and emotional show that beautifully captures the complexities of historical events. The series offers a nuanced and humanistic portrayal of the Chilean people, who are shown struggling to survive against the backdrop of political oppression and violence.

The production design is remarkable, transporting the viewer back to the 1970s with a keen attention to detail, from the fashion and architecture to the dialogue, which is in Finnish, Spanish, and English. More than just a historical reenactment, the show explores the human dimension of the era, showing how personal relationships are altered and tested by political upheaval.

The show is dominated by strong performances, led by Heikkilä, who imbues Brotherus with a sense of quiet determination and deep empathy for the Chilean people. His mission becomes very personal as he risks his own life to help those in need, and his interactions with his Chilean colleagues and friends add depth to his character.

The series also benefits from a solid supporting cast, including Juan Cano as Victor Parra, a Chilean engineer who helps hide citizens in the embassy, and Sophia Heikkilä as Lysa Brotherus, the diplomat's wife who becomes intimately involved in the rescue efforts.

Invisible Heroes builds to a heart-pounding finale, as the Chilean government begins to look more closely at the Finnish embassy and tensions rise among the refugees who have taken shelter there. The final moments of the series are both thrilling and emotionally charged, as viewers will be left to ponder the courage and selflessness of the individuals who risked everything to help others during a time of great political upheaval.

Overall, Invisible Heroes is a masterful drama that avoids cliches and oversimplifications. It provides a nuanced and respectful portrait of a tumultuous time in Chile's history, while also exploring themes of heroism, courage, and sacrifice. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in international relations and political history, as well as fans of gripping drama.