Watch Mandrake

Mandrake is a Brazilian crime drama television series that aired on HBO Latino from 2005 to 2012. Set in the city of Rio de Janeiro, the series centers around the life of Mandrake, a criminal lawyer trying to balance his law practice and his personal life. The show takes viewers on a journey through the complex and dangerous world of Brazil's criminal justice system and underworld.

The main character, Mandrake, is played by renowned Brazilian actor Marcos Palmeira. Mandrake is a highly respected lawyer who defends some of the most notorious criminals in Rio de Janeiro. He is a complex character, driven by a desire to attain success and wealth, but also haunted by the ethical implications of his job. Mandrake is a charismatic and charming character, but is also deeply flawed and often finds himself in difficult situations.

The show is divided into six seasons, each consisting of 13 episodes. Each season revolves around a different case that Mandrake takes on, which serves as a vehicle for exploring different aspects of Brazilian society, such as corruption, drug trafficking, and poverty. The cases are often inspired by real-life events, which makes the show both thrilling and educational.

Throughout the show, Mandrake is aided by an ensemble cast of characters who are all well-developed and have their own storylines. Fellow lawyer and love interest, Wexler, played by Luis Carlos Miele, is Mandrake's confidante and sometimes his conscience. His law partner, Balthazar, played by Luis Miranda, is a colorful and enigmatic character who brings levity to the show. Other notable characters include a police detective who provides information and assistance to Mandrake, and a call girl who becomes involved with Mandrake and sets off a chain of events that affect the rest of the series.

One of the strengths of Mandrake is its depiction of the city of Rio de Janeiro. The show is filmed on location, giving viewers an intimate view of the city's neighborhoods, beaches, and landmarks. The show portrays the stark contrast between the opulent lifestyles of the city's elite and the poverty and violence that plague the city's slums. The series also explores the cultural richness of Brazil, with characters often discussing Brazilian art, music, and literature.

The show has been praised for its writing, which is smart, witty, and engaging. The script is in Portuguese, but it is accessible to non-Portuguese speakers thanks to excellent subtitles. The show's pacing is tight, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger that makes viewers eager to watch the next one.

In addition to its engaging storylines and characters, Mandrake is also notable for its production values. The show's cinematography is gorgeous, with vibrant colors and striking camera angles. The high production values are apparent in the attention to detail in the show's locations, costumes, and props. The score is also noteworthy, with a mix of bossa nova, samba, and other Brazilian music that helps to set the mood and tone of each scene.

Overall, Mandrake is an excellent crime drama that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The show's engaging characters, well-written storylines, and portrayal of Brazilian society make it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas or Brazilian cinema.