You Are Wanted (2017–2018) User Reviews (46)

Better than expected with room for improvement

[thorsten-75635 · 6/10 · 24 March 2017]

OK, first things first: I enjoyed watching this show, even though it made me shake my head more than once - but so does CSI:Miami...

The story is not new. In fact, it has been told a couple of times before, and better. The characters are not very well developed, but then again (if you know typical Schweighöfer movies) that does not come as a surprise, really. For example, I still ponder what the conflict between Lukas and his brother may have been... And of course all "hackers" wear hoodies, play computer games all day, speak in strange tongues and hide themselves in badly lit cellars...

On the plus side: cinematographically it was very pleasant to watch, the soundtrack sounds interesting and the story was tense enough to keep me watching.

You can tell that the writers and producers felt the need to make something "not too German" for the international audience. Maybe they should, next time. The result if their attempts is something that's neither Hollywood nor Germany, somewhere in between. It's nice, but it doesn't linger.

*** Spoiler ahead ***

My favorite dialogue? Parcel service guy rings the door bell. Hanna opens the door and asks "What's that?" - the guy answers: "A parcel..."

I absolutely love the fact that you need to walk deeply into the bowels of a Chinese restaurant, through doors hardly high enough to stand upright, say a code-word, have the boss open a secret, code-locked door to enter the white hacker's "office" - just to find that there are windows pointing right outside to the street...

Slow to start but worth sticking with it

[basilisksamuk · 7/10 · 18 April 2017]

A well-acted cyber-thriller. Nice to see some unfamiliar faces and that the makers didn't feel the need to make it a beauty contest.The plot isn't novel but it's well constructed and doesn't hand out the answers on a plate.

I did find the first 2 episodes rather slow but then it picked up the pace and I had to binge watch the rest. At a total of 6 episodes it doesn't overstay its welcome like most American dramas. It won't change your life but is an easy watch if you're in the mood for a thriller.

BTW I don't understand reviewers whinging about bad overdubs. If you can't be bothered reading subtitles then why bother watching anything not made in the English language?

Yes it plods, pity, lead is sympathetic

[a00030864 · 6/10 · 12 May 2017]

Matthias Schweighöfer as the lead character is a good actor and does a very good job of engendering a sympathetic character in this drama. I wanted to watch this drama just to see him act some more on screen; however, the show plods.

Yes, good camera work and vistas but it plods.

1st episode took 35 min before we find out a hacktivist, as they call it, is responsible - revelation of revelations, even a computer Luddite would have figured it out by then.

Up to that point you are bored silly with a city power outage, a birthday celebration, his family, business meetings, his on screen wife making sandwiches for their over the top cutesy child...even Matthias Schweighöfer'z acting ability could not save this plodding bore of a crime drama and nor could Amazon Prime's X-Ray feature alleviate the in between scene boredom either.

Good show, worth the bingewatch

[odonotti · 7/10 · 18 March 2017]

Stumbled upon this by accident but ended up watching all six episodes in a row. The soundtrack is nice and I think it was filmed rather well. Character development is lacking a bit but I think the story makes up for it more than well enough. Each episode left me wanting more and with only six episodes making up season one it was easy to plow through the whole thing. It's best if you understand German yourself because sometimes the subtitles can hinder the dialogue. All in all this was certainly worth the watch. The subject matter is especially relevant at this point in time so I would encourage anyone interested in technology to watch the show.

Good and entertaining first season, but...

[skinn68 · 7/10 · 12 April 2020]

The show is entertaining, the actors are good enough, and the story (though not very original) is compelling. The issue I have is that the first three episodes have a direction, and the second three a different one which, and here's the problem, has nothing to do with the initial one. SPOILERS AHEAD That's because later on you find out that the 'bad guy' just wanted/needed the code to unlock a particular series of information. But if that was the case, all he needed to do was forcing the main character to reveal it (by kidnapping his son, for example). The whole plot of having him passing for a potential terrorist, or framing him for a million other thing (which was actually the best part, in the first three episodes) was totally pointless, or at least it could have lasted one episode. After you frame the guy, all you need to do is tell him "if you want your life back give/find me the code". There's no need to involve so many other characters (the former lover, Lena, the guy who smashes his head into the mirror, etc etc). Other than that, the show is cool, even if the plot gets less interesting in the second half of the season.

Great story, you just have to deal with bad English dubbing

[gunn-wrights · 7/10 · 12 November 2020]

So, you have German, Vietnamese, and English languages throughout the show - if you've ever watched any dubbed movie - you can obviously tell it's being dubbed over in a different language. With that said, I think this show could have done a bit better with that, and why I had to take away 1 star.

I thought Season 2 was even better than Season 1 (that's where the characters and storyline must be established, so of course it's going to be a bit slower). There are so many twists, and alliances with people you would never expect! But the main character, Lukas, is willing to lose everything for his family - a man on the edge is always interesting to watch the things he will do, and how far he's willing to risk even his own life for the end result. I hope there will be a Season 3. The ending here was OMG!! But, I still feel as if it left some questions unanswered?

Definitely Recommend - due to a crafty storyline!

Just awful and not worth it

[Sergeyvandaalen · 3/10 · 23 March 2017]

Usually I leave the review writing to others, but this time I was compelled to write one.

The show looked very promising. It was highly anticipated. As soon as it launched I started watching the first episode. If you haven't, you'll be surprised. It's one of the worst I have ever seen. It's a bad idea to start watching. Just like it's a bad idea to rub salt in your wounds or smoke while tanking gas.

But here's the thing... If you can look past the lousy acting, the stretching scene's and dialogues and even the HORRIBLE English dub... There is still the problem of nothing being original. Just a standard German crime story.

I wish I could warn you for spoilers, but that's just it. There is nothing to spoil. I couldn't keep focused and had the hardest time not to laugh about the characters. I even doubt calling it characters, because the whole thing feels flat and flimsy.

So... Watch the series and be prepared to lose some valuable time which you could have spent on other things.

Not a fresh plot, but well put-together and engaging

[leahisadinosaur · 8/10 · 17 May 2017]

A lot of user reviews for this have been pretty negative, calling the plot "plodding" or "too slow." Personally, I loved it. Maybe it's my love of a good slow burn. Maybe it's because I like the change of pace in this versus American shows, which seem to need action or intense character drama for every second of screen-time. Probably it's both. While it wasn't as action-packed as shows I usually watch, I found every second of it very engaging, with the end of each episode catching me off- guard. It's not a new plot, but the acting is good and the characters are interesting enough that I was invested in them very early on. It's smartly put together, and know how to take a breath every once in awhile.

Well produced and acted German TV Series - but a bit oppressively serious

[gadfeal · 7/10 · 28 July 2021]

This is a TV series that feels that it stretches out a 2 hour cyber-thriller mover into an 8 or 19 episode version. The two season Hanna Amazon Prime productions don't add any new dimension to the film Hanna with Cate Blanchet.

What is impressive is that the lead actor was also a producer and director! At times, he has the intensity (and looks) of Tom Hiddleston.

The pacing would be found to be slow for US viewers who want everything immediately, but for those who appreciate plots and relationships that unfold (slowly) but unexpectedly, there is much internal drama in the periods of silence.

The plot itself is not original - intrusive, blanket surveillance of everyone, everywhere, supposedly to provide predictive intelligence on terrorists, but utlimately, if unchecked, provides too much temptation to be used for selfish, monetary, or plain evil ends by the people/organizations who alone know them, and control them.

The plot has elements of Mr. Robot (lone, save-the-world hackers), The Fugitive (innocent man who has been framed and on the run), Person of Interest (omniscient intelligence algorithm that can use anyone's data and manipulate them, visually, factually, database wise, with no oversight), and the unprincipled, asocial secretive State operatives who justify the most evil behavior as "in the interests of national security".

The atmosphere is ponderously monotone, matching the grey buildings, grey weather, and humorless personalities; there is no comic, colorful, or verisimilitude relief. That's fine for an hour or two in a film, but all season long without reprieve may turn off viewers unaccustomed to the German-theme of "angst" as part of life.

Plodding, stilted acting, bad overdub

[themikebee · 1/10 · 16 March 2017]

Great premise, but lost in translation? 3 episodes in, still no dimensions to the characters, no sense of direction in the plot. Yada, yada, yada, there is a bad hacker, or hackers. They are wrecking this guy's life, one inevitable boring step at a time. If only the characters would speak more quickly. If only there weren't frozen anguished gazes that belong in silent films. If only the plot advanced enough to keep my interest. Other than the film stock this series is really appealing. But don't take my word, I dare you to watch more of it than I have.

My one question is, how did this show rate 8 stars when there are no reviews posted? (March 16, 2017)

** Updated ** I watched the rest of the series, partly to see if it would all be as bad as it promised. Curious? The answer is yes. Worst plot and acting ever!

Better then rated

[joern-schmidt2 · 8/10 · 19 March 2017]

OK, the plot has no innovative Ideas. It is a mix out of 24, Mr. Robot and has a often misplaced family Story, as seen in Homeland Season 2. But at the end... who cares? The result from that mix is a good entertaining show, including some visually stunning pictures & a well fitting Soundtrack. My hint to the marketing: Don't use the words hacking, hacker or hacked so often in the advertisements. It will disappoint some viewers.

As you can see, you have only >100 Votes and only 4 Reviews. And i'm pretty sure, some votes are only against Mr. Schweighoefer, often blamed as "overrated". It is not comparable to Breaking Bad, Mr. Robot or other Top 150 Shows.

But definitely worth seeing.

Season 2 Ep.1 blunder

[gpl-37642 · 7/10 · 21 May 2018]

Who came up with the uniform for the CIA Admiral? It is a cross between Army, Navy and he is wearing multiple ranks, really bad job by wardrobe.

Boring and somehow familiar story line

[carfan724 · 3/10 · 18 March 2017]

Maybe being the actor of the main character, regisseur and writer of a series in one person was too much. I was looking forward to the heavily advertised series, but was disappointed afterwards.

Yes, Matthias Schweighöfer is a brilliant actor, sadly it is almost the only one. Karoline Herfurth and especially Tom Beck are not on Schweighöfers level of quality. Maybe Tom Beck should have stayed with "Cobra 11" instead.

Additionally the story line is very shallow, a simple cinema movie would have been the better solution for this script.

The result is a boring and sometimes even annoying, predictable series.

German standard crime

[master-68101 · 1/10 · 23 March 2017]

Hi, well i'm from Germany. i know Mr. schweighoefers work couple years now. he is a super nice guy, funny and charming. normally in Germany he is known for his successful mostly relationship comedies.

now he was chosen to make the first German amazon original. and first of all i have to say honestly, i only watched 1,5 episodes. i was so hoping that he would do this not like everyday German crime series, but i was so wrong.

the plot is so stupid, the acting is wooden. the dialogues are just boring. decisions are not comprehensibly.

i didn't wanted to see it in first place. but the German press went through the roof about this. "everyone has to see this" bla bla bla.

so i gave it a shot. what a waste of time......

Enjoyable, tense, good cinematography

[hristina_karamanova · 8/10 · 18 March 2017]

I really enjoyed this series. The plot was very tense, I found the cinematography highly artistic and the actors quite talented. Good job Germany! Also thank you for not trying to copy Hollywood – would have been pretty cheesy. By the way, I never expected to see Matthias Schweighoefer in an action series. Well done, Matthias!

I Really Wanted to Like This...

[leftbanker-1 · 5/10 · 2 April 2017]

...but I just found it too slow and frustrating with the protagonist doing stupid things again and again. I couldn't make it through the second episode. The thing is, there are TV series for every individual taste. This one just wasn't my cup of tea. The whole paranoia of the internet and computer era has been done quite a bit and if we have learned anything it would be to unplug if this sort of thing were happening to you, not sit around listening to your freaking phone. I'm not paranoid at all but doesn't everyone already cover their webcam on the computer? Perhaps I'll give this another chance and if I do I'll revise this review. Until then, I'm unplugging.

Worth watching

[gunshots38 · 8/10 · 7 May 2017]

I honestly had no real expectations for the show, I only found out about it yesterday (well really I stumbled upon it). I was bored sick of watching the same kind of things so I said what the hell I'll give it a shot. I ended up watching and couldn't stop, It had me engrossed in the story from the start to finish. I like watching foreign movies and t.v shows I mostly watch Asian, I think this is the first German show I have seen if other German shows are as good as this I'll be watching more of them. The only pity is that it was only 6 episodes long I'm going to cross my fingers and hope that a season 2 comes out and it has more episodes. There's no glamorized nonsense in this like the majority of shows out there or nothing blown up every 5 minutes, this has a almost realistic feel to it it's a great show to watch so don't be turned away by the bad reviews and decide for yourself I for one will be watching out for a season two because I enjoyed.

Too long

[brenswee · 4/10 · 14 January 2020]

This series is so drawn out. It would have been decent if it were boiled down to a 3 episode mini series (series 1) - yep, that's right, halved. There is so much filler. Also, I might have rated it higher if I hadn't already seen Dutch show "Bellicher". This actually feels like a remake. It's so "paint by numbers", even down to law enforcement agencies having a peeing contest over jurisdiction. I'm sure you'll have seen this all before.

Shmones

[mayuwaho · 1/10 · 17 March 2017]

Matthias Schweighoefer mistakes himself for someone who has something to say. Well, he obviously hasn't. Not one single genuine idea in this series, nothing we haven't seen - done with more talent - a hundred times before. So Germany tries to be Hollywood, too? Well, there is a Hollywood already. Who tries to be Germany? BTW: Gwendoline Christie is the much better actress!

Very entertaining show

[maximecosta-80130 · 8/10 · 31 March 2017]

The story line is not necessarily very original but it definitely is an entertaining show and has some really cool shots of Berlin. Characters are relatable even if the main character is making some questionable decisions. Overall a very good show, easy to binge-watch but make sure to watch it in German with subtitles because the dubbing is poorly done.

Entertaining, but very weak plot, and bad dubbing

[Mochuno · 4/10 · 16 May 2022]

It is about a guy whose telephone/computer is hacked, and his life is put in jeopardy even though he's innocent. It is entertaining, but the hacking is just too much and the characters make such bad decisions along the story, that the whole plot is very difficult to believe. The main character is put in situations where a normal person would go to the police or seek help, but he does all the opposite, melons him look all three more guilty. The he plot is just too weak and full of holes. And dubbing too English is just very bad, on top of that.

Excellent show!

[ats-laroche · 10/10 · 20 May 2018]

I watched the first season and I liked it very much. The second season is so much more awesome. This is an excellent TV show. Matthias Schwieghoefer is an excellent actor. The other actors are also very good. I recommend this show. If you don't like subtitles, then maybe you shouldn't watch this. There is some English in the second season, but it is mostly in German.

Could'nt even focus on the plot due the casting

[purseofglitters · 2/10 · 16 April 2023]

Indeed spent entire second season pining for Hanna and Leon to Die. Have'nt completed second season yet extremely bothered by casting choices. Why on earth you pick such DAFT characters as Hanna and Leon?? Can't bear to watch the lead, risking everything for undesirable Hanna and Leon

Storyline, direction, acting is above Par..yet Casting is WHAT removes Our motive from

watching further. Lead is exceptional...As it does not depict real life, your choices or Casting sucks. Such an unlikable wife and kid.. Simply do not know what your motive is??.

We do need Scandi Noir back in Europe Please do come back.

You Are Wanted Is Very Boring

[daddygracenyc · 1/10 · 27 August 2023]

I started looking at this Amazon Prime series because I find Matthias Schweighöfer be very sexy and attractive in a nerdy sort of way. I started watching this series but I began to lose interest because it didn't make any sense and it was boring and unbelievable. However, I watched Season 1 and started Season 2, but I couldn't finished this boring hot mess of a series. In my opinion, Matthias Schweighöfer was not believable as this character and the plot was ridiculous. This should have been a movie and not a series. Please don't waste your time watching this because you will be disappointed afterwards.

Excellent!

[chrissy_sel · 10/10 · 17 March 2017]

Finally a German show for an international audience! Very well made, extremely suspenseful, awesome acting (especially Matthias Schweighöfer- what a brilliant actor!) and a great storyline. I highly recommend this show and am happy German productions are finally making an international debut. Hope to see more of this!