It's so embarrassing to see other Danes spending so much time and energy to tell how bad they think this series is. It says more about themselves though and their ability to comprehend great and timeless art. So, as a Dane I apologize on behalf of these narrow-minded wannabe pseudo-intellectuals.In Denmark we have a saying that is called "Janteloven" (The Law of Jante) It means (to put it short) that "you are not supposed to believe that you are good enough and you should not think that you are better than anyone else". The comments and criticism from many other Danes are the perfect proof of this ugly and sad "Law of jante".Ole Bornedal is a creative visionary and one of his goals must be to educate all these "average-Joe-Danes" in his own country who have lost imagination and dignity somewhere along the way.I only have praise for this masterpiece that is 1864.

If you have a flair for European historical stuff, you should like this series. Background is the conflict between the then German Confederation/ Prussia and Denmark around 1860, that eventually led to a war where the already small Denmark lost a good portion of its territory. A part of which however was restituted after WW1 & Versailles after a plebiscite.An impressive series. Well shot, with excellent representation of costumes and uniforms and the gear of these times. With a lot of themes built in, national pride, political (misled) ambitions, overestimation of the own capabilities, some love, a portrait of the political, aristocrats and peasantry classes, even some supernatural parts. I have seen only few of the actors playing in the series before, in general they deliver a decent acting, not much to criticize IMO. The actor delivering the remarkable character of Monrad is to point out for his impressive performance.The series was ordered by the danish state I think in occasion of the 150 years anniversary of the events and delivers a fair view of the events. No glorifying nationalistic BS, but a sensible portrait of the era. You might want to read the article about the conflict in wiki first however, to get the hole background of that part of the history.A solid production, history aficionados won't be disappointed. There has been been the usual criticism about the historical accuracy, but I wouldn't mind. There was portrayed nothing wrong in the wider scheme of the history. It seems that for this kind of "historical" series there are always accuracy pedants jumping out, while they still don't get that it is just a TV-show with aspiration to entertain, where some artistic freedom must be given, and not a documentary.

The series is interesting, exciting and fascinating for someone who is interested in history and in the inner lives of complex characters and relationships.The (Danish) characters are likable and easy to identify with.When you like battle scenes, you will probably get your money's worth. The battle and fight scenes are well-produced and exciting.For someone who is interested in history, the costumes and props give the series a very realistic flair, which makes it easy to get into the whole situation.Still, there were some things I wasn't quite sure what to make of.It is certainly natural to emphasize the perspective of the narrator's side in such a movie. However, was it really necessary to present the Germans either as super-villains (a Hussar-officer who looks like a zombie? A general in charge who comes across like a psychopath?) or completely inept (the Danish soldiers were killing so many Germans left and right in brave hand-to-hand fighting, I actually thought they were winning)?These were moments when the series came across a bit like a comic movie.A more balanced and contextual depiction of the characters would help to enjoy a historical series like this, in my opinion.Apart from these smaller aspects, I think the series is well worth watching.

I am 59 and I can be a hard critic but this was one of the greatest dramas I have ever seen.The production, story, acting are all outstanding. Some people may not like the anti war sentiment. Yet this drama achieves the rare thing of managing to convey powerfully both the reasons why politicians can lead us to war and the horrors that then shatter the lives of those families who fall victims to it.I have rarely been so moved by a drama. It has tragedy, pain, humour, humanity and above all it gives a us hope - Despite death, life must go on and we owe it to the those who have fallen to live it to the fullest.If you decide watch this drama till the very end you may be lucky and feel as enriched as I did.