Sad that I made it all the way to the end of this lovely series and the last one ends with a huge cliffhanger! This is Nancy Drew with a Russian twist. Add in clairvoyancy and it's a captivating series. I've watched many Russian docu-dramas but most were history based. Both Sophia and Ekaterina were excellent. Can't wait for season two!
35 Reviews
An interesting experience.
nancyldraper6 September 2018
An interesting experience. My first foray into Russian TV, experienced hardcore, and I'm quite enjoying it (Russian speaking - a completely new language for me - with English subtitles that are sometimes awkward and in need of editing). The period costumes are beautiful, the set seems to be a well used location that reuses buildings and interiors as various and different places, as the script dictates, so it gives the filming a low budget feel. The acting of the titled lead was a little rough at the beginning, but she quickly got better as the series progressed, and she simply exudes charm and youthful beauty that is quite captivating for all who encounter her. The supporting performances were solid if striking a bit of a comedic tone and at times is very stylized and melodramatic which is reminiscent of the parlour dramas of the period it is depicting. The premise of a young woman who speaks to the dead to solve crimes (the obsession with Spiritualism in the 19th Century is well documented) matched by a seasoned (and romantically attractive) detective who comes to similar conclusions by astute investigative procedures, is rather unique and I liked it. At the centre of these mysteries is a romance which very much pulls the work together. I had the honour of entering the information for TVDb and subsequently TRAKT (sorry, I had no artwork) which brought to my attention what a Herculean endeavour this series must have been to perform, produce and broadcast. There were 56 episodes in this first series, all done in 2016, and broadcast, every week, sometimes twice a week and once with three unique episodes in a single week! Compare that to British series that have 4 to 10 episodes a year, or American network series that have 24 episodes. It must have been a completely exhausting (which might explain my next statement). There is a rumour of a second season coming out in 2018 (November) which would be welcomed by it's fans as the 56th episode very much layed the groundwork for new directions and some resolutions (we hope). Let's hope Amazon Prime carries it! I give the series a 7 (good) out of 10, and look forward to more ANNA-DETEKTIV, even if it takes a week to binge, as it did for Season One. {Mystery Romance Spiritualism}
My first Russian TV Show
dothancore28 September 2020
I didn't expect much, but after the first couple episodes, it really got my interest. It is an excellent show, fascinating script, great acting/chemistry, beautiful Russian countryside scenery, and realistic periodical background. Granted, watching it with subtitle was not easy, but it didn't take away the brilliance of the show. I think it'd be much more well-known and popular if the show is on Netflix, such underrated gem!
Best foreign detective series
amurphy-1688031 October 2018
I totally love it. The suspense. The woman clothes were exceptional. The love story between the detective and Anna made me binge watch all 56 episodes. All the characters were great. I really could take a little less of Anna mother. The uncle was a scamp. Truly a great series. I have only one complaint. The ending--I didn't watch all for that outcome. Please someone tell me there more.....
Enthralling, wonderful show
carrrly13 May 2018
I'm obsessed with this show. This is a mystery murder-of-the-week show, but it's really about the relationship between the two main characters - Anna, a young woman who sees ghosts/spirits, and Yakov, the police detective. I also liked all of the other regular characters - Anna's family, the detective's assistant, the neighbor, the newspaper reporter, the police chief, etc. I don't know much about 19th century Russian life, but the show very effectively conveys a sense of a previous era. Also, I love Anna's beautiful dresses. She seems to have at least one new one each episode. I've watched all 56 episodes... more than once.
There are flaws, but I am so captivated by the good parts of this series that I don't care.
There are flaws, but I am so captivated by the good parts of this series that I don't care.
Beautiful series
elizabethblock-4714429 August 2018
I was absolutely blown away about how good the programme actually was. The set and costumes are brilliant and the characters develop as the episodes progress. It has a genuine naive atmosphere to it which I think was in keeping to the time. It is warm humoured without being over the top and I am not a romance fan at all but I really love the blossoming love affair and respect that Yakov and Anna have for each other. It truly is worth a watch. Best thing I've watched for a long time :)
Astonishingly Well-done.
paul-21486 April 2019
This is just a fantastic series. Richly developed characters. Great dialog. Beautifully shot. The character Anna steals your heart from the first episode as she tries to solve the many mysteries she encounters, and as she develops into a strong-willed woman while, trying to keep her optimism and innocence in tact. This is a great murder mystery series with a compelling love story at its heart.
If you don't mind subtitles...
philrus24 April 2020
Cute sells ..... Beautiful Witch is CUTE :-)
laughingbuddhaa29 March 2021
Watched Hindi dubbed version and it was fun to hear characters calling each other with full russian names, other than that no issue like english subtitled shiw viewers are complaining in indian version .....
"Cuteness" of Anna makes it possible to hold candle for girl who see dead . And then its become easy to enjoy indian type spiritual belifs in stories or her family want to get her married for stable life and she being called DAAYAN ( actual hindi word from dubbing ) by her fellow small town people etc .......
Most of stories are enjoyable and with no reference about how russian dressed or lived in that century then nothing caricaturish in things which look like period english shows ......
"Cuteness" of Anna makes it possible to hold candle for girl who see dead . And then its become easy to enjoy indian type spiritual belifs in stories or her family want to get her married for stable life and she being called DAAYAN ( actual hindi word from dubbing ) by her fellow small town people etc .......
Most of stories are enjoyable and with no reference about how russian dressed or lived in that century then nothing caricaturish in things which look like period english shows ......
LOVELY AND AMAZING!!
schooltheresaseem15 April 2020
I loved, loved, loved this show! Granted, it took a while to get through all 56 episodes, but it was well worth it. There are some flaws in production, e.g., I noticed a couple of clips from scenes were reused in a few episodes, but I am sure that had to do with budget, rather than any lack of creativity. I, personally, did not find the age difference between Anna and Yakov hard to embrace for purposes of their budding romantic relationship. It makes sense for the period in which the series takes place. All the other areas in this production were superlative, from the sets/scenes, to the costumes, to the writing, and to the acting. I, too, searched the Internet for information about season two or three (?), and found a wonderful update on Dimitriy Frid's Facebook page. He indicated they had started filming again in early March, but discontinued a couple of weeks later, presumably due to the coronavirus. I hope they begin filming again as soon as the Russian "safer at home" orders are lifted. In any event, I rewatched all 56 episodes, fast forwarding through much of it. The ending was truly a gritty, suspenseful cliffhanger, and I am eagerly awaiting additional episodes for resolution of all the intrigue, subplots, and relationships. Specifically, what's up with Jean Lasalle and his last words / scene with Anna? What's up with Anton, and his last words spoken out of earshot of Anna? What's up with Dr. Miilts, and his relationships with Alice / others. What's up with the Prince and his duel / last scene with Anna? Most importantly, what's up with the 'matchless' Yakov Shtolman?
Captivating - Russian Sherlock Holmes with psychic ability
zendatrim22 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I just watched Elementary. I needed a fix a detective fix but one which would captivate me, as I get bored easily.
Suddenly Detective Anna came on my Amazon like it was a sign lol. I had no idea it was RUSSIAN. (It is Russian guys so why watch then give it a bad review)?
Oh no I thought i have never got into subtitles. I kind of nearly dismissed it but with this rotten weather we are having I had to watch something right? So well nothing lost nothing gained.
i went into this series with my eyes totally wide open.
I was HOOKED. Its just amazing, the storylines are all good, i love that Anna deduces the scenes as well like she is the detective, and Stholman a man of mystery works begrudgingly besides her, almost gets irritated with her at times, and well he isnt sure if he believes she has gifts. I just adore the little assistant to Stholman Anton Korobejnikov, who had me in stitches at the beginning as he was so inept at being a detective but slowly over time becomes quite a part of the team and bounces off ideas with Anna and Stholman.
Anna for me is Watson, and Stolhman is holmes (a mysterious moody man).
I can't believe i am half way through already and never notice that I am reading captions some of which are so funny translated with too modern a tone but it adds to the charm.
Each episode is 2 parts. The series also has another mystery entwined within it. Spys abound (as they did in those days), mystery machinery being made pre world war I. Espionage I expect. It's got everything and it's done so that you are kind of sucked into it gently.
I think myself that Stohlman was sent to Zatonsk for a reason all to do with the Prince and the Mysterious french man, and Nina Neginskaya who seems to be Stholmans stalker. I think he is there to break up an episonage gang, and the ending is he finishes his work as an undercover agent and is sent elsewhere to continue his work.
It would all make sense.
56 parts = 28 episodes season 1. I dont think sadly there is a season 2.
Anyway give it a go, i think in retrospect this is one of the best T.V. series I have watched overall for a long time. I am not going to put it down until the end. Even with subtitles no way, and slowly I am learning a few Russian words so it's all good.
Give it a go. But remember it's a RUSSIAN PRODUCTION, so don't start it then give it a silly review 1/10 that just ruins it for real ratings.
P.S. I think the actress Aleksandra Nikiforova who plays Anna is someone to look out for, she is breathtakingly beautiful and very talented. I believe she has already been in two more highly rated Russian series.
IMDB. Please find a better thumbnail photo of her on cast list it does not do her justice.
Suddenly Detective Anna came on my Amazon like it was a sign lol. I had no idea it was RUSSIAN. (It is Russian guys so why watch then give it a bad review)?
Oh no I thought i have never got into subtitles. I kind of nearly dismissed it but with this rotten weather we are having I had to watch something right? So well nothing lost nothing gained.
i went into this series with my eyes totally wide open.
I was HOOKED. Its just amazing, the storylines are all good, i love that Anna deduces the scenes as well like she is the detective, and Stholman a man of mystery works begrudgingly besides her, almost gets irritated with her at times, and well he isnt sure if he believes she has gifts. I just adore the little assistant to Stholman Anton Korobejnikov, who had me in stitches at the beginning as he was so inept at being a detective but slowly over time becomes quite a part of the team and bounces off ideas with Anna and Stholman.
Anna for me is Watson, and Stolhman is holmes (a mysterious moody man).
I can't believe i am half way through already and never notice that I am reading captions some of which are so funny translated with too modern a tone but it adds to the charm.
Each episode is 2 parts. The series also has another mystery entwined within it. Spys abound (as they did in those days), mystery machinery being made pre world war I. Espionage I expect. It's got everything and it's done so that you are kind of sucked into it gently.
I think myself that Stohlman was sent to Zatonsk for a reason all to do with the Prince and the Mysterious french man, and Nina Neginskaya who seems to be Stholmans stalker. I think he is there to break up an episonage gang, and the ending is he finishes his work as an undercover agent and is sent elsewhere to continue his work.
It would all make sense.
56 parts = 28 episodes season 1. I dont think sadly there is a season 2.
Anyway give it a go, i think in retrospect this is one of the best T.V. series I have watched overall for a long time. I am not going to put it down until the end. Even with subtitles no way, and slowly I am learning a few Russian words so it's all good.
Give it a go. But remember it's a RUSSIAN PRODUCTION, so don't start it then give it a silly review 1/10 that just ruins it for real ratings.
P.S. I think the actress Aleksandra Nikiforova who plays Anna is someone to look out for, she is breathtakingly beautiful and very talented. I believe she has already been in two more highly rated Russian series.
IMDB. Please find a better thumbnail photo of her on cast list it does not do her justice.
Low budget
SofiCastle21 June 2019
I have only seen a couple of episodes and even if I try to watch as many russian shows as possible in order to improve my grasp of the language, this is so low budget it gets annoying. Or rather, it is not the low budget, it is the fact that the creators couldn't or did not care to make this period accurate. Like when the detective burns the photo of an old love which looks nothing like a 19th century photo - rather it is obviously a modern photograph in sepia style.
As for the love story, Anna might easily be 30 years younger than the detective, so this is downright creepy.
Wonderful, wonderful film about love
svetlanap10 September 2017
The detective component is not very spelled out, because it's a show about a Man and a Woman, doomed by fate to meet each other. It will, in spite of any obstacles. The acting is extraordinary, and Dmitry Frid in the lead role of Shtallman - space! The series has captured and touched to the core, forced him to think about such feelings, which had long forgotten.The creators of the series managed to convey the atmosphere of the time, despite some historical inaccuracies. Must see!
Love story
nataliemaple24 July 2018
It's a okay detective/mystery show and an AMAZING love story- between of the age gap between them and the difference in social standing you never know how their relationship will go. Great side characters too. There is a murser story line which last 2 episodes each and then a overarching storyline that links all the episodes
Perfect
salttoearth17 February 2019
I love this show even though I'm English and I have to read subtitles I don't care I've been binge watching this show I hope they're going to come out with another season of it because it ended in 2017 if anyone knows please let me know if they're coming out with another season I absolutely love this show I love the paranormal of it I love the detective and his sidekick and I love Anna and her uncle and I love how the detective and Anna are with each other
LOVE LOVE LOVE
bbydahl10 October 2018
Best program i watched in years.
paullnelson2 May 2020
Love this tv series!
kimwells-5208217 September 2020
I just signed up for Amazon Prime and was reviewing my suggested movies and found this series. I love it! It's Russian and reminiscent of Dr.Zhivago - not in story lines but in the filming and period costumes as well as the language.
The landscape is hauntingly beautiful with an abundance of snow that adds a bleakness to the somewhat dark and dreary filming. The landscape provides a perfect backdrop for this series which contains themes of mysticism and spiritual elements.
I've been binging on Season 1 and love the way each story has 2 episodes drawing out the mystery a little longer. The first episodes ends with a cliffhanger or something exciting or perilous so the viewer wants to continue their journey to episode two of each chapter.
The characters are quirky, romantic, and all have relationships to Anna the main character.
I'm sad that there are not many seasons and would like to know why this series was cancelled after Season 2.
The landscape is hauntingly beautiful with an abundance of snow that adds a bleakness to the somewhat dark and dreary filming. The landscape provides a perfect backdrop for this series which contains themes of mysticism and spiritual elements.
I've been binging on Season 1 and love the way each story has 2 episodes drawing out the mystery a little longer. The first episodes ends with a cliffhanger or something exciting or perilous so the viewer wants to continue their journey to episode two of each chapter.
The characters are quirky, romantic, and all have relationships to Anna the main character.
I'm sad that there are not many seasons and would like to know why this series was cancelled after Season 2.
Beautiful and exciting. Flavours of mystery, spiritualism, and romance
hopeforeveremma23 April 2019
I really enjoyed this show! It's so hard to find movies that are decent and well-made and this one was both. The characters were compelling, the costumes were stunning, and the plot was thrilling. I was hooked all the way through. But imagine my horror when I realized that there was not nearly enough time left for everything to resolve properly! It left me with so many questions and the biggest being, "Where is Shtolman?" This ending definitely calls for a season 2, but unfortunately, there is no indication that this will be happening.
This was amazing!!
beavsden-1608222 April 2021
This was so fun to watch!! I have fallen in love with the language, characters, scenery and the wardrobe! The stories are so entertaining and the love story.... I was in tears at the end! So when will the US get to see season 2??
Best TV Show Ive ever seen..
bestcollectionservicesllc1 June 2020
Best Show on television. Hope they bring it back for a Season 2.
Superb acting with excellent storylines and an amazing backdrop.
Stumbled onto this one after finishing Silver Spoon-another Russian TV show.
Ended up watching all 56 episodes in a week..
Hugely enjoyable
bananarogers20 October 2021
My husband laughs at me when I say "I'm going to Zatonsk--just to see who's dying next!" But it is a well executed series with an engaging set of characters. There are some cliches, inevitably, as is typical of many a period drama and the subtitles are sometimes a bit hit and miss. The acting and the storylines, however, are so affecting (not affected), human, and interesting that you accept (or ignore) any flaws. I was so put out when I finished the last episode this morning because I couldn't see a season 2 on the episodes list. I see on IMDB, though, that there is a Detective Anna II and look forward to it on Prime.
Superb Series
arfito-5-83443321 March 2021
Really well executed romance crime period series
mosquitocyn3 October 2021
I always love a good crime period series without too much family drama and some romance and this one is so well executed. It's my second Russian series and I really think it's so well done. Initially i found it difficult to understand how such a large age gap between the two main leads can lead to a solid romance but both gave such convincing performances and feelings that I have to root for the success of their romance. I find Anna's special abilities to speak to the dead very interesting in the development of the series. Highly recommend this series.
See also
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