4 Blocks
German crime drama about a gangster family
About 4 Blocks
Released: 2017
Platform: Max
Rating: TV-MA
Run time: 3 Seasons Available (19 Episodes)
Cast
Kida Ramadan, Veysel Gelin, Almila Bagriacik, Maryam Zaree, Oliver Masucci, Karolina Lodyga, Sami Nasser, Rauand Taleb, Wasiem Taha, Frederick Lau, Hassan Akkouch, Kida Khodr Ramadan, Maximilian Jaenisch, Ludwig Trepte, Ronald Zehrfeld, Emilio Sakraya, Raymond Tarabay, Almila Bagriacik, Veysel Gelin, Sami Nasser, Maryam Zaree, Oliver Masucci, Wasiem Taha, Rauand Taleb, Frederick Lau, Karolina Lodyga
About 4 Blocks
"4 Blocks" is an acclaimed German drama series that premiered in 2017. Set in the Berlin district of Neukolln, the story revolves around the fictional Hamady crime family, led by Ali "Toni" Hamady. Tired of a life of crime, Toni tries to legitimate his business, but the pull from his family, friends, and the neighbourhood is too great. The series provides a gritty and authentic take on crime and family dynamics against the backdrop of multi-cultural Berlin.
Making / Production
Created by Hanno Hackfort, Bob Konrad and Richard Kropf, "4 Blocks" was first broadcasted on TNT Serie. Owing to its critical and commercial success, it concluded after 3 successful seasons. The series was lauded for its realistic portrayal of Berlin's criminal underbelly and the ethnic tensions within.
Actors
- Kida Khodr Ramadan as Ali "Toni" Hamady: He leads the family with a firm hand, however, he longs for a life free from crime. The complexity of this character is well portrayed by Ramadan.
- Veysel Gelin as Abbas Hamady: Brother of Toni, Abbas is volatile and unpredictable, often challenging Toni's leadership. Gelin's intense performance adds depth to the character.
- Maryam Zaree as Amara Hamady: As Toni's wife, Maryam's character is the emotional centre of the family and she showcases that balance brilliantly.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- The entire series was shot on location in Berlin, lending an authentic feel to the series.
- The dialogue in the series is a mix of German, Arabic, Turkish and English, reflecting the cultural diversity of Berlin.
- Despite being centered around a crime family, the series has received acclaim for not glorifying violence.
Awards
"4 Blocks" has been widely recognized with accolades for its gripping storytelling and performances. Kida Khodr Ramadan, known for his portrayal as Toni Hamady, won the Best Actor award at the 2017 German Television Awards.
Quotes
- "We're not in the desert anymore. Water is no longer the most valuable resource. It's trust." - Toni Hamady
- "In the end, we are all alone. Everyone has to carry his own corpse up the mountain." - Abbas Hamady
Music, Soundtrack
- The theme song for the series is "Bleib in der Schule" by German rapper Trailerpark.
- The soundtrack features a blend of hip-hop and electronica artists, underlining the urban vibe of the series.
About 4 Blocks
4 Blocks is a gritty drama about family, loyalty, and crime within a Lebanese drug trafficking gang in Berlin.