Money Heist (original title: La Casa de Papel) is a Spanish crime drama television series that became a global sensation after its release in 2017. Created by Álex Pina, the show initially aired on Spanish network Antena 3 before being acquired by Netflix, where it garnered an international audience and became one of the platform’s most popular non-English language series.

The series revolves around two meticulously planned heists led by a criminal mastermind known as “The Professor” (played by Álvaro Morte). The first heist targets the Royal Mint of Spain, where the goal is to print billions of euros, while the second focuses on the Bank of Spain. The Professor recruits a group of eight robbers, each with a specific skill set and code name based on a city: Tokyo (Úrsula Corberó), Berlin (Pedro Alonso), Nairobi (Alba Flores), Rio (Miguel Herrán), Denver (Jaime Lorente), Helsinki (Darko Perić), Moscow (Paco Tous), and Oslo (Roberto García Ruiz). The series delves into their personal stories, motivations, and the complexities of their relationships, both within the group and with their hostages.

Money Heist is characterized by its intense, high-stakes plotlines, with each episode packed with suspense, twists, and emotional drama. The show’s narrative is intricately woven, often jumping between past and present to reveal the backstories of the characters and the Professor’s elaborate planning. This non-linear storytelling adds depth to the characters and keeps the audience engaged, as the full scope of the heists and their implications unfold gradually.

The Professor is a central figure in the series, depicted as a brilliant strategist who carefully orchestrates every aspect of the heists, foreseeing potential problems and planning for every contingency. His motivation is not just financial gain but also a desire to challenge the system and create a modern-day Robin Hood narrative, where the group’s actions are framed as a rebellion against the corrupt establishment.

The series also explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, love, and loss, with the relationships between the characters playing a crucial role in the story. As the heist progresses, the lines between the robbers and their hostages blur, with alliances forming and emotions running high. The character of Tokyo serves as the narrator, offering insights into the gang’s dynamics and the psychological toll of the heist.

Berlin, one of the most controversial and complex characters, stands out for his charisma, ruthlessness, and deep-seated loyalty to the Professor. His leadership within the Mint and his interactions with the other characters add tension and drama to the story. Despite his morally ambiguous nature, Berlin became one of the most popular characters in the series.

The visual style of Money Heist is striking, with the robbers donning red jumpsuits and Salvador Dalí masks, which have since become iconic symbols of the show. The series also incorporates a powerful and memorable soundtrack, with the Italian anti-fascist song “Bella Ciao” becoming an anthem for the characters and fans alike.

Money Heist has been praised for its tight pacing, well-developed characters, and ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It has won several awards, including an International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series. The show’s popularity led to multiple seasons and a large, devoted fan base, as well as inspiring merchandise, memes, and even real-life protests where demonstrators wore the show’s signature costumes.

In conclusion, Money Heist (2017) is a captivating crime drama that combines thrilling heist sequences with deep character exploration and social commentary. Its clever plot twists, emotional depth, and distinctive style have made it a global phenomenon, earning it a place as one of the most beloved and influential series of recent years.