If you want to watch a show like Game of Thrones or Spartacus, you are in luck. Netflix just dropped a six episodes series titles Barbarians. It features Herman’s story, or as he is called in the series, Arminius (Roman name). Laurence Rupp is playing Arminius. The show provides the audience with historical facts but not just facts; it dramatizes some of the most important events and battles Arminius went through. Well, this is not the first time we are having a show titled Barbarians. There are many TV series and movies that this show will remind you of, including Rose of Empires: Ottoman, Viking Destiny, The Last Kingdom, Troy, and many more! History channel also aired a documentary in 2004, which included a chapter on Arminius.
Barbarians Main Plot:
It begins with Germanic Cherusci Tribe finding out that Publius Quinctilius Varus, a new Roman Governor, has been named, and all the Germanic tribes must pay tribute to him. However, the leader of the Germanic Cherusci Tribe disagrees as he has already given his two sons to Rome as hostages. Arminius is one of those hostages, one of Segimerus’s son. He was brought up in Rome and was taught Latin, and he knew the Roman military strategy. When Arminius was ready, he was drafted into the Roman army and was sent back to his home, Germania, to help Rome. When he reached home, he faced a dilemma, should he help his family’s tribe, or should he be true to his allegiance to Rome. Arminius chose his family, and he United the Germanic Tribes to fight against Rome. All three Roman legions under the command of Varus were wiped out in the battle of Teutoburg Forest.
Barbarians Cast:
Most of the cast members are German, as this is a German series. The filming took place in Hungary, so some of the Hungarian talents are also present in the series. The show is available on Netflix in its entirety. The main cast includes David Schùtter as Folkwin Wolfspeer, and Bernhard Shütz is playing Segestes. The show features Gaetano Aronica as Varus, Jeanna Goursand as Thusnelda, Bence Ferenczi as Berulf Buddy Y, and Jeremy Miliker playing Ansgar. We also have Tibor Milos Kriski as Berulf Buddy and Laurence Rupp as Arminius.
Review: Watch it or skip it?
It is not that good when compared to other historical dramas, but we cannot say that there weren’t parts where we were fascinated by the level of details, for example, the Germanic tribes spoke German while Romans spoke Latin, other than that, the costumes also added a lovely touch to the show. While the relationship between Arminius and Varus was written and portrayed very well by the writers and actors, some of the actors were not ready for such a big Production. Despite the problems, Barbarians will succeed in keeping you glued to the screen, and you will keep waiting for the bloody battle at the end. Still, eventually, it will disappoint you, despite being effectively played out and shot.
It could have been a masterpiece, but it turned out to be one of those shows which are enjoyable and binge-able at the moment, but one forgets about them once they finish watching. There is definitely potential in the show, and it can be molded into something even better for the second season. However, we don’t know for sure if there will be a second season. Let’s wait and see if Netflix greenlit the second installment; until then, you should watch the show as it is good to watch.
