I loved the manner latin and german language adapted to this show.
All in all it was a decent tv mini series
373 Reviews
The first show where Romans speak Latin
GeorgesDV25 October 2020
I wish this series was longer!
Patchista23 October 2020
There was something captivating about the lead character, Arminius. I didn't know this was based on a real battle, and I wish there was more details now that I do. Don't bother with dubbing, watch the original. They way they switch between Latin and German was very impressive!
Why downplay one of the greatest battles in German history?
carolinebecki23 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
So the show isn't totally bad. The architecture and costumes are pretty good. But the whole build up is to a battle that lasts like 20 minutes. The battle lasted 4 days. They should've shown the struggle and drama of those 4 days. Not a quick battle with a decisive victory after a few hours...
What has happened to this show?
czombosistvan22 October 2022
The first season was great, with an ending where I wanted to see more of it. Then came the second season and I can see more. I wish I could not. For a good action you only need nice visuals, good moves, weapons, muscles, pretty faces and some semi irritating jokes. On the other hand for a good drama you need tension, and for that you need real actors and proper writers. And in order to have a successful show you need to decide which one do you go for. They went for both without proper actors and writers. So it falls completely flat in the second season. Bloody boring, so much wasted potential, I do not think I am interested in a third season.
Pretty Good
Rob133118 January 2023
Barbarians was so much better than I anticipated! While not quite as good as other shows like Spartacus, Rome, Vikings or The Last Kingdom, it was still a pretty good show that was entertaining enough to watch. It does bend the truth a little bit of what really happened back then but it's still pretty close and doesn't claim to be a documentary. Its visuals are great. If you have some time and looking for a show to binge watch over a weekend then give this a try. The seasons are only 6 episodes long so you can get through them pretty quickly. The show is in German but you can dub it in English or read the subtitles. Already looking forward to next season.
Good historical set ruined by present day socio-political views
georgemarian-0591923 October 2020
Can t say that there weren't parts where I was absolutley fascinated by the level of detail given (specifically the fact that the germanic tribes speak german and romans latin!!) + the very historically detailed roman armours add a very nice touch to this niche historical setting.
Sadly around 40% of the story is driven around a "strong ,independent" woman that does whatever she likes with no real consequences and is regarded even by Arminius as the "true leader" several times. Alongside the Romeo and Juliet romance going on between the "woman" and some random dude,it kinda broke the hole immersion for me ,because you can clearly see that actual historians and history fans took part in creating the show; paralleled by a story that brings nothing original or new or interesting or even historically plausible to the show.
The relationship between Arminius and Varus is pretty well written and very well played by both actors, and it s nice to see glimpses of both cultures in what is clearly a limited (and most likely 1 season) budget tv show.
To wrap it up , it s a "could have been master-piece" that will surley fall into obscurity due to it s pandering to the average "Fritz"(since it s german duh) and lack of originality and authenticity.
Sadly around 40% of the story is driven around a "strong ,independent" woman that does whatever she likes with no real consequences and is regarded even by Arminius as the "true leader" several times. Alongside the Romeo and Juliet romance going on between the "woman" and some random dude,it kinda broke the hole immersion for me ,because you can clearly see that actual historians and history fans took part in creating the show; paralleled by a story that brings nothing original or new or interesting or even historically plausible to the show.
The relationship between Arminius and Varus is pretty well written and very well played by both actors, and it s nice to see glimpses of both cultures in what is clearly a limited (and most likely 1 season) budget tv show.
To wrap it up , it s a "could have been master-piece" that will surley fall into obscurity due to it s pandering to the average "Fritz"(since it s german duh) and lack of originality and authenticity.
Good, enjoyable, ambitious, with flaws
martin-andersson2228 October 2020
Barbarians is an ambitious attempt to tell stories from the most fascinating time of European history. That are never told.
Technically it is one of the best historical dramas out there. Dress, houses, weapons, armor, hairstyles and so on, this show made the best effort ever made to get it right or to make a good interpetation of what little data exist.
Doubleplussuperextra good for the language. The Germans speak German, the Romans speak Latin. Fantastic! Very immersive and very interesting.
What the show fails with is to recreate German society and value systems of the day. Something that would have been extremely difficult and risky to do, it could have turned into a grisly flop insulting everyone. Instead the show makes a compromise between contemporary sensibilities and some guesswork of past societies. I think this is acceptable. And sure, the girl power aspect of the show is a nod to woke culture. However, the Germans of old did tell stories of heroic ladies. And at least we are spared the shieldmaiden platoons of the tv show Vikings. Here we just have the playing up of one extraordinary woman that is mentioned in history.
Casting is also very good. Nothing ruins a show more than bad casting and here they got it right. Tushnelda is especially well casted.
One thing that was a bit disturbing to me is the ages of people in the show, too many old people, too few young people too few children. A tip to any future show is to be inspired by a harsh war torn place in the third world rather than contemporary European or American society whith this aspect. The Germans of 0 AD was a people teeming with youth and life. Not an old dying one.
Overall, very good effort, very enjoyable result. Hoping for more!
Technically it is one of the best historical dramas out there. Dress, houses, weapons, armor, hairstyles and so on, this show made the best effort ever made to get it right or to make a good interpetation of what little data exist.
Doubleplussuperextra good for the language. The Germans speak German, the Romans speak Latin. Fantastic! Very immersive and very interesting.
What the show fails with is to recreate German society and value systems of the day. Something that would have been extremely difficult and risky to do, it could have turned into a grisly flop insulting everyone. Instead the show makes a compromise between contemporary sensibilities and some guesswork of past societies. I think this is acceptable. And sure, the girl power aspect of the show is a nod to woke culture. However, the Germans of old did tell stories of heroic ladies. And at least we are spared the shieldmaiden platoons of the tv show Vikings. Here we just have the playing up of one extraordinary woman that is mentioned in history.
Casting is also very good. Nothing ruins a show more than bad casting and here they got it right. Tushnelda is especially well casted.
One thing that was a bit disturbing to me is the ages of people in the show, too many old people, too few young people too few children. A tip to any future show is to be inspired by a harsh war torn place in the third world rather than contemporary European or American society whith this aspect. The Germans of 0 AD was a people teeming with youth and life. Not an old dying one.
Overall, very good effort, very enjoyable result. Hoping for more!
S1 is good, S2 is woke garbage
mkivtt24 October 2022
Season 1 is great. It takes some liberties with historical events, but generally leads up to and portrays a battle between the Romans and German tribes. Acting is good, costumes are excellent, and the sets are nice. The story is a bit simplified and overly dramatized but it's a good watch.
Season 2 is a big disappointment. Episode 1 is decent enough but be sure to turn it off after that. Episode 2 introduces the entire gamut of woke identity politics. I'm sure Netflix got their quotas met but it completely ruined any immersion or enjoyment. Vote changed from 8/10 to 2/10. What a disappointment.
Season 2 is a big disappointment. Episode 1 is decent enough but be sure to turn it off after that. Episode 2 introduces the entire gamut of woke identity politics. I'm sure Netflix got their quotas met but it completely ruined any immersion or enjoyment. Vote changed from 8/10 to 2/10. What a disappointment.
Loved listening to spoken Classical Latin
kowmungcamel14 November 2020
Who would have known that listening to Latin could be so captivating, interesting and fascinating to hear.
Very much enjoyed Barbarians. In a similar genre to Rome. Historically relevant and fascinating with fabulous production values and eye to detail. Excellent writing with some superb characters and beautiful one on one interactions. Also nice balance of brutal reality in action sequences.
Amazing take on a true story.
Default mode on Netflix starts with dubbed English version. Do yourself a favour and switch to original German, Latin with subtitles
Snail Caesar
vangamer24 October 2020
Like air shooting out of a balloon, any positivity and hopefulness generated by the slick trailer fizzed away pretty quickly as this is a long, long, long way from HBO's Rome, early episodes of The Lost Kingdom - or even stage-bound I Claudius.Instead we get really really mean Romans -riding horses using stirrups, mind you - and a Go-Girl heroine inspiring her tribesmen.
This is all supposed to lead to the famous Roman defeat and loss of eagles - but the by-the-numbers scripting and under-whelming production values make this look like a so-so network adventure show.
I was expecting more given the excellence of Germany's Babylon Berlin but the early episodes of this one left me wanting it less.
It's worth watching
Supermanfan-1310 March 2023
I actually liked Barbarians more than I thought I would. I'm a huge fan of this kind of genre so I was going to watch no matter what. While it's not the best it's definitely worth watching. There's an equal amount of drama and violence to keep the story entertaining and at a good pace. The cast all do a good job and give credible performances. The seasons are a little short at only six episodes apiece but I guess that's better than having filler episodes and being bored. I liked season one a little more but season two is still pretty good in its own right. Season two ended on a cliffhanger so I hope it gets renewed for a third season. If you're a fan of this genre then give this try, I think you'll like it.
S1: Brilliant; S2: Garbage
eymcheng28 December 2022
Another Netflix show that had a great S1 that was utterly ruined by a S2 that was so bad it was extremely difficult to believe that they can possibly be related.
The captivating visuals, along with the attention given to the small details made the show so much more immersive and watchable. Where S1 did great things from a storyline that kept me interested all the way through from start to finish, it left me eagerly awaiting a follow up that would trace Germanicus' campaign.
Instead S2 turned to...well, I have no idea what story it was trying to tell - utter, utter, garbage. How can the scriptwriters create something that worked so well follow up with something so unbelievably bad? Such a massive shame and wasted opportunity.
S1: 9 S2: 3.
The captivating visuals, along with the attention given to the small details made the show so much more immersive and watchable. Where S1 did great things from a storyline that kept me interested all the way through from start to finish, it left me eagerly awaiting a follow up that would trace Germanicus' campaign.
Instead S2 turned to...well, I have no idea what story it was trying to tell - utter, utter, garbage. How can the scriptwriters create something that worked so well follow up with something so unbelievably bad? Such a massive shame and wasted opportunity.
S1: 9 S2: 3.
Interesting history made a bit dull
BPMKent25 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
One of the reasons Arminius and 9AD is remembered is because it was such a pivotal and interesting point in European history. So when I saw the trailer I was quite excited and was really looking forward to it.
Bearing in mind that the real attack(s) took place over several days with relentless hit and runs against the thinned out Romans, I felt a bit let down that the entire conflict boiled down to two scenes, spanning about 15 mins, in the final episode.
For an event that effectively halted Roman expansion westward, I was quite disappointed.
There are some good moments and for people with no knowledge or Arminius this may be of some interest. But for any history buffs I'd recommend that you don't expect too much as it massively underplayed the scale of the conflict and production has written out some of the key people and events.
Bearing in mind that the real attack(s) took place over several days with relentless hit and runs against the thinned out Romans, I felt a bit let down that the entire conflict boiled down to two scenes, spanning about 15 mins, in the final episode.
For an event that effectively halted Roman expansion westward, I was quite disappointed.
There are some good moments and for people with no knowledge or Arminius this may be of some interest. But for any history buffs I'd recommend that you don't expect too much as it massively underplayed the scale of the conflict and production has written out some of the key people and events.
Enjoyable 1st Season, 2nd season is a waste of time
kogakure_de23 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed the first season, even though they could have extended the battle much more. The real battlefield was 300 km (ca. 186 mi) long and the battle lasted for days. The Latin-speaking Romans were a nice touch, even though it would have been so nice to hear the real Germanic language instead of modern German. At 9 AD the language had nearly nothing in common with the German today and sounded more like a Nordic language.
The second season started dull and weak, and I expected it would be like this because there isn't much more to say after the battle. After years of battles without big wins, Arminius was murdered in a clan feud. But a good scriptwriter would be able to bring some story into the war of Germanicus. Instead, they capture the leader of the Germanic people in the first episode (which never happened). The man who slaughtered 3 legions with 20,000 Romans is locked away in some improvised prison guarded by 2 guys at the edge of the fort, instead of bringing him to Rome right away. Sure thing. But at least the show meets now the Black diversity quotas.
The second season started dull and weak, and I expected it would be like this because there isn't much more to say after the battle. After years of battles without big wins, Arminius was murdered in a clan feud. But a good scriptwriter would be able to bring some story into the war of Germanicus. Instead, they capture the leader of the Germanic people in the first episode (which never happened). The man who slaughtered 3 legions with 20,000 Romans is locked away in some improvised prison guarded by 2 guys at the edge of the fort, instead of bringing him to Rome right away. Sure thing. But at least the show meets now the Black diversity quotas.
I liked it! Give it a try. GER
saschakelleter23 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
So, first of all, the German movie industry is nothing compared to Hollywood.
Many of my fellow countrymen even hate to watch movies or series in their own language, because they're not used to it. So please be a bit understanding, that not everything in this show is perfect and already "viking-like".
Barbarians is maybe the first show, that has the potential to excite even those people. Some scenes are a bit bad acting, but in general it was satisfying to finally see a series in German that was never seen before in this direction of movie making.
I'm tired of seeing only WWII movies or series, where Germans are being slaughtered cause they are "the bad guys". The history is, as you can see, so much more! And I'm glad the opportunity is given, that the younger German Teens finally learn, that there is much more than 33 - 45.
The series got me since ep. 1 and it was very thrilling to watch! But I think there were too many major deaths in the first episodes, I would've liked to see more of Ronald Zehrfeld as Berulf.
Give it a try and, with my description above, you won't be disappointed. I desperately hope for a season 2!
Barbarians is maybe the first show, that has the potential to excite even those people. Some scenes are a bit bad acting, but in general it was satisfying to finally see a series in German that was never seen before in this direction of movie making.
I'm tired of seeing only WWII movies or series, where Germans are being slaughtered cause they are "the bad guys". The history is, as you can see, so much more! And I'm glad the opportunity is given, that the younger German Teens finally learn, that there is much more than 33 - 45.
The series got me since ep. 1 and it was very thrilling to watch! But I think there were too many major deaths in the first episodes, I would've liked to see more of Ronald Zehrfeld as Berulf.
Give it a try and, with my description above, you won't be disappointed. I desperately hope for a season 2!
S1 good..... S2 just noise
jwpicton31 October 2022
S1 had something to it. Had some merit historically, and although there were issues it was an interesting look at the whole Rome v barbs thing with a half decent plot, pace and continuity. As I mentioned in a previous review, the barbarians had cleared away forest for farming, so the cover of forest is obviously a saving when it comes to filming - so a lot less authentic landscape for the film makers to worry about! But it makes them look like "forest dwellers" which for the most part, they were not.
S2is a bit of a predictable rehash of various ideas from S1 and other stories. I'm watching it while I do more important things. Might not bother finishing it... Lemme guess... There's a big battle at some point? Treachery, double bluffs? A day of reckoning?.... Yawn....
S2is a bit of a predictable rehash of various ideas from S1 and other stories. I'm watching it while I do more important things. Might not bother finishing it... Lemme guess... There's a big battle at some point? Treachery, double bluffs? A day of reckoning?.... Yawn....
An absolute gem
tomdelhez-571-79036123 October 2020
For all those that loved epochs such as Gladiator, Rome, Master & Commander and others that have tried to bring history to life this will be an absolute gem. Being an historian myself and having studied Latin this comes closest to the real thing I have ever seen. Big congrats to the team and procurers for this feat. Hope the general audience will also be able to recognize this.
An Exciting Look at History
tkdlifemagazine2 January 2023
A really engaging and exciting look at the Roman occupation of Germany around the end of the reign of Augustus Cesar. This one, being a German production, is from the perspective of the occupied instead of the Romans. The characters are compelling. The visuals are that of a well budgeted show. Same with the acting, costumes, cinematography, and directing. This is movie grade stuff. It is violent and adult. There are some holes in the storylines, where there is a default to modern romantic themes but all in all historically interesting and relatively accurate. You don't need to have watched the first season to appreciate the second season.
Extremely accurate in historic costumes but a soap opera and feminism
javier_ea9 November 2020
An almost perfect work of historical re-enactment. The uniforms, even the smallest of brooches or pendants, are taken from objects found in excavations of the first century. The military ranks, the legion organization, the combat tactics are real. There are some concessions like using stirrups that don't appear until almost 400 years later, but horses are very similar to war percherons, it's crazy to ride without them.
And the Romans speaking in classical Latin ... incredible.
This is the good part, for the bad part, which arguably is little less than a soap opera totally unrelated to what the Roman historians tell us.
Besides, the obligatory portion of feminism with Thusnelda's "embedded" character. The plot twists and the dialogues show a mentality of our time, far removed from that of the Roman and Germanic tribesmen at the time.
And the Romans speaking in classical Latin ... incredible.
This is the good part, for the bad part, which arguably is little less than a soap opera totally unrelated to what the Roman historians tell us.
Besides, the obligatory portion of feminism with Thusnelda's "embedded" character. The plot twists and the dialogues show a mentality of our time, far removed from that of the Roman and Germanic tribesmen at the time.
Mediocre
mike-tan-58-41254024 October 2020
Great story, but not well executed into a serie. The use of original languages is great, but the storyline, acting and directing is mediocre. It looks a bit cheap in general. A missed opportunity, but that is unfortunate with a lot of Netflix series.
Holy crap this was amazing
furnacefuneral30 October 2020
Listening to the Roman's finally speak latin was so cool, and terrifying at the same time. This show is just as good as genre greats like Vikings and the last kingdom. It can be a bit tedious to get through the first 3 episodes, but once you see the emotion pour out of Amrinian during episode 4 at 18 minutes exactly, is so worth the wait. You can literally feel the pain, as we have all been there before. Once you see it you'll know what I'm talking about. But its important to watch the first 3 episodes to get to this point. I would highly recommend you turn on the original german language with english subtitles to give it that extra oomph. You certain can watch the english sub too though. I feel like there COULD be a season 2, but if not, i was emotionally satisfied by the end and wouldnt feel bad if they left it alone. As far as the final battle, it's super satisfying. Along the epicness of what the show Spartacus on starz gave us. I literally dont understand why people are complaining.
Pretty good. Watch with Subtitles
brainsbox2 November 2020
I actually like this show. I started watching it and turned it off because of the horrible English dubbing. After a few minutes of being disapointed I gave it another shot with subtitles; am I glad I did. It's actually very watchable, and I'm someone who usually hates subtitles.
Don't you love it when history is an inconvenience to the writers of a historical drama.
user-1722415 November 2022
Yout ube.co m/watch?v=sXB7B4e8hxs
I'm so exhausted by the revisionist/social activism in seemingly EVERY show right now I don't even have a desire to watch television shows or movies anymore. Like I just want to watch something that transports me to another time or tells a story that is fun, thrilling, or whatever. If you want to make "inclusive" or "diverse" media than just do it and tell a new story or make a movie that maybe shows with a hint of nuance regarding the time period it is set in. Also, if you are going to make some made-up garbage to please twitter activists at least mark it with something like "this show is extremely loosely based on a few details of a tiny portion of a period in time and we have changed a bunch of stuff on purpose to beat you over the head with a message, now please enjoy?"
I'm so exhausted by the revisionist/social activism in seemingly EVERY show right now I don't even have a desire to watch television shows or movies anymore. Like I just want to watch something that transports me to another time or tells a story that is fun, thrilling, or whatever. If you want to make "inclusive" or "diverse" media than just do it and tell a new story or make a movie that maybe shows with a hint of nuance regarding the time period it is set in. Also, if you are going to make some made-up garbage to please twitter activists at least mark it with something like "this show is extremely loosely based on a few details of a tiny portion of a period in time and we have changed a bunch of stuff on purpose to beat you over the head with a message, now please enjoy?"
Yet again ruining history with modern overcorrection
hidanovic28 October 2022
Having the tribes speak German and Romans speak Latin was a very nice touch. The amount of detail of armour and other objects of the time, for instance, is exemplary. However, the show missed on portraying accurate historical facts. For instance, the Dido character supposedly Carthaginian is portrayed as a sub-Saharan. Carthage was the evolution of a Phoenician territory in North Africa meaning it would have included people of Phoenician descent ie Semites, Berbers and other Mediterraneans. Women in Germania would have definitely had a different role than that of their peers in Rome; however, that role was at times exaggerated especially in the little details and often leaned to mirror a Romeo and Juliet type of storyline. Still, the show is fun to watch but sadly trying to be "politically correct" with history always ruins it.
A good show but with a major betrayal
jflizard30 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I liked the series as a different and unusual approach to Romans versus enemies. As this is a German show it focus on Germanic tribes , very rudimentary equipped to war , without any proper war tactics, etc. That's nice and along with the good visual effects and production , it was some of my favorite things. Acting is also good : Germans like those poetic scenes and intense dialogues and all of these are present...
Now, the biggest issue on this series, something that Game of Thrones had a lot of class and most TV shows don't : if you have a villain and you want to make it last, please don't put him on a situation that he could not possibly get away with it.
I'm talking about Segestes who commits the biggest betrayal, in front of Arminius and at the end, he is sitting on the winning side like nothing happened. Ok, you can say , it's a tv show , they to that all the time ... yes they do, but it's a bit insulting to our intelligence...
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