The series had potential had they not wasted so much time on the main character's love affairs with unlikeable women. A big part of the story, towards the end, is how his friend suddenly dislikes him, but nothing leads up to the reasons why. They spend the last few episodes hating each other with no explanation as to why. Apparently, everyone in 1400's Barcelona was saintly, except members of the Church. They were not all corrupt and evil.
26 Reviews
Beautiful
jorgegoraieb10 May 2022
Very good drama, depicted in the context of medieval Spain/Catalonia, reflecting its Moorish and Jewish legacy and the beginnings of the Inquisition. Won't win an Oscar but highly enjoyable drama. Btw, it's a sequel to the prior series La Catedral Del Mar, so if you're into this kind of genre I'd watch that one first. Both are very good yet different.
Very entertaining!
npvarley28 April 2022
This is a great historical story. I binge-watched in 2 days. I am a sucker for good period series and this was a good one.
The story races along over the eight episodes and there are lots of twists and turns, with some of them being quite unexpected.
The acting is good from the ensemble cast. The scenery and sets are superb, as is the music, and it's very well shot. One slight quibble would be a couple of the sword-fighting scenes could have been handled a bit better, but that's a minor quibble in what is a really good series.
And, as I always say, watch the native language version with the subtitles. Why anyone watches things dubbed into a different language completely mystifies me. They're never as good.
Recommended!
The story races along over the eight episodes and there are lots of twists and turns, with some of them being quite unexpected.
The acting is good from the ensemble cast. The scenery and sets are superb, as is the music, and it's very well shot. One slight quibble would be a couple of the sword-fighting scenes could have been handled a bit better, but that's a minor quibble in what is a really good series.
And, as I always say, watch the native language version with the subtitles. Why anyone watches things dubbed into a different language completely mystifies me. They're never as good.
Recommended!
Surprisingly Good
goduniyi15 April 2022
Unbreakable Bond
albertval-695601 October 2022
Engaging story of love, passion, betrayal, family values, and triumph amid adversity at an important segment of Spanish history. The story of Hugo Llor brings us to mid-14th century to early 15th century at a time of
pogroms, corsairs, regnal successions when the influence of nobles on the royal court was considerable and when Jews were better off than other residents of Barcelona causing resentment among them.
It's mainly the story of Hugo Llor and Bernat Estanyol, the heir of Arnau Estanyol, who is the chief character in "Cathedral of the Sea," the prequel of this series by the same author, Ildefonso Falcones.
The avid student of European history will appreciate this story set against a nascent Spain when it's starting to flex its colonial muscle. He will be introduced to Spanish kings of those times like Peter of Castile and Alfonso.
This historical backdrop heightens the human drama as the viewer keenly watches the main characters tell their stories as they are caught up in events of that period.
The main actors are convincing especially Yon Gonzales and David Solans as the adult and the young Hugo Llor, Rodolfo Sancho as the adult Bernat Estanyol, Mercedes Leon as Barsha and Aria Belmar as Merce.
As this is a period film, the film ensures that the costumes and the settings are authentic. Quite picturesque are views of the vineyards under a bright sun.
Beside being a historical film, this one drives home important life lessons. Watch it. It's binge-worthy.
It's mainly the story of Hugo Llor and Bernat Estanyol, the heir of Arnau Estanyol, who is the chief character in "Cathedral of the Sea," the prequel of this series by the same author, Ildefonso Falcones.
The avid student of European history will appreciate this story set against a nascent Spain when it's starting to flex its colonial muscle. He will be introduced to Spanish kings of those times like Peter of Castile and Alfonso.
This historical backdrop heightens the human drama as the viewer keenly watches the main characters tell their stories as they are caught up in events of that period.
The main actors are convincing especially Yon Gonzales and David Solans as the adult and the young Hugo Llor, Rodolfo Sancho as the adult Bernat Estanyol, Mercedes Leon as Barsha and Aria Belmar as Merce.
As this is a period film, the film ensures that the costumes and the settings are authentic. Quite picturesque are views of the vineyards under a bright sun.
Beside being a historical film, this one drives home important life lessons. Watch it. It's binge-worthy.
Couldn't stop watching it!
icc-3730720 April 2022
This was well worth the watch, especially if you wanted to learn something about the lives of the common people (Christians, jews, muslims, women and slaves) in a medieval kingdom which is in today's modern Spain. The acting was excellent and I believe that the storyline reflected the harshness of the Church and aristocracy of the time. The commentator who said it was boring was obviously not watching the same series as I was.
Pathetic characters
nynphe28 July 2022
Perfect
giorgos-3814923 April 2022
I enjoyed very much watching this Netflix series. The characters were great and the directing too. So realistic, It was like I was living at that period of Spain's past.
Haven't read the novel and I can't understand these few 1/10 reviews.
Haven't read the novel and I can't understand these few 1/10 reviews.
Dumbest set of characters assembled for a show
WingsOf23 December 2022
The only stars are for the production value (location, cinematography, score, location) that takes a very flawed script and story and displays it with a straight face.
If the intent was to depict the suffering caused by religion in the medieval period, making every man cruel or a total dumbass with no principles or morality and woman jump in to have sex with them regardless of marital status isn't the way to do it. The only intent seems to be to create sufferance-porn in the way one might do a sadistic prison movie where misfortune and suffering is the point.
The story seems to jump between some episodes only captured in the intro as if some episodes were cut out.
The protagonist has all the emotions of a slug but always jumping to do the wrong thing so as to provoke more misfortunes or suffering which I guess is the point. Never seems to learn a thing.
Keeps switching between irritating and boring and finally one doesn't like any character.
If the intent was to depict the suffering caused by religion in the medieval period, making every man cruel or a total dumbass with no principles or morality and woman jump in to have sex with them regardless of marital status isn't the way to do it. The only intent seems to be to create sufferance-porn in the way one might do a sadistic prison movie where misfortune and suffering is the point.
The story seems to jump between some episodes only captured in the intro as if some episodes were cut out.
The protagonist has all the emotions of a slug but always jumping to do the wrong thing so as to provoke more misfortunes or suffering which I guess is the point. Never seems to learn a thing.
Keeps switching between irritating and boring and finally one doesn't like any character.
Amazing
dpxrp18 April 2022
As a woman who was born in Spain 🇪🇸 these are the stories I've heard from family. This was an amazing TV series. Some people on here have said it was boring. I say it was raw and beautifully written. Yon González Luna is an amazing actor. He made you feel is pain. I would love to see him in American films. Please watch this series and make your own decision, I truly believe the series will not disappoint you. If I could read this 1000 stars I would. I was truly moved.
A lesson in impulsive thinking!!
igraba13 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Dearie me, where to start. A series of dumb, nay, utterly stupid, decisions made not just by the lead but by his whole family has made this show one of the most frustrating to watch. Every impulsive decision leads to the death or demise of another. It seems TOTALLY unrealistic that folks were this dumb and naive 600 years ago. In the dark ages survival was on everyone's mind and being street wise would've been the norm. The modern "millennial-esque" behavior of the characters must be a reflection of the writers' and director's own lives as there can be no other reason why human beings from 600 years ago can be portrayed as snowflakes walking around in a daze during a time where death was waiting around every corner. This show could've been so good.
Amazing
chikovaninatia24 April 2022
It's about the history we've lived centuries ago, and it has touched me as a woman. Amazing actors, deep emotions, and the feeling of being a victim of unfairness left me so emotional. I am grateful to all the staff who has worked on this awesome series.
Disappointing same as his books
anwarbham27 June 2022
Where to begin. I guess the fault lies with the writer of the books . He creates these characters so hateable and pathetic. It was the same in his previous book/series cathedral of the sea. It's all doom and gloom and in the last episode the hero wins . It's all religions suffering pathetic and weak. Don't watch this . Only Spanish people will vote this rubbish.
Amazing series!
Rokaija17 April 2022
Better than I expected
Luigi Di Pilla22 May 2022
What a wonderful series. The costumes, the sceneries, the actors, the educational story, all of it was simply great done and to experience. It brought me back and I could completely disconnect and enjoy each episode. See it and you won't regret. Congrats to the director and all the staff.
Hope to see more of this genre. It merits 9/10.
Hope to see more of this genre. It merits 9/10.
Confused by series
cookiesugarplum25 April 2022
THIS appears to be a continuation of CATHEDRAL BY YHE SEA (2017). Given the timeline each series covers I suspect there's a series I'm unaware of? I can't find anything online or on Netflix to confirm or deny a missing a series.
Heirs to Land is really good. Seemed to drag in places towards the end but overall...definitely worth a watch.
Heirs to Land is really good. Seemed to drag in places towards the end but overall...definitely worth a watch.
Where are the Moors?
r-murray99995 January 2024
Continuous drama keeps the viewer's attention in this historical movie. I enjoyed watching an episode and then googling for a fuller understanding. However it wasn't until the 6th episode the word Moor mentioned. And the reference was to Hugo's slave housekeeper. The Moors occupied and controlled southern Spain for 800 years. Why was this woman a slave if the Moors were the conquerors? In fact, I counted only one person with dark skin in the entire series. The Moors brought culture and science to Europe and Spain was the epicenter. Just like in the USA, people of color are seldom historically appreciated.
A disjointed script
debkdutta-8904018 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Must have been written by someone who forgot what he's written in the page before.
The inconsistency of the character of Hugo is one such glaring example. While as a child he's fiery and does the most inconceivable things that would instantly get him into trouble. It did.
When grown up the boy become a eunuch and even fails to protect his dreams and his loved ones.
Script is so loose that it failed to develop into a credible story line.
Result is a piece of completely boring production that would even challenge an idiotic mind.
It exposes deep corruption within the church hierarchy ( for how else does Hugo's sister get pregnant? )
If this the quality of western fables it's sure to suck!
The inconsistency of the character of Hugo is one such glaring example. While as a child he's fiery and does the most inconceivable things that would instantly get him into trouble. It did.
When grown up the boy become a eunuch and even fails to protect his dreams and his loved ones.
Script is so loose that it failed to develop into a credible story line.
Result is a piece of completely boring production that would even challenge an idiotic mind.
It exposes deep corruption within the church hierarchy ( for how else does Hugo's sister get pregnant? )
If this the quality of western fables it's sure to suck!
Story of a grown-ass wuss and an idiot.
in5n88 May 2022
Engrossing, almost epic
magnoliacream12 October 2023
This is a sequel to Cathedral of the Sea, though it's entertaining on its own, even if you haven't watched the prequel.
In 14th century Spain, 12-year-old Hugo Llor (David Solans, Yon González), his mother Antonina (Marta Belaustegui) and sister Arsenda (Bruna Cusí) have to go their separate ways to find work after his father's death. Hugo becomes an apprentice at a ship-building company owned by Arnau Estanyol (Aitor Luna), the male lead in Cathedral of the Sea, and now a well-to-do and respected elder in the community.
At the same time, Arnau's son Bernat (Arturo Sancho, Rodolfo Sancho) goes out to sea to learn navigational skills.
Not long after, the king dies, ushering in a change in power dynamics that upends Hugo's life. Events happen that end up with Hugo living with Arnau's friend Jucef Crescas (Nancho Novo) and his community of Jews, helping them attend to their vineyard. He falls in love with Jucef's daughter Dolca (Gabriela Andrada) who becomes his lover.
A change in political situation again upends Hugo's life. This becomes a recurring theme in this series, showing how power struggles in the upper echelons of society affect common folks. Religious persecution, particularly of Jews, is also depicted.
Amidst these social and political changes, Hugo soldiers on. He reconnects with Arsenda and Bernat in much different circumstances, the entanglement of their stories fantastically woven.
In 14th century Spain, 12-year-old Hugo Llor (David Solans, Yon González), his mother Antonina (Marta Belaustegui) and sister Arsenda (Bruna Cusí) have to go their separate ways to find work after his father's death. Hugo becomes an apprentice at a ship-building company owned by Arnau Estanyol (Aitor Luna), the male lead in Cathedral of the Sea, and now a well-to-do and respected elder in the community.
At the same time, Arnau's son Bernat (Arturo Sancho, Rodolfo Sancho) goes out to sea to learn navigational skills.
Not long after, the king dies, ushering in a change in power dynamics that upends Hugo's life. Events happen that end up with Hugo living with Arnau's friend Jucef Crescas (Nancho Novo) and his community of Jews, helping them attend to their vineyard. He falls in love with Jucef's daughter Dolca (Gabriela Andrada) who becomes his lover.
A change in political situation again upends Hugo's life. This becomes a recurring theme in this series, showing how power struggles in the upper echelons of society affect common folks. Religious persecution, particularly of Jews, is also depicted.
Amidst these social and political changes, Hugo soldiers on. He reconnects with Arsenda and Bernat in much different circumstances, the entanglement of their stories fantastically woven.
S1E1
MommaBear3824 April 2022
It's pretty bad except the fact that it's also pretty good
vchatziilias18 April 2022
That's the first thing I thought when I started watching it. It's pretty good for upholding the era of Christianity and Inquisition. The plot seems scattered and I feel sometimes that I'm watching a soap opera. The show has potential but I think too much love drama is ruining it for me. Some scenes remind corn and they're unnecessary to the plot.
Honest opinion? It's better than some of the shows on Netflix.
Honest opinion? It's better than some of the shows on Netflix.
Very boring and disappointing!
colomboyuma16 April 2022
When I saw the title and name of the main characters I expected to see a great movie but after watching the first five minutes or so my mood drastically changed. Spanish is my first language and I was able to catch any and all language secret messages the actors were trying to convey. What a big disappointment. This movie turned out to be a big zero to the left. Don't waste your time with this movie.
Mixed opinions
scottdouglasparker18 April 2022
This had some great footage, and some interesting content, that being said, the story lacked polish. At least the English version. Maybe better in Spanish. The writing is a bit illogical and scatterbrained. The only reason I am giving 4 stars is the obvious work that went into this piece, however I do find it sad that so much effort was expended on a half hearted plot.
Too much rape and drama
voorheesj-0436614 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I know in this period of time rape may have been more common, but somehow the director of this serie seems obsessed with it. Constantly women are being raped and beaten. It's too extreme.
I am remember a scene where they were rescuing a boy and somehow the girlfriend of the main character decided to take one for the team and get raped by a bunch of men. I think this was the 3th or 4th time I was forced to watch her being raped/sexually harassed in the serie. This time it was totally uncalled for. There are other ways to distract people you know? The main characters seemed really stupid. 4/10.
I am remember a scene where they were rescuing a boy and somehow the girlfriend of the main character decided to take one for the team and get raped by a bunch of men. I think this was the 3th or 4th time I was forced to watch her being raped/sexually harassed in the serie. This time it was totally uncalled for. There are other ways to distract people you know? The main characters seemed really stupid. 4/10.
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