Barbaren (2020) created by Andreas Heckmann, Arne Nolting, and Jan Martin Scharf
In the first decade AD, the Romans raise the taxes in Magna Germania. The individual German tribes are upset by this but rebellion seems to be out of the question since Rome is at its imperial might. Governor Varus (Gaetano Aronica) took one son from each tribe some twenty years ago and sent them to Rome. One of the sons, Arminius (Laurence Rupp), has come back to help the Romans squash any notion of rebellion. But Arminius remembers his childhood, especially two friends who had a vision of a great upheaval in the future. Loyalties switch sides many times as the Germans plot to strike back at their Roman oppressors. The story ends with the Battle of Teutoburg Forest.
The show gives a sense of historical verisimilitude while developing its own style. The German tribes still have their culture and devotion to their gods. They are a rough and ready people, all they need is leadership that doesn't kowtow to the Romans. The show is a German production, so the dialogue is in German and Latin. The ending leaves an opening for another season, which I would be interested in, though I am not sure where the story would go.
Parental warning: The series has a lot of graphic violence and a little bit of sex. This is not for little kids.
Recommended.
Currently streaming on Netflix.
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