A well-executed blend of history and fiction depicting the decisive battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 A.D. where an entire Roman army was completely destroyed by Germanic warriors, "Barbarians" (Barbaren) is a German production that successfully brings the past to life in vivid and gruesome detail. The story of Arminius, the barbarian-born Roman turncoat who betrayed his patrons as he led his countrymen to one of the greatest carnages in military history is adeptly chronicled with good acting, good directing, a well-written script that uses the languages of the time and a gripping and brutal portrayal of the battle itself. The film makers take a leaf from the American style of film making with the movies' good pacing, skilled cinematography and well-placed soundtrack. This ain't no Euro snore. The dark overtone of the film conveys the grim savagery of the ancient world. Although the film reminds you of its time with the token annoying out of place female superhero who eyesores you throughout the film it's a snag that the quality of the film overrides. Compelling and consistently watchable this is one of the best historical series in television.
Review of Barbarians
