Added to Prime Video on Monday, Apr 15, 2024 Set in a colonial empire, “Waiting for the Barbarians” centers on the moral crisis of The Magistrate, a loyal servant of the empire stationed at a remote outpost. His life of routine is disrupted by the arrival of Colonel Joll, who believes in the infallibility of his mission to root out barbarian insurgents. The Magistrate’s quiet defiance grows as he witnesses the brutal interrogations conducted by Joll. This leads him on a journey of retribution and introspection, challenging the very values of the empire he once served.
You can watch “Waiting for the Barbarians” on Prime Video in Canada.
Length: 1h 53m
Genre: Drama, Historical
This Title is: Thought-provoking, Anxious, Malicious
Cast
Mark Rylance, Johnny Depp, Robert Pattinson, Gana Bayarsaikhan, Greta Scacchi
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: 15 – Contains scenes of torture and brutality
Trivia
- The novel is based on a poem by the Greek poet C.P. Cavafy.
- It marks Ciro Guerra’s English-language directorial debut.
- The story draws from J.M. Coetzee’s experiences in apartheid-era South Africa, although it’s set in a fictional country.
Trailer
Our Review
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Although “Waiting for the Barbarians” showcases strong performances, especially by Mark Rylance, its slow pacing and at times vague storyline detract from its overall impact. The film captures the brutality of colonialism and its effects on humanity, yet struggles with narrative precision, leaving some character arcs feeling underdeveloped. Despite its shortcomings, the film’s thematic depth and stark visual storytelling offer a worthwhile, albeit challenging, viewing experience.
