Added to Prime Video on Thursday, Dec 7, 2023 “Waiting for the Barbarians” is a poignant drama that explores themes of power, colonialism, and the impact of imperialism on both the oppressor and the oppressed. The plot centers around a Magistrate of a far-flung outpost of an unnamed Empire, who begins to question his loyalty to the regime when state security forces, led by the sinister Colonel Joll, conduct brutal interrogations on the local nomadic tribespeople, suspected of plotting against the Empire. The Magistrate’s internal struggle and moral awakening form the crux of the story, as he grapples with the harsh realities of the Empire’s oppressive tactics and his role in them.
Length: 1h 53m
Genre: Drama
This Title is: Thought-provoking and Introspective
“Waiting for the Barbarians” IS STREAMING TODAY ON Prime Video IN CANADA!
Trailer
Cast
- Mark Rylance as The Magistrate
- Johnny Depp as Colonel Joll
- Robert Pattinson as Officer Mandel
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: Rated R
Contains scenes of violence, nudity and mature themes.
Trivia
- Based on the novel by J.M. Coetzee, who also wrote the screenplay.
- Mark Rylance’s character never has a name and is only referred to as “The Magistrate.”
- The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2019.
Our Review
“Waiting for the Barbarians” is a visually striking and emotionally resonant film that skilfully adapts J.M. Coetzee’s novel. The performances, especially by Mark Rylance and Johnny Depp, are compelling and add depth to their characters. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to absorb the story’s moral complexities. While it doesn’t provide easy answers, it effectively portrays the impacts of colonialism and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught within oppressive systems. Its thought-provoking narrative and stunning cinematography make it a must-watch for those interested in meaningful cinema.”
Critic Scores
Critic Scores aggregate ratings from IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic. (Click on any score for a detailed review.)
