CheerupSilver Very Cool!!!

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

InformationRap This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

Delight Yes, absolutely, there is fun to be had, as well as many, many things to go boom, all amid an atmospheric urban jungle.

s3276169 Firstly this is not, let me repeat this not, in my estimation, an accurate historical documentary. There's license taken with some of the historical facts in order, I suspect to fit the flow of the story line(s) crafted for this short series. Casting that not inconsiderable fact aside, what this series does do and does well, is bring a general facsimile of ancient Western history alive. This is a positive in so much as it that may encourage the interest of those who have no academic background in the subject. What assists Barbarians Rising immensely, is a quality, mostly British cast. There are some well known faces here who breathe life, in a convincingly down to earth way, into key historical players from the period. As a note I'd add some have criticized this series because of its title. Its true many of the civilizations the Roman's labelled "Barbarian" were sophisticated. Some more so than Rome itself. What this refers to is the Roman "attitude" towards other civilizations. This is clearly defined at the beginning of each episode and indeed, does accurately reflect Romes general attitudes, to anyone not Roman or classically Greek.All in all, as is often the case where historical truth meets the commercial imperative to entertain, some license has been taken but there is still enough on offer here, to say this series does have some general educational value too. 7/10 from me.

sass_i_am I enjoy history, however, other than the Roman Gods all I know I learned from a 6th grade world history class, the Bible, Shakespeare, 'Gladiator' and 'Rome.' Yes, I am aware three out of five of those are fiction. Even if you don't believe in God, the book was written during the height of the Roman empire. My reasons for disagreeing with the negative reviews: *HISTORICAL ACCURACY-'Barbarians Rising' is clearly listed as a docudrama (a dramatized TV movie based on real events.) *HANNIBAL-The fact that a black man played Hannibal should matter just as much as the white Englishmen playing Romans, Barbarians and Attila the Hun. *BARBARIAN-The definition of a barbarian is a community of a tribe not belonging to the Greek, Roman, or Christian civilization. Unfortunately, no matter how great the might or how beautiful the civilization of Carthage might have been, they were still part of the Barbarian horde. WAR OVER TRADE OR SLAVERY?-One reviewer stated the Carthaginians owned slaves, but I don't believe that meant they were willing to become slaves, themselves. As to why Hannibal and the Carthaginians went to war with Rome (revenge, slavery, control over the Med, or because they were invaded) I would assume it was for multiple reasons as opposed to just one. *DEMONIZING ROME-History is never absolute. Most of the media we see is told from the side of the Roman point of view, thereby demonizing the 'others.'This story was told from the Barbarians side and doing so can only demonize Rome. Though, to be fair Rome fought to conquer, not defend themselves. *COMMENTATORS-I understand the selection they made. The Military leaders spoke of the battles and the strategy behind them; the CEO spoke about leadership, topics with which they were experienced. Though I often believe Jesse Jackson to be an opportunistic narcissist, he does have a tremendous way to make others see the oppression, and his area of expertise came into play because of what the barbarians were facing, I would like to point out that the inclusion of the other, more celebrated, commentators did not push out those to whom history is their expertise. And, if nothing else, watching Tom Hopper never hurt a soul. (Sigh)

ktpatrol Spoiler alert!!! I won't give too much away. This series had me very interested as I'm a huge fan of ancient history,and Roman history. It's well acted but they get basic details wrong from the start.Episode one made me cringe. Hannibal is portrayed as a black man,which he was definitely not. Carthage is not given it's due as a contemporary rival to Rome but portrayed as "barbarians" looking for freedom.the commentary includes prominent African Americans, leading the viewer to surmise that the conflict is somehow relevant to modern American race relations when it was in reality a war for trade and domination of the Mediterranean Sea. Hannibals military achievements are largely missed altogether other than the march through the alps. If you have even a basic knowledge of ancient history you will probably be disappointed. The acting is good, the history is definitely modern post apologetic and why Jesse Jackson is a commentator is a mystery.the production by itself is worth watching imho but historical accuracy is not up to a channel that calls itself the history channel.history is not always pretty or one sided, this mockumentory attempts to give a modern take on complex issues in a modern pussified snowflake sensitivity kind of way

drjgardner "Barbarians Rising" offers a revolutionary perspective on the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. The traditional approach to the subject is that the Grecian "civilization" gave birth to the Roman "civilization" and eventually led the path to "civilization" as we know it today. This series has a different perspective, showing how the Roman "civilization" was an oppressor, taking lands and resources from less organized peoples and cultures, using harsh and often barbaric techniques. You may find yourself cheering for the "barbarians" who resemble what are traditionally known today as "freedom fighters". The idea that Rome was spreading civilization is turned upside down. Instead the makers of this documentary suggest that the Romans are invaders who rape, pillage, and plunder their way around the Mediterranean seeking resources and slaves to maintain their lifestyle.The series focuses on Hannibal (died 181 BCE) in Northern Africa, Viriatus (died 139 BCE) in Lusitania (Portugal), Spartacus (died in 71 BCE), Arminius (died in 21 CE) in Germany, Queen Boudica (died 60 CE) and Fritigern (died 380 CE) in Britain, Alaric (died 410 CE) of the Visigoths, Attila the Hun (died 453 CE), and Genseric (died 477 CE) of the Vandals.The series is a bit blood thirsty, but so were the times. There are maps and voice overs to keep you well informed.