The Barrier overdoses on an oppressive authoritarianism.
I simply could not get into this series. Its so loaded down with misery and oppressiveness that, for me, it snuffed out any sense of hope.
If its reminiscent of anything, I would say its the superb film adaptation of Orwell book 1984. The contrast, of course, is 1984 is film length version and whilst still not an easy watch, is digestible.
Spread over the length of a series, its exhausting and I feel, a little overstated. Whats also inexplicable, is the often spectacularly stupid and/or reckless moves, made by the main characters. I get that they are desperate but desperation, in this environment, needs to be tempered by caution and reason. How they survive as long as they do, is beyond me.
Acting is excellent, top shelf, as are production values, sets, costumes, etc. Certainly there are bleak aspects, reminiscent of the Fascist Franco-ist period of Spanish history, on offer here.
I'm not rating this series down too far, partly because my response is a personal one. That said, I do stand by my belief that the treatment is somewhat heavy handed and the story lacks a certain credibility.
6/10.
I simply could not get into this series. Its so loaded down with misery and oppressiveness that, for me, it snuffed out any sense of hope.
If its reminiscent of anything, I would say its the superb film adaptation of Orwell book 1984. The contrast, of course, is 1984 is film length version and whilst still not an easy watch, is digestible.
Spread over the length of a series, its exhausting and I feel, a little overstated. Whats also inexplicable, is the often spectacularly stupid and/or reckless moves, made by the main characters. I get that they are desperate but desperation, in this environment, needs to be tempered by caution and reason. How they survive as long as they do, is beyond me.
Acting is excellent, top shelf, as are production values, sets, costumes, etc. Certainly there are bleak aspects, reminiscent of the Fascist Franco-ist period of Spanish history, on offer here.
I'm not rating this series down too far, partly because my response is a personal one. That said, I do stand by my belief that the treatment is somewhat heavy handed and the story lacks a certain credibility.
6/10.