La catedral del mar

This is a story of misogyny and anti semitism in 13th century Catalonia. It's the story of a male hero whose daring do's helps him reluctantly rise through the aristocratic ranks leaving loved lost in his wake. To fall in love with our hero is to be cursed with a broken heart and violated body This series leaves very little to the imagination when showing the darker side of mans ( and it always is male) humanity to man. The only woman to not suffer is the Virgin Mary, who 'helps' and eventually rescues Arnau with some predictability! It deserves its 18 certificate but if you can stand the bleakness and violence and forgive poor continuity as children grow to adulthood whilst no one else ages it is worth watching all 8 episodes.

This is one of the better medieval series out there. I loved the story arc and thought it was the perfect length. This is similar to Pillars of the Earth but IMO done better.

A COMPLETE BOOK, beautifully realized in its magnificent scope and strong themes in every way from writing, casting, acting, directing, historical overview. I agree with all of the positive reviews. However, there is no season 2 because the story IS complete. And I'm an ardent Yon Gonzalez (Aitor's brother) fan who continues to campaign for a Gran Hotel sequel. I started Spanish because of Gran Hotel and would watch Catedral del mar over when I'm more fluent to pick up the nuances.

Before I watched this mini series it was being compared to a stop gap for Game of Thrones. Where they got that idea I don't know but if you ever watched Pillars of the Earth then watch this. This is a most enjoyable production from start to finish. A period drama at its best.

I am one of the people that read the book when it first came out and really liked it then. Most of what I read are historical fiction books and most of the movies I watch are historical fiction movies or mini series. This is easily one of the best I have ever seen. The acting, the scenery, the recreation of the 14th century time period are flawless. Just be aware that the 14th century was not a great time to be alive and if you were a peasant, even worse. There are a lot of unpleasant scenes, but that was in keeping with the time period and the laws of that time. Watch it, if you love historical fiction.I also plan on rereading the book again.