User reviews

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'm normally bored by films of this genre but decided to give it a shot for lack of finding anything else. It turns out that this series is really well done. The story is interesting, well written, and the pacing advances the story pretty fast without stagnation. The acting is excellent across well developed characters.

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.

Not really what I was expecting. I was really surprised. It's a really good story. Good acting. A series of drama, romance, excitement and revenge. Highly recommended!

I read the book and loved it. It is a very good combination of well documented historic background and gripping fiction. However, I find the show very disappointing. The acting is very poor. Most of the actors are not versed in period drama and the old-style Spanish does not come naturally to them. Also the acting is extremely one-dimensional. The characters are either complete villains who will not even say hello without a sneer or complete naïve morons. This starchy bipolarity makes the crude scenes look more unreal.

I truly enjoyed this. Right from the opening minutes to the very end. Lots of plot twist and turns. Great actors and character development. I would love to see another season but if it didn't happen, at least I'm not walking away from a cliffhanger. A very well put together stand alone season. Well done as usual Netflix!

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.

Discovered this show on netflix and wow, what a surprise this has been, this is really really good, if you like medieval world you are gonna absolute love this one

It is intense. The setting is faithful to the period. Most of the acting evoke the viewer's empathy. Delicate souls, if you are reading this, make sure you have some tidbits and tissue at hand. What one finds irritating in this almost phenomenal thriller is the unreasonable unlikeness of the actors in the continuum young - mature - old. Yes, your looks and physique change as you age, but some key features are still there. In some of the characters even their personality is unrecognizable. However, once you get over the confusion, you are good to go ... on.

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.

Sometime there is some gruesome parts.

The series really depict some of the struggles of the serf farmers, women, and men but also venture with religious differences and more. Series would have score an 8 or 9 if some of the carachters , like prostitutes, had more focus on there lives. It feel at times with the kids more of a family show but them bam, a gruesome execution or something. I think a more M rated would have permit maybe a more Gruesome atmosphere to the intense Dark ages in spanish landscape.

I managed to watch 3 episodes but the brutality towards women & the cheapness of life & the ego of those called "nobles" who thought they were superior wore me down with revulsion. Life was REALLY HARD then, unless you were "noble" and stole ALL the food from the peasants who grew it, often leaving them starving. Having a vague idea of that horror and watching it during this show drains my soul. I had to quit.

Pablo Derqui as Joan, the main characters priest brother went from nice guy to foaming at the mouth mad man in an episode and a half, great actor - almost stole the show. I liked it that the Inquisition got its own in the end and of course, the wife. Been to Barcelona many times and it has a much richer history that it presents itself as in modern times. Good show. Some great characters and acting. I enjoyed it a lot.

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.

It reminds me how Noble and beautiful Barcelona is, I visited the cathedral of the sea but ignored all of it. This program will bring a lot of tourism in wonderful Barcelona.... I need to come back in this majestic city very soon...

Based on the first episode, I could not watch any further. The characters are one dimensional and their motivations undeveloped. The story just seems to happen to them. Of course this is mostly in line with their dire situations, but this makes it excruciating to watch.

A lot of ground was covered in the first episode (10+ years), but that makes it blow past opportunities to flesh out the characters.

It has a chaotic first half and badly thought out. It serves to present the universe of the series but it does not say much and it does not count especially well either. The time jumps are done very badly and they are very false in the actors. In the second half the thing improves a lot, the script becomes more political and the plots begin to cross. The staging also improves, being indoors and not in false exteriors. The outcome is consistent with the story and is taken as the conclusion to all the acts of the characters In conclusion: the series falls under its own ambition. It may also be that it has been sold as an outstanding blockbuster and is a good series without further ado. Fariña or Apaches (productions of Atresmedia) seem better to me, since they cover what they can then fill.

Those expecting a grandiose production, with spectacular battles, expansive scenarios and sophisticated effects might as well look for the latest fast and furious or rambo movie. What you'll find in this series is a great story, with good acting, touching emotions and an extremely interesting and exciting plot that depicts what was life in Barcelona in the XIV century. Arnau, the main character, is such a kind, fair and valiant man that you'll wish you'd meet him someday. But don't expect him to be some knight in shining armour. He's also a man with many faults (or sins, for those who are catholic, because that's also a very important subject in this series), who suffers the consequences of his decisions like any other person. Not a superhero... just a man like we'd wish many of our rulers would be.

Bad pilferage of Ken Follet's masterpiece... It's gripping enough, but the similarities end up being a bit insulting.

Really one of the best tv series what I have seen.

Must watch.

La Catedral del Mar is a compelling story, a well constructed and beautifully written book. Its a great portrait of the dark ages society in Spain. I had great expectations for the series but by skipping so much of the beginning I felt it really missed some great opportunities for a great storytelling.

I wasnt expecting that they would adapt the sequel but it seems it will be out soon. Hopefully they corrected some shortcomings of the first installment.