Cathedral of the Sea (2018) User Reviews

Fantastic

[roycasswell · 8/10 · 7 September 2018]

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.

Engrosssing series set in the Dark Ages with a captivating plot based on a famous bestselling

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 9 June 2018]

Based on the popular historical novel by Spanish author Ildefonso Falcones and formed by 7 episodes and filmed in numerous places Extremadura , Castilla La Mancha , Castilla León , Madrid , Aragon and Cataluña . The action takes place in 14th century , Barcelona under Aragon Crown , in a world marked by segregation, religious intolerance , social stratum , material ambition , betrayal , revenge and violent riots with deaths and damage to property. Dealing with the social segregation in Medieval Barcelona and the impressive construction of Cathedral Santa Maria del Mar , the greatest Mariano temple ever built and serving as background to the story starred by Arnau. The book and film is set in Barcelona and its main character is Arnau Estnyiol, Aitor Luna , the son of a fugitive serf : Daniel Grao, one of the catedral's workers , as he becomes one of the porters , known as Baxtaisos who contributed to the construction of the church by carrying stones . As the inhabitants of humble slums of fisher decide to built with large efforts here and there the biggest temple dedicated to Virgen Maria . Arnau gradually obtains freedom and eventually achieves a high status in Society , enjoying an enviable positivo .But his enemies to be green with envy and to carry out a conspiracy to be condemned by Inquisition .

An absorbing as well as ambitious recreation of Middle Age with an interesting script in which mingles nasty feudal lords, religious conflict , loyalty , faithfullness , treason , vengeance , war , love and plague . Big budget series , the shooting started summer 2016 with 2500 players and extras , 220 animals , 2000 suits and almost 80% was shot in exterior. Cast is pretty good such as Aitor Luna as the unfortunate young who'll work as livery stable cleaner , bastaixo, docker, merchant , subsequently to become himself a notorious noble full of healthiness and richness ,meanwhile he falls in love for twomgorgeous damsels , Andrea Duro , Michelle Jenner . He is son of Bernart Estanyiol well played by Daniel Grao as a fugitive serf who flees to Barcelona when his wife , Natalia De Molina , is raped by a maliciously ruthless feudal lord using his Right of Pernada. Other essential secondary actors giving fine acting are the followings : Gines García Millán as the cruel merchant, his mistreated wife played by Nora Navas and the good priest performed by Tristan Ulloa , among others .

Well adapted from La Catedral Del Mar , a nice historical novel by lawyer and writer Ildefonso Falcones, set in 14th century at the height of the Inquisition , this book became surprisingly and quickly an important best seller in 2006 as Spanish as Catalan language . This novel has been translated into 15 languages, at least , and has been sold in 32 countries , the novel has won several literary awards including : Euskadi De Plata , Que Leer Award and Giovanni Boccaccio Award . It has a sequel titled " Los Herederos de la tierra" , published in 2016. This cool TV adaptation was lavishly produced by Antena 3 TV . It displays an evocative and imaginative musical score by the great composer Federico Jusid . It contains a colorful and brilliant cinematography by Teo Delgado , shot on location in several Spanish locations as Caceres, Extremadura ; Aldea Del Fresno , La Pedriza, El Álamo , Park Peñalara, Madrid ; El Espinar , Torreiglesias, Guadamur , Toledo ; Montalban Teruel; Oropesa De Mar, Castellón , Vilanova La Gertru and Barcelona. The great TV series was well directed by Jordi Frades

Much better than I expected.

[SpacemanBob · 8/10 · 20 September 2018]

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.

Great mini series

[drober1980 · 10/10 · 20 March 2019]

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.

I love it!

[kennetedin · 9/10 · 6 September 2018]

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!

Just read the book

[HL-UK · 6/10 · 20 September 2018]

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.

Amazing!

[ballzslimpickenz-76295 · 9/10 · 6 September 2018]

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!

The Virgin Mary wins

[cephasroberts · 7/10 · 18 July 2019]

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.

Must see

[raek-05069 · 10/10 · 4 September 2018]

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

Beautiful though brutal

[bbelladdonna · 7/10 · 28 August 2020]

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.

Cathedral by the Sea IS the entire book

[mediaate-77248 · 9/10 · 24 February 2019]

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.

Flat characters and unmotivated story

[ArjenKruithof-imdb · 31 October 2019]

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.

Overall good

[tonytoomuch · 7/10 · 9 March 2019]

I thought I would try this show and felt it was a good story. My criticism through the show was that at one point I said out load if there is anything positive in this show. There was just too much negative scenarios. Also who adopts a girl and raises her as his child and then marries her? Sorry but that part did not flow or the chemistry between the actors. Also why would the mother and the other girl decide they will never see him again? That was pointless and was no good reason for it. So a bit disappointed there but overall good show. I was caught up in watching it.

Great before confusing romance

[sarahrward · 5/10 · 15 September 2018]

I love spanish and period piece dramas so i was down for this combination and i loved the visuals and the earlier episodes, however there did seem to be some unfinished plots/ characters with confusing motivations, the violence in the first several episodes was jarring yet well done as a base for the characters developement- until i got around episode 5, is NOONE bothered by the fact that the relationship we're supposed to root for is GODFATHER and GODDAUGHTER? I've looked up reviews trying to find someone mention this but no one has, I know it's a different time and all but am i really supposed to root for them?! It's sick! I confess i haven't made it past episode 6 because this turned me off the show so much

Barcelonés Full of Passion

[bsant54 · 8/10 · 8 September 2018]

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.

Well Done Series

[mlynch5187 · 8/10 · 20 June 2021]

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.

recommended Dark Ages complete series

[surfisfun · 7/10 · 2 April 2021]

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.

Love this serie

[yassage · 10/10 · 7 September 2018]

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...

90% of "ten star" reviews for this clunker are obvious fake single use IMDB accounts

[random-70778 · 17 February 2020]

What a total mess. And if while reading the revieers you start to marvel at the repetitive use of same phrasing, look at the account -- they are created same day as review. If you have IMDB pro you can see that the 9-10 star ratings are also upshilled by single use accounts created only to rate this one series

Is feel like a want but I can not!

[hectorhtr · 6/10 · 8 September 2018]

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.

Epic story!

[ricferr · 9/10 · 27 April 2020]

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.

Pillars of the Earth much??

[sala-gainza · 6/10 · 19 May 2021]

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

One of the best tv series

[denesszigeti · 10/10 · 2 September 2018]

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

Must watch.

Decent, could has been great

[eryui · 7/10 · 14 January 2020]

The story could be compelling, the costume designers, the photography and the music are decent, the main actors are decent, but you can see that the series is a little poor in the budget, stunts and special effects not really excellent, quite summarize the visual insights of the battles and often avoided.

However, it lets itself to be seen.

7/10

Very well done BUT it's BRUTAL

[breemoria · 5/10 · 20 March 2019]

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.