This blog is generally focused on Byzantine and Roman history. However, I feel the need to branch out and focus on other topics occasionally as this blog needs to diversify its content in order to get more visitors.
I am going to be talking about historically themed movies and television shows that have some connection to the Byzantine Empire or Roman Empire in some way. Some of these connections may be very subtle like how France is a successor territory to the Roman province of Gaul. On the other side, some of these connections can be very direct like the movie or television show directly references to the Byzantine and Roman Empire.
One of the more interesting shows that has appeared on Netflix in recent days is a show called Women at War or in French, Les Combattantes. Apparently, this show was produced in France in 2021/2022 and is being distributed by Netflix. It wasn’t created by them. That actually helps the quality of the series. If it was created by Americans, it would probably have all sorts of terrible Americanisms in it.
Women at War is an interesting creature. I am only on the third episode (with having taken some glances at the fourth episode) and it is very well-made series.
What I would say about is that the show retains its French character. All too often, I see the historical series on Netflix have to appeal to the American audience. This one is pure and doesn’t try to do those things.
The series has a focus on the First World War as a theme which is often ignored in media. I appreciate that Europeans are actually paying attention to this period of history. Americans tend to ignore this in favor of World War II which isn’t quite surprising considering that the Great War tends to be obscured by World War 2.
The strength of the series so far is its ensemble cast. It has a variety of strong characters that provide a variety of female perspectives on the war.
In terms of its politics, it is clear that this series has a left-wing bent to it but it isn’t too obvious. For anyone that is right-wing, this show isn’t going to offend you but it is important to remember that Les Combattantes has some annoying subplots that can be seen as left-wing subversion, but it is happily, for the most part is not a major issue.
It is not really surprising that the French are able to make a series that speaks to the history of the First World War with such care. They were affected by the war in such a way that it still echoes throughout their entire society.
Most Netflix series tend to feel like they are made by corporate decree. Not this series, Les Combattantes has heart to it and I love being able to see actors act in another time period. It is very interesting to see.
Overall, I am very impressed with the series so far and I recommend it. I will post further posts on this series with some historical context.
Byzantine-Empire.com 