If you were captivated by the haunting and thought-provoking themes of 'Waiting for the Barbarians' (2019), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 movies and shows that share its gripping exploration of power, morality, and colonialism. Whether you loved its atmospheric tension or its deep philosophical undertones, these recommendations will keep you engaged.
A Passage to India (1984)
Description: Examines the tensions and misunderstandings between colonizers and the colonized, with a focus on personal and cultural clashes.
Fact: The film was the last directed by David Lean. It was shot on location in India, including the caves of Ajanta and Ellora.
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The Mission (1986)
Description: A profound meditation on colonialism, faith, and the clash of civilizations, set against the backdrop of 18th-century South America.
Fact: The film's soundtrack, composed by Ennio Morricone, is considered one of the greatest in cinema history. It was shot on location in Colombia and Argentina.
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The Last Emperor (1987)
Description: Explores themes of colonialism, power, and cultural displacement through the lens of a historical figure caught between tradition and modernity.
Fact: It was the first Western film granted permission to shoot in the Forbidden City. The film won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
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The Sheltering Sky (1990)
Description: A haunting exploration of existential despair and cultural alienation in the vast, unforgiving landscapes of North Africa.
Fact: The film is based on Paul Bowles' 1949 novel, and Bowles himself appears as a narrator. It was shot in Morocco, Algeria, and Niger.
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Black Robe (1991)
Description: A stark portrayal of cultural conflict and missionary zeal in 17th-century Canada, with a focus on the clash between indigenous beliefs and European colonialism.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Quebec and features dialogue in Algonquin and Mohawk languages. It is based on the novel by Brian Moore.
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The English Patient (1996)
Description: Delves into the complexities of love, betrayal, and identity against the backdrop of war and colonial history, with a strong sense of place and time.
Fact: The film won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The desert scenes were filmed in Tunisia, standing in for Egypt.
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The Constant Gardener (2005)
Description: A gripping tale of political intrigue and personal sacrifice set in Africa, highlighting the exploitation and resilience of marginalized communities.
Fact: The film was shot in Kenya and Germany. It is based on John le Carré's novel of the same name.
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The Painted Veil (2006)
Description: A story of personal redemption and cultural immersion, set in a remote and politically tense environment, mirroring themes of isolation and transformation.
Fact: The film was shot entirely on location in China, including the Guangxi region. It is based on the 1925 novel by W. Somerset Maugham.
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Theeb (2014)
Description: A coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Arab Revolt, focusing on survival, tradition, and the harsh realities of desert life.
Fact: The film was Jordan's first submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It was shot entirely in the Wadi Rum desert.
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Embrace of the Serpent (2015)
Description: A visually stunning and thematically rich exploration of colonialism, indigenous knowledge, and the destructive impact of Western expansion.
Fact: The film was shot in black and white to reflect the historical photographs of the Amazon. It was the first Colombian film nominated for an Academy Award.
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