Cast and Crew of Waiting for the Barbarians

Waiting for the Barbarians

Waiting for the Barbarians falls within the historical drama genre, showcasing typical elements such as a colonial setting, moral and ethical conflicts, and the exploration of power dynamics between imperial forces and indigenous populations. The story centers on an isolated frontier outpost where the colonial magistrate, played by Mark Rylance, confronts his own conscience as military authority, embodied by Johnny Depp's Colonel Joll, employs brutal interrogation tactics to suppress a suspected uprising. What makes this title stand out in the realm of historical dramas is its intense focus on psychological and moral dilemmas rather than grand battles or political intrigue. It provides a profound critique of colonialism through intimate character studies, highlighting the human cost of empire-building with subtlety and emotional depth uncommon in many history-based titles.

Main Cast of Waiting for the Barbarians

Mark Rylance as The Magistrate

Mark Rylance

The Magistrate
Johnny Depp as Colonel Joll

Johnny Depp

Colonel Joll
Robert Pattinson as Officer Mandel

Robert Pattinson

Officer Mandel

Crew of Waiting for the Barbarians

Full backstage crew list →