The Decameron

My goodness but doesn't anyone want to watch something just for fun anymore?? C'mon y'all, this is called humor and we need it these days.

First I want to thank the sound crew for the delicious soundtrack! I'm in my mid 50s and most of the songs (I've watched the first 4 episodes so far) have me and my husband nearly dancing while viewing!! Of course it's silly to hear Depeche Mode playing in the background during a scene from the 1300s, but that's the point! Some of these other reviewers seem to have missed the point.

This series is very refreshing, goofy, fun and hilarious but also well scripted, performed and beautiful cinematography as well. I am trying not to binge this one out too quickly, yet I can't wait for more!!!

Just a fun show to watch in my opinion.

For historically accurate series, you might want to watch a documentary. This is very much not that.

I had a good laugh while watching this, knowing to not take it seriously.

Between all the current affairs and also the real documentaries that I watch, this show was a very welcome distraction.

Yes, it is simple humour and easy to follow, but that doesn't necessarily make it bad.

I feel the actors are all committed to their parts and make the best of the script they have. And they look to me like they are having good fun at it too. I don't think there's anything wrong with that! There are plenty of serious works out there. Avoid this if you are looking for that.

It is good. Looks great. Has great actors. Uses satire and the period of the black plague both as wrappings in which to serve some smart portrayals of human greed, selfishness, inequality (which is still terrible today) and position of women and lgbt persons (also current issues). It is hard to look at this mirror to humans evwn with the bows silly hats and bright colors that is served with.

I found it an easy watch. Amusing. And occasionally clever and funny. But mostly was glued to the actors who are all quite successfully playing not particulary likeable characters.

And the show really does look very good!

I am surprised it is on netflix. Feels like it would fit better with hbo.

There is no point in comparing this with Boccaccio's Decameron, as it has only really taken the idea and setting from Boccaccio. This is not setting out to be a serious adaption and is best not judged as such. The tone and humour may seem more in line with Boccaccio's contemporary Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales.

The humour is broad, but does hit the mark on occassions and the setting and costumes are certainly beautiful. The show features an international cast of well-known faces from some top comedy titles who cope well with the stye which is at times positively theatrical.

Just taken as a stand-alone production, separated from its illustrious literary predecessor, it has quite a lot to offer those just seeking entertaintainment who may have little interest in history or satire.

I am not sure why the show got such low grades. It has all it takes to make it interesting to watch: light humour, fast pace, caracter development, awkward situations... I mean yes, there is no end goal to it, as in there is no classic scenario, some things are bizzare and maybe illogical, but it all serves the atmosphere of a plague, and depicting the sense that the people must have had during those times - despair, hunger, pain, opportunism, but also sense of freedom, unimportance of social status, changing roles, and finally importance of love and friendship during difficult times.

The show depicts how in times of crisis people start behaving in different ways, and the results are sometimes bizzare, sometimes satisfactory.

Though not really a Decameron, it reminded me of Shakespeare's comedy plays, depicting quircky medival atmosphere. It definitely deserves higher grades.