The Barbarians Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of The Barbarians?

Rome, 1527. Massimo Colonna is in love with Angela, a member of the Orsinis, the Colonnas'arch enemies. As she is officially engaged to Tancredi Serra, the latter, a faithless individual, has Massimo accused of the murder of Prince Orsini whereas he himself has woven it. Massimo is rejected by an outraged Angela and banned from Rome.Meanwhile the Eternal City has to face a brutal attack by armed invaders from Spain. The Spaniards are about to storm Rome when Massimo and his troops appear. The invading forces are defeated and Massimo is acclaimed by the crowd. After clearing his name, he can marry Angela.

Ferruccio Cerio's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Pierre Cressoy's journey. As she is officially engaged to Tancredi Serra, the latter, a faithless individual, has Massimo accused of the murder of Prince Orsini whereas he himself has woven it.

How Does Pierre Cressoy's Story End?

• Pierre Cressoy: Pierre Cressoy's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Vittorio Sanipoli: Vittorio Sanipoli's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Luigi Tosi: Luigi Tosi's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

Is The Barbarians Based on a True Story?

Yes — The Barbarians draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Ferruccio Cerio has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.

What Does the Ending of The Barbarians Mean?

The Barbarians's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Pierre Cressoy may feel rushed. Ferruccio Cerio's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.