The true story of Saint Barbara, a tale of courage and self-sacrifice out of love for God. It is also a story of the lust for power, wealth, and hedonism, which lead to a destructive way of life.

The film focuses on the life of the young Barbara, who lost her mother—a Christian—when she was a child.

Barbara grows into a young woman; she is the daughter of a devout Roman, and a group of Roman soldiers arrives in the town where she lives. Among other things, their mission is to kill Christians who refuse to recognize the Roman emperor as a god.

Among those being persecuted are Barbara’s friends. Barbara does everything she can to save them. Despite this, she loses her very close friend.

She manages to free the other Christians from prison, along with the Roman soldier Claudius, who disobeyed his commander out of love for Barbara.

Barbara joins the Christians and becomes one of them herself. However, when she returns to her father, she is forced to reveal the whereabouts of other Christians. She must also renounce her Christian faith; otherwise, she faces death.

Italy, 2012

Crew: Carmine Elia;

Cast: Vanessa Hessler, Thomas Trabacchi, Sergio Albelli;

Parents Guide:

Several instances of lewd remarks by men toward women. About three scenes featuring half-naked men.
Several violent fights, some resulting in fatalities. Also, executions and torture. The footage in these scenes is not particularly explicit, except for Barbara’s flogging.
Notably, the execution of Barbara’s slave.
The film leaves the connections between several events somewhat unexplained.

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