Netflix’s Sandokan makes its intentions clear from the start. The opening episodes lean into a lighter, more playful take on the pirate genre… closer in tone to Pirates of the Caribbean than anything dark or hard-edged. If you’re going in expecting something in the vein of Vikings or The Last Kingdom, this isn’t that kind of show.
There’s a strong romantic thread running through the story, and it’s unapologetically old-school.
At times it feels like a Mills & Boon novel brought to life, dramatic pauses, longing looks into the distance, and those big realisation moments when feelings finally surface. It also carries the spirit of classic Errol Flynn-era adventure films, where romance and action were bold, theatrical, and worn proudly on the sleeve.
Once you settle into that tone, Sandokan becomes an enjoyable watch. It’s not aiming for realism or historical accuracy, it’s leaning fully into adventure and fantasy. The sword fights, sweeping score, and heightened emotions place it much closer to The Musketeers or Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves than anything gritty or grounded.
Sandokan works best when you meet it where it is. It’s a colourful, romantic, swashbuckling adventure built around a fictional hero, not a retelling of real history. If you’re in the mood for something light, nostalgic, and escapist, it’s an easy and entertaining watch.
Without closed captioning, I cannot understand the English of the main protagonist who plays Sandokan. He swallows his words a lot of the time. Otherwise it is lightly entertaining. Too much CGI. No chemistry between leads although female protagonist is a good in her role. John Hannah and Ed Westwick bring professionalism.
I feel you on the CGI… it was plenty. The lack of subs was very very frustrating. Strange decision
Watched the entire series and loved it! Very romantic and swashbuckling in the vein of Errol Flynn and just as exciting! Loved the Asian factor and the inclusivity and the mood. Y’all need to get used to the CGI as it’s in virtually all films today. Can Yaman is a star!
haha yh CGI is up and down nowadays! Can Yaman is definitely due to blow! He was really good