Watch Thieves of the Wood

Thieves of the Wood is a historical drama series set in the 18th century in the forested Ardennes region of present-day Belgium. The show follows the story of Jan de Lichte (Matteo Simoni), a young peasant who becomes the leader of a group of outlaws after being wrongfully accused of a crime and witnessing the corruption and injustice of the ruling class.

Jan and his band of thieves, who call themselves 'The Woodlanders', take on the wealthy and powerful aristocrats who exploit and oppress the poor, using their knowledge of the forest and their skills in hunting, trapping, and survival to defend themselves and steal from the rich. They become heroes to the local villagers, who see them as a symbol of resistance against the tyranny of the nobility.

As Jan and his gang grow in numbers and influence, they also face challenges and threats from several fronts. The local magistrate (Tom Van Dyck), who is in the pocket of the nobility, makes it his mission to capture and execute Jan and his associates, using any means necessary. Jan's former friend and partner, Karel (Stef Aerts), also becomes a rival and a danger when he betrays the group and joins forces with the magistrate.

The series also delves into the personal lives and relationships of the characters, showing their vulnerabilities, ambitions, and struggles. Jan's love interest, Nele (Anne-Laure Vandeputte), is torn between her loyalty to her family and her passion for Jan, who must prove himself worthy of her trust and affection. The Woodlanders also have to contend with internal conflicts and rivalries, as different members have different motives and goals.

The show boasts excellent production values, with stunning cinematography that captures the beauty and ruggedness of the forest and the authenticity of the era. The costumes and sets are also impressive, conveying the contrasting worlds of the nobles and the peasants, the opulence and the poverty.

Apart from the intense action and suspense, Thieves of the Wood also explores complex themes and issues that resonate with contemporary audiences. The series depicts a society rife with inequality, corruption, and abuse of power, where the poor are subjected to injustice and violence by the rich and powerful. It also portrays the power of collective action and solidarity, as the Woodlanders join forces with other groups who share their grievances and aspirations. The show therefore has relevance to current debates on social justice, resistance movements, and popular uprising.

The acting in the series is top-notch, with Matteo Simoni delivering a compelling performance as the charismatic and conflicted Jan de Lichte, who tries to balance his thirst for revenge and his sense of honor and loyalty. Tom Van Dyck also stands out as the ruthless and cunning magistrate who stops at nothing to maintain his control and authority. Other notable performances include Stef Aerts as the enigmatic and tormented Karel, Jeroen Perceval as Jan's loyal lieutenant, and Anne-Laure Vandeputte as Nele, the resilient and compassionate love interest.

In conclusion, Thieves of the Wood is an entertaining and thought-provoking series that combines action, drama, and historical accuracy to tell a compelling story of resistance and rebellion. The show features strong performances, stunning production values, and relevant themes that resonate with contemporary audiences. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves adventure, history, and social commentary.