Barbarella (1968) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Barbarella is set in the Tau Ceti star system in a distant future. The story primarily takes place on Planet 16, which resembles Earth with its breathable atmosphere, and in the decadent city of Sogo. The Labyrinth also features as a haunting space that becomes pivotal to Barbarella's adventure.

• tauri ceti
• planet 16
• sogo
• setting
• locations

Barbarella is set in a distant, unspecified future. The film depicts an evolved society with advanced technologies like the positronic ray, where cultural dynamics and relationships have significantly changed from contemporary life.

• future
• time period
• futuristic setting
• year

Barbarella explores three primary themes: love and companionship, the conflict between good and evil, and adventure and exploration. Love is depicted as a transformative force, while the struggle against the Great Tyrant represents the battle between opposing forces. The adventure theme drives Barbarella's journey of self-discovery through various fantastical worlds.

• themes
• love
• conflict
• adventure
• meaning

Barbarella is the bold and adventurous protagonist of the film, played by Jane Fonda. She is a skilled space explorer tasked with a mission to rescue a scientist. Throughout her journey, she displays curiosity, bravery, resilience, and an openness to love and relationships.

• barbarella
• jane fonda
• protagonist
• main character

The Great Tyrant, played by Milo O'Shea, is the main antagonist in Barbarella. He represents oppression and evil, ruling over Sogo with an authoritarian regime that threatens the freedom of its inhabitants. His conflict with Barbarella drives much of the film's tension between good and evil.

• great tyrant
• milo o'shea
• antagonist
• villain
• sogo

Sogo is the decadent city that serves as a major location in Barbarella. It is depicted as a society marked by both allure and danger, ruled by the Great Tyrant. The city represents a world of sensual pleasure and oppression, where Barbarella must navigate its dangers to complete her mission.

• sogo
• city
• setting
• tyrant
• location

Pygar, played by John Phillip Law, is an angelic figure who serves as Barbarella's guide. Initially blinded, he is redeemed through his bond with Barbarella. His character embodies ideals of love, hope, and sacrifice, ultimately guiding her toward her destiny and highlighting themes of redemption through personal connections.

• pygar
• john phillip law
• guide
• angel
• redemption

Barbarella's meaning centers on the transformative power of love and connection. Through Barbarella's journey, the film suggests that love, whether physical or emotional, serves as a catalyst for growth, liberation, and redemption. The film also explores the battle between freedom and oppression, with Barbarella's compassion ultimately overcoming the Tyrant's cruelty.

• meaning
• message
• themes
• love
• interpretation

Mark Hand, played by Ugo Tognazzi, is a heroic catchman who rescues Barbarella from peril. His character showcases bravery but also holds more traditional views on relationships that contrast with the evolved norms of Barbarella's world. He contributes to the film's exploration of love and human connection.

• mark hand
• ugo tognazzi
• catchman
• hero
• character

The Labyrinth is a haunting space location in Barbarella that reflects the struggles of its inhabitants. It serves as a pivotal point in Barbarella's adventure, where she faces significant challenges. The environment embodies the dangers and mysteries she must overcome throughout her quest.

• labyrinth
• location
• space
• challenge
• setting