Morocco: Love in Times of War (Tiempos de guerra) is a Spanish period drama set in 1920s Melilla, a Spanish-controlled city in North Africa during the Rif War. Created by Ramón Campos, Teresa Fernández-Valdés, and Gema R. Neira, the series follows a group of upper-class nurses sent by Queen Victoria Eugenia to establish a hospital for wounded soldiers. Through war, hardship, and love, these women transform both themselves and the lives of the men they care for.
Plot Summary
In 1921, the Rif War leaves thousands of Spanish soldiers wounded. To provide medical assistance, Queen Victoria Eugenia orders the deployment of nurses from Madrid’s elite society to Melilla under the leadership of Duchess María del Carmen Angoloti y Mesa.
Upon arrival, the nurses must adapt to the brutality of war, facing severe shortages of medical supplies, cultural tensions, and the military’s rigid bureaucracy. They soon realize that their mission is far more difficult than expected, as they must not only tend to wounded soldiers but also prove themselves in a male-dominated environment.
Among them, Julia Ballester (Amaia Salamanca) searches for her missing brother, a soldier presumed dead, and finds herself drawn to Fidel Calderón (Álex García), a military doctor, despite the dangers of wartime romance. Meanwhile, Pilar Muñiz de Soraluce (Verónica Sánchez) struggles with her duty as a nurse and her growing affection for Lieutenant Andrés Pereda (Álex Gadea).
As the war intensifies, the nurses form strong friendships, experience heartbreaking losses, and confront personal dilemmas that will change them forever.
Themes and Symbolism
- War and Humanity: The series highlights the human cost of war, exploring themes of compassion and resilience.
- Love vs. Duty: The nurses must choose between romance and professional obligations, leading to difficult sacrifices.
- Cultural and Political Tensions: The show examines Spain’s colonial rule, military hierarchy, and gender roles during the early 20th century.
Why Morocco: Love in Times of War Stands Out
- Historical Accuracy: Inspired by real events, showcasing a detailed portrayal of wartime medical efforts.
- Strong Female Leads: The nurses are intelligent, determined, and emotionally complex, making them compelling protagonists.
- Visually Stunning: The costumes, set designs, and cinematography authentically recreate 1920s Spain and North Africa.
Reception and Legacy
Premiering on Antena 3 on September 20, 2017, the series later became available on Netflix in 2018, gaining international popularity. Morocco: Love in Times of War holds a 7.5/10 rating on IMDb, praised for its engaging storytelling and historical depth. Fans have compared it to Downton Abbey, appreciating its blend of romance, drama, and war.
Where to Watch
The series is available for streaming on Netflix. More details can be found on IMDb and Wikipedia.