by Hal Erickson
synopsis
The Oppressed takes place during the dark days of the 15th century, when the lowlands of Belgium were ruled by Spain. The downtrodden Belgians' only hope for freedom rests with King Philip of Horn, here played by Audre Rouanne. Emerging as the true "hero" of the tale, however, is a Spanish noblewoman named Conception (Raquel Meller). Sentenced to be beheaded, Philip is saved when Conception agrees to marry him, prompting the Spanish King to lift the yoke of tyranny from the Lowlanders. It's a simplistic and not terribly accurate history lesson, evidently designed to glorify Conception as the spiritual savior of both Belgium and her own country.
