China vs Rome for control of Silk Road new movie

[Michael Kerr]

Having watched Dragon Blade last night, I can safely say it is not one for the purists but if you like Chinese Fantasy/History films then you won't be disappointed. A lot of historical inaccuracies with dates and armour and considering it was made for Chinese audiences that is to be expected. The movie is supposed to be based around 35 BC in Central Asia so throw away the history book. Some good scenes in the movie with the Roman engineers helping the locals rebuild their wall and a good practice duel where a Roman soldier shows one of the Chinese swordsmen how useful the scutum is as an offensive weapon in experienced hands. Jackie Chan plays a Hun or maybe he is supposed to be a Xiong-nu orphan, who along with his small group of followers is supposed to keep the peace among the 36 nations which straddle the Silk Road, having been set up for fraud by the local governor he and his men are exiled to the western borders of the Han empire. John Cusack plays the Roman general Lucius who has fled east from Parthia with the remnant of a Roman Legion to save their young prince who was blinded and nearly assassinated by his older brother, the cruel and vicious Tiberius played by Adrian Brophy who heads a legion in pursuit. There was one moving scene where the Roman soldiers joined their young prince in a song reminding them of their homeland. But like I said if you are a stickler for historical accuracy as the Romans use crossbows in this one, then this movie is probably not for you. :-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZnh7vqKx7w

Regards
Michael Kerr