ANCIENT PERIOD MOVIE REVIEWS

[Ghostmojo]

I also finally saw it last night with my son.

We both enjoyed it, although he said he preferred Centurion (which we saw perhaps a year ago on DVD).

I've never read the original book, so I won't comment upon how faithful it is, and I'm no expert upon Roman armament or tactics of this period - but my favourite bit was the Testudo advance from the force out to meet the Brigantes and the skirmish that ensued.

Later in the film it seems to lose some of its plot somehow. Esca's unquestionable loyalty is a little hard to understand - especially betraying his Pictish hosts - and then his stand with the remnant of the 9th.

Another annoying facet was the fact all the Romans seemed to have (admittedly soft) American accents! Perhaps this was deliberate? However, understanding that some of the cast were Yanks it perhaps becomes understandable - but Mark Strong is not. He is a fine English character actor seen most recently in the Robin Hood remake. Donald Sutherland is always a joy to watch (easily one of my favourite actors) but is as wasted here as he was with the bit part he had in The Pillars Of The Earth recently.

But, when all is said and done - it is still good to see films about ancient history and especially Roman Britain; and in this films case it was very nicely and atmospherically filmed.