A historical drama. The film adaptation of the historical novel of the same name by the English writer Rosemary Sutlkeef. And since I am not familiar with the original book source, I will evaluate the film adaptation as an independent work. I saw this picture for the first time a year after its release, when I worked as a salesman in the Soyuz store chain (I already loved all kinds of historical films back then), so I couldn't get past this historical drama. And then I liked the picture, and it still looks good (although now some disadvantages are noticeable). And here's my brief opinion - A good American historical drama. There were both advantages (which are obvious) and disadvantages in the picture (you can't do without them either). And this should end such an important introduction and move on to the analysis of interesting things.
So, the advantages: 1. The scenario - the picture tells us the story of the Roman commander Marcus Flavius Aquilla, who, after training, was appointed commander of the Roman fort in Britain. He came here for a reason, but for a noble purpose - to return the banner (Eagle) of the Ninth Legion that died twenty years ago, in which his father served. As a result of the mutiny of the local population, Mark is wounded - and after that, a heroic resignation. But at the same time, he acquires first a slave, and then a friend of Escu - a local Briton. Now there is nothing stopping Mark from fulfilling the goal he set - to go to the north of Britain and return the Eagle. But this path will be difficult and dangerous, because the lands beyond Hadrian's Wall are wild and ferocious animals, many barbaric tribes that destroyed the Ninth Legion twenty years ago. If we do not take some moments and a certain historical freedom of the creators, then in the end we have an interesting and strong story, in the center of which is the lofty goal and friendship of two irreconcilable enemies, which are interesting to watch. Both characters are well revealed, their motivation is clear, and both are worthy of our attention. The ending is predictable, but it's still good. Yes, this is not the pinnacle of screenwriting, but very high-quality work (now this is no longer done, both in Russia and in the West).
2. Material culture - the creators have tried their best in this regard. The Romans did particularly well, with their proper armor (legionaries had lorica segmentata and imperial helmets, commanders had lorica musculata and matching helmets). Tunics are worn by various government officials, as well as casual clothes. But with the barbarians, not everything is so clear, because historical sources about that time are extremely scarce, so the creators connected fantasy. Only the picts are shown more or less well, but with the rest - an interesting question. The scenery is also pleasing to the eye. The Roman fort looks very decent. Uncle's villa, Hadrian's Wall - everything inspires confidence. And they shot most of the picture on location (which is also good).
3. Friendship of sworn enemies - Esca and Mark are very similar in terms of background. Both are sons of chiefs, both lost their families early, and both hate representatives of another culture. Although the theme of the Roman conquest is only indicated (but not really disclosed). Both have an understanding of duty and honor. Both heroes are worthy sons of their peoples. And their becoming heroes was well shown. And although the topic is hackneyed, it is well disclosed here.
So, the disadvantages: 1. Hollywood finale - the final phrases of Mark and Esky scream directly about Hollywood and precisely about the American understanding of history. More phrases about freedom and honor. In reality, Mark could not say such a thing in the presence of the governor of the province himself, and Esca would not have behaved so casually. The behavior as in the picture would be regarded as a challenge, which will certainly have consequences.
2. Tedious - the picture is slightly tedious, because it tells a rather intimate story, and in the middle it sags for as much as twenty minutes. This is tolerable.
3. Logic - the most obvious episode is when the heroes cross Hadrian's Wall. They just go through it. What is this? Where is the centurion? Where are the questions he should be asking? Where are the suspicions? Nonsense is nonsense. Well, the chase is certainly pleasing when the barbarians on foot easily catch up with our heroes who are riding horses. The wounded heroes do not interfere with fighting in any way, and so on.
A little bit about the main characters: 1. Marcus Flavius Aquilla, played by Channing Tatum, is a young Roman commander who arrived in Britain to fulfill an important goal. Despite his youth, he shows himself as a worthy commander and charismatic leader, whom people will follow even to death. I admit, at first Tatum did not look very good in this role. But when the fight came, all doubts were dispelled - Tatum coped. Well done! And physical fitness is visible.
2. The esca performed by Jamie Bell is the son of the leader of one of the barbarian tribes, from whom the son has an unconquered spirit and the concept of honor. He helps Mark a lot in his search for the Eagle, despite the fact that he could have betrayed him a dozen times when he found himself in the north of Britain. Despite his frail appearance, he was able to prove himself no less a skilled fighter than Mark. And I was trying to remember where I had already seen that sly squint and shifty eyes, and then I remembered. James also played the main role of an American spy in the TV series "Turn: Spy of Washington" (watch this series, you will not regret it, it is extremely interesting). And James was convincing here, too.
The picture, despite all its advantages, failed miserably at the box office. Which is frustrating, because the creators really tried, but there was no commercial success. This is also good, because the finale of the picture clearly hinted at a sequel.
My rating is 8 out of 10 and my recommendation for viewing!
So, the advantages: 1. The scenario - the picture tells us the story of the Roman commander Marcus Flavius Aquilla, who, after training, was appointed commander of the Roman fort in Britain. He came here for a reason, but for a noble purpose - to return the banner (Eagle) of the Ninth Legion that died twenty years ago, in which his father served. As a result of the mutiny of the local population, Mark is wounded - and after that, a heroic resignation. But at the same time, he acquires first a slave, and then a friend of Escu - a local Briton. Now there is nothing stopping Mark from fulfilling the goal he set - to go to the north of Britain and return the Eagle. But this path will be difficult and dangerous, because the lands beyond Hadrian's Wall are wild and ferocious animals, many barbaric tribes that destroyed the Ninth Legion twenty years ago. If we do not take some moments and a certain historical freedom of the creators, then in the end we have an interesting and strong story, in the center of which is the lofty goal and friendship of two irreconcilable enemies, which are interesting to watch. Both characters are well revealed, their motivation is clear, and both are worthy of our attention. The ending is predictable, but it's still good. Yes, this is not the pinnacle of screenwriting, but very high-quality work (now this is no longer done, both in Russia and in the West).
2. Material culture - the creators have tried their best in this regard. The Romans did particularly well, with their proper armor (legionaries had lorica segmentata and imperial helmets, commanders had lorica musculata and matching helmets). Tunics are worn by various government officials, as well as casual clothes. But with the barbarians, not everything is so clear, because historical sources about that time are extremely scarce, so the creators connected fantasy. Only the picts are shown more or less well, but with the rest - an interesting question. The scenery is also pleasing to the eye. The Roman fort looks very decent. Uncle's villa, Hadrian's Wall - everything inspires confidence. And they shot most of the picture on location (which is also good).
3. Friendship of sworn enemies - Esca and Mark are very similar in terms of background. Both are sons of chiefs, both lost their families early, and both hate representatives of another culture. Although the theme of the Roman conquest is only indicated (but not really disclosed). Both have an understanding of duty and honor. Both heroes are worthy sons of their peoples. And their becoming heroes was well shown. And although the topic is hackneyed, it is well disclosed here.
So, the disadvantages: 1. Hollywood finale - the final phrases of Mark and Esky scream directly about Hollywood and precisely about the American understanding of history. More phrases about freedom and honor. In reality, Mark could not say such a thing in the presence of the governor of the province himself, and Esca would not have behaved so casually. The behavior as in the picture would be regarded as a challenge, which will certainly have consequences.
2. Tedious - the picture is slightly tedious, because it tells a rather intimate story, and in the middle it sags for as much as twenty minutes. This is tolerable.
3. Logic - the most obvious episode is when the heroes cross Hadrian's Wall. They just go through it. What is this? Where is the centurion? Where are the questions he should be asking? Where are the suspicions? Nonsense is nonsense. Well, the chase is certainly pleasing when the barbarians on foot easily catch up with our heroes who are riding horses. The wounded heroes do not interfere with fighting in any way, and so on.
A little bit about the main characters: 1. Marcus Flavius Aquilla, played by Channing Tatum, is a young Roman commander who arrived in Britain to fulfill an important goal. Despite his youth, he shows himself as a worthy commander and charismatic leader, whom people will follow even to death. I admit, at first Tatum did not look very good in this role. But when the fight came, all doubts were dispelled - Tatum coped. Well done! And physical fitness is visible.
2. The esca performed by Jamie Bell is the son of the leader of one of the barbarian tribes, from whom the son has an unconquered spirit and the concept of honor. He helps Mark a lot in his search for the Eagle, despite the fact that he could have betrayed him a dozen times when he found himself in the north of Britain. Despite his frail appearance, he was able to prove himself no less a skilled fighter than Mark. And I was trying to remember where I had already seen that sly squint and shifty eyes, and then I remembered. James also played the main role of an American spy in the TV series "Turn: Spy of Washington" (watch this series, you will not regret it, it is extremely interesting). And James was convincing here, too.
The picture, despite all its advantages, failed miserably at the box office. Which is frustrating, because the creators really tried, but there was no commercial success. This is also good, because the finale of the picture clearly hinted at a sequel.
My rating is 8 out of 10 and my recommendation for viewing!