Imperium: Augustus (2003)

Caesar Augustus tells of how he became the emperor to his reluctant daughter, Julia following the death of her husband Agrippa.

Director:

Roger Young

Writer:

Eric Lerner

Stars:

Peter O'Toole, Charlotte Rampling, Vittoria Belvedere

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Peter O'Toole	...	Augustus Caesar
Charlotte Rampling	...	Livia Drusilla
Vittoria Belvedere	...	Julia Caesaris
Benjamin Sadler	...	Gaius Octavius / Young Augustus
Ken Duken	...	Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa
Russell Barr	...	Gaius Maecenas
Juan Diego Botto	...	Iullus Antonius
Martina Stella	...	Young Livia
Valeria D'Obici	...	Atia
Michele Bevilacqua	...	Tiberius
Riccardo De Torrebruna	...	Decimus
Giampiero Judica	...	Scipio
Vanni Materassi	...	Musa
Elena Ballesteros	...	Octavia
Gérard Klein	...	Julius Caesar (as Gerard Klein)

Storyline

In 42 BC Rome is in the middle of a civil war. Together with his friend AGRIPPA, the young Augustus goes to Spain in order to help JULIUS CAESAR in his struggle against the troops of POMPEY. Even though they are outnumbered, they manage to defeat Pompey. Caesar honours his adopted son Augustus with a triumphal entry into Rome and then sends him to Greece together with his friends Agrippa and Maecenas. There, Augustus hears the news of Caesar's assassination and he returns to Rome with his friends. Back in Rome, he is able to gain both the support of the people and political power. In his struggle with the conspirators against Caesar he finds an ally in MARC ANTONY. Marc Antony not only pursues BRUTUS and CASSIUS, he also initiates a wave of executions which practically eliminates the old Roman ruling class. Among those who are killed is the husband of LIVIA DRUSILLA, a woman with whom Augustus had been in love as a young man. Through a combination of good luck and chance, Augustus and...

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Plot Keywords:

emperor | friend | death | love | fate | 

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Taglines:

History will bear the mark of his rule.

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Genres:

Drama | History | Romance | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some war violence

Details

Country:

Germany Italy Spain Austria France UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 November 2003 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Augustus

Company Credits

Production Co:

EOS Entertainment, Lux Vide, Radiotelevisione Italiana

Technical Specs

Runtime:

200 min 177 min (cut) 161 min (DVD edition)

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The full German title "Augustus - Mein Vater, der Kaiser" literally means in English "Augustus - My Father, the Emperor." The title "My Father, the Emperor" was originally going to be the international English title, but distributors felt that "Augustus" was more suitable.

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Goofs

When Agrippa, Octavius and Maecenas are hiding in a fish cart, someone taps the side on the cart so they know when to climb out but Agrippa tells Maecenas to hurry before they're seen. As they are climbing out, two crew members can be seen holding the sides still to stop the three men falling over.

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Quotes

Maecenas: Declare war against Cleopatra...
Agrippa: Of course, and Mark Antony will lead his armies against us to protect her.
Maecenas: Clever boy! Is a politician born?

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Connections

Version of Empire (2005)

User Reviews

Very enjoyable indeed and highly recommended

This movie is based on the life and achievements of the first emperor of Rome, Augustus, the adopted son of Julius Caesar. Augustus, a fascinating and controversial man, may have been the most important figure in Roman history. Through his long life (63 B.C. - A.D. 14) and deeds, the failing Republic became an empire which endured for centuries, thus preserving and advancing the civilization of the day.

Particularly noteworthy is an outstanding performance by Peter O'Tool as Augustus, possibly his best, both captivating and very enjoyable indeed. The film brought to life the struggle that civilization faced to survive against threats from all sides. Peter O'Tool masterfully uses a full repertoire of emotions to tell the story of Augustus as he seeks to preserve his Rome.