This year, a swords and sandals epic got released that had clunky dialogue, cheap digital camera work, extremely wooden acting and hardly even a dash of historical accuracy, in addition to an extremely loud soundtrack that overpowered the dialogue (which wouldn't have been a problem if the music weren't so overly cheap sounding). Nope, I'm not referring to 300: Rise of an Empire. I'm referring to Ivan Pavletic's "epic", 476 A.D. Part 1: The Last Light of Aries The film is apparently a part 1, yet it's hardly even 90 minutes long and worse yet, it's hardly a movie. For one, the film was made on a small budget and it shows. It boasts overly cheap and cringe-worthy green screen effects, the audio editing is horrendous and the dialogue sounds like it was recorded in a decompression tank. The rather unattractive and uncharismatic actors mumble through their lines as if English is their ninth language, but it's hard to blame them when the script is so paper-thin. Speaking of the dialogue, if you love dialogue either that appears to have been written by someone whose first language clearly isn't English, or love cliché dialogue from films such as Gladiator ("Rome... is calling me"), then get a load of this. Actually, while I'm at it, good luck trying to understand ANY of what the characters are saying because it's so hideously poorly mixed A particularly bad offender is Ivan Pavletic himself, whose accent can be described as a drunken Croatian cyborg. He recites half the dialogue like he has no idea what any of it is supposed to mean, AND HE WROTE THIS DRECK. The result is something reminiscent of Tommy Wiseau's disasterpiece "The Room", except cheaper. And it's obvious that there's only forty minutes of of intent here because the majority of the film is looped shots and stock footage. Oh speaking of which, go on youtube and look at the hilarious sex scene that apparently opens up part II that makes the sex scenes in "The Room" seem like a Coppola creation. And is worse than anything that came before in part I. Before it is a hilarious nightmare sequence cobbled from stock footage and done on Adobe Ultra and it truly must be seen to be believed. One must wonder if like Wiseau himself Pavletic had any intention on making more sex scenes But what truly baffles me most about this movie is how on earth it managed to make it into any cinema. It is completely unprofessional and looks like it was thrown together in ten days. Is it like the Special Olympics? Or are people just afraid of saying no to someone whose head clearly isn't in the right place? (Pavletic does rhyme with pathetic after all) or is the film business riddled with yes men willing to enable this guy's clearly delusional fantasies? I do believe we moviegoers have a right to know
19 Reviews
A cringe worthy tale of Woe.
LeafHistory27 February 2017
This tragedy of a film is the most horrendous watch I ever seen. I rather get a root canal while being in traffic court. A film that was shot with a early 2000 camera phone. The historical accuracy is non existent. It looks like a someone mashed together footage from a renaissance festival and mixed it in with some bad dialog that doesn't make any sense. If your in the mood for a good Roman media watch Spartacus: Blood and Sand or the Documentary Barbarians Rising. The guys who made this should of had a Roman Historian on staff so they could of at least got the costumes and armor correct. Pass on this, you'll be glad you did.
476 A.D. an epic Roman feeling
iamnotanumberiamafreeman19 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This film brings out a personal feeling rather than a regurgitation of history. Unlike 300, this Roman epic is riddled with historic accuracy with the personal feelings that the director portrays within his vision. We find the main character, Flavius Aëtius, war warn just wanting a moment of rest and relaxation giving the advantage of such luxuries to his fellow soldiers while government conspiracy is in the works. Watching this movie, I believe it is safe to say that the personal feeling is nostalgia. The director, Ivan Pavletic makes one feel like they are transported from the current era and placed in the Roman era. This entertaining film is one for the ages, Roman and current era alike.
historical tradition
obedmaya13 March 2014
It seems that the history of man is locked loop that keeps the man inside if your own vanity, selfishness and greed history is the mirror that shows us clearly that our present but our good if we only have the clarity reflector an abyss our limits to see just one step away, we bend our weaknesses and condemn us to repeat our mistakes inevitably condemning us to an endless sedition and human torture ... Ivan Pavletic having sensitivity to delve into these issues in his film recounts story that the past is a clear window of life that still continue to choose the difference is only the loss of time that will never ever recover ......
476 AD: chapter 1 a great film that begs to be seen.
fate557616 March 2014
This film portrays the events surrounding Flavius Aetius's triumphant return from his victorious last battle. At a time when The Roman Empire was in its last throws of collapse, Aetius brought glory to its people. Ivan Pavletic's portrayal of Aetius, who fought the Huns and returned a hero, highlights the reality of what led to the down fall of the empire and meeting an enemy on a battlefield may very well be the easiest fight. Often the within proves to be the most formidable foe. The making of this film is a great example of why independent films continue to prove that big money and the Hollywood formulas aren't necessary to create a movie of quality and importance. I enjoyed watching this movie and felt that it was a well crafted combination of talent and skill comes together in Pavletic's film, giving it the right recipe for success.
Not bad for a low budget
mnrep9 May 2015
It's definitely not the best movie out there, but when you take in consideration the ultra low budget behind its creation, which according to IMDb was at only 100k, it's actually not bad at all. According to the cinematographic quality, from the very beginning, it is obvious that it is a low budget art/indi film, however once you accept it for what it is, it is actually rather interesting, and seems to suck you in about half way in to the movie. For instance, the first 10 minutes, there is not a single word spoken, in fact it feels overly artsy and slow, and even comic in a way, however, it is very rich in imagery, which makes up for it's slow paste, and gradual rise. Sort of like the ambiance music you might listen to in an airplane, to calm you down, if you don't like flying.
The film sort of reminds me of the experimental 1960's Prague film school films, with a bunch of picturesque images intermingling with each other, while the richness in colors ads to its value. Another element that comfortably surprised me, was the fact that at every moment, there is some kind of a soundtrack playing, is it just some barely heard ambient sound, or a classical symphony, there is hardly a second in the movie without music. From the beginning until the end, the film never leaves its tempo, which it manages to hold until the very end.
The film doesn't really start to pick up in its story until about half way in, which I felt was cleverly done, as majority of the new high budget blockbusters reach their peaks at the beginning, and then just ride that left over echo throughout the entire movie. This, I find to be a grossly cheap solution for a quick money making gimmick with today's high budget blockbusters. However, here, it seems that the filmmakers didn't have another choice, but to be more clever and creative in using the less available funds at their disposal, which it seems, that they did just that. Here the slow gradual rise to its peak was rather interestingly done, where I felt the gradual transition in its tempo and dynamic of the story was original, in the way that it didn't use the usual formula that many others do. While at the same time, never loosing its art experimental feel and style of the film. This is something that I found very interesting in a low budget film, because very little filmmakers still manage to do this in a transition of the story, yet stay consistent to it's style and genre.
Overall, despite the lower budget lack of quality in its cinematography, compared to many today's blockbusters, this movie somehow never lost me, and managed to keep my attention until the end. Which for a low budget film like this, is very impressive in my opinion.
The film sort of reminds me of the experimental 1960's Prague film school films, with a bunch of picturesque images intermingling with each other, while the richness in colors ads to its value. Another element that comfortably surprised me, was the fact that at every moment, there is some kind of a soundtrack playing, is it just some barely heard ambient sound, or a classical symphony, there is hardly a second in the movie without music. From the beginning until the end, the film never leaves its tempo, which it manages to hold until the very end.
The film doesn't really start to pick up in its story until about half way in, which I felt was cleverly done, as majority of the new high budget blockbusters reach their peaks at the beginning, and then just ride that left over echo throughout the entire movie. This, I find to be a grossly cheap solution for a quick money making gimmick with today's high budget blockbusters. However, here, it seems that the filmmakers didn't have another choice, but to be more clever and creative in using the less available funds at their disposal, which it seems, that they did just that. Here the slow gradual rise to its peak was rather interestingly done, where I felt the gradual transition in its tempo and dynamic of the story was original, in the way that it didn't use the usual formula that many others do. While at the same time, never loosing its art experimental feel and style of the film. This is something that I found very interesting in a low budget film, because very little filmmakers still manage to do this in a transition of the story, yet stay consistent to it's style and genre.
Overall, despite the lower budget lack of quality in its cinematography, compared to many today's blockbusters, this movie somehow never lost me, and managed to keep my attention until the end. Which for a low budget film like this, is very impressive in my opinion.
This is a big story that brings the audience in quickly and purposefully.
heather-950-91239516 March 2014
Ivan did an excellent job bringing this big story to life with great attention to detail and setting. The story is easy to follow and draws the audience in quickly. Though this is not a high budget film, it came across as a very professionally created film. The costumes and setting brought an important authenticity to the production, making it simple for the viewers to connect with the story. The film was shot on location in Europe, as well as in the US, which helps to set the intended tone for the movie. The action continues at a steady pace and the story builds strongly along the way. Ivan is a very talented film director, writer and actor. I look forward to seeing the next part of this film when it comes out.
Igor Galo!
miki-9378519 October 2015
The movie sort of feels like a 1970's/80's TV film, and with the type of the shots and theatrical acting, reminds me a little of a low budget version of the 1970's BBC series "I'Claudius". I am a big fan of the old European TV series, and especially cinema from the former Yugoslavia. As my favorite films from former Yugoslavia were in fact with Igor Galo, it was definitively refreshing to see the old Croatian/Yugoslavian star Igor Galo, as the Caesar Valentinian.
Possibly my favorite Croatian film from my youth, is the 1968 comedy classic "I Have Two Moms and Two Dads", where Igor Galo was still a teenager, as well as other of his classics, such as Most (The Bridge), and Walter Defends Sarajevo. Even today, I still think that one of the best performances by Igor Galo was as Lt. Meyer, in the 1977 Sam Peckinpah's classic "Cross of Iron" with James Coburn and James Mason. Possibly, one of the most underrated of his films, and other then the 1969 "The Wild Bunch", possibly the best of director Sam Peckinpah.
Although the quality of 476 A.D. The Last Light of Aries might have been compromised by the very low budget production, its realistic acting and original mystique dynamic, definitively makes up for its misses as the low budget indi, which it is.
Overall, the story is compelling, and the experience is worth it. If you are a fan of big budget Hollywood blockbusters, then perhaps this might not be for you, but if you are a fan the European low budget art house films, then this is definitively a movie for you.
Possibly my favorite Croatian film from my youth, is the 1968 comedy classic "I Have Two Moms and Two Dads", where Igor Galo was still a teenager, as well as other of his classics, such as Most (The Bridge), and Walter Defends Sarajevo. Even today, I still think that one of the best performances by Igor Galo was as Lt. Meyer, in the 1977 Sam Peckinpah's classic "Cross of Iron" with James Coburn and James Mason. Possibly, one of the most underrated of his films, and other then the 1969 "The Wild Bunch", possibly the best of director Sam Peckinpah.
Although the quality of 476 A.D. The Last Light of Aries might have been compromised by the very low budget production, its realistic acting and original mystique dynamic, definitively makes up for its misses as the low budget indi, which it is.
Overall, the story is compelling, and the experience is worth it. If you are a fan of big budget Hollywood blockbusters, then perhaps this might not be for you, but if you are a fan the European low budget art house films, then this is definitively a movie for you.
Great movie!
jwwildebarr21 March 2014
476 A.D. is a fantastic flick. I had a great opportunity to see this film at it's premier. A lot of people showed up to the premier, along with the local news. Everyone enjoyed it and had a great time. You can see the blood, sweat and tears that was put into this film. He had a huge amount of passion for this project. The story meant a lot to him and think that passion was projected quite well in the finished product. Ivan is an inspiration to all aspiring filmmakers. Great movie. Great story. Great director. Great actor. Great guy. I'll definitely be there for Chapter Two! I can't wait until I'm able to buy both chapters on DVD!
Hypnotic! The more you see it the more you get hooked on it.
marynjenkins20 December 2015
You just have to check this film out, because it is just very different! This is one of those bizarre low budget indi films that somehow grows on you. The more you see it, the more you like it. I bought it on Amazon a month ago, and didn't really care much for it then, but I decided to watch the whole thing again, and the second time I actually really liked it, and simply got hooked on it.
Perhaps this time I wasn't expecting Russel Crowe in Gladiator, or Gerard Butler in 300, and just watched it for what it is, without the whole rossi glasses. There is just something about this film that talks to you in its own hypnotic bizarre language, to the point that it made me open my Italian Red Malvasia wine.
The film is obviously low budget, as it is lacking in cinematographic quality, when it comes to the special effects, and computer graphics, but that is exactly what makes it interesting. Even though it starts really slow, at moments even corny, and just simply bizarre, if you watch it with an open mind, I promise you will love it by the end.
In an unorthodox way, it get to its own by the second act, as it catches up in its richness and novel like dynamic. It sort of feels like listening to those audio books, only instead of the voice, the atmosphere is expressed through the collage of plentiful rich and colorful images, almost like looking at classic paintings, and somehow you just can't take your eyes and ears of it.
The film manages to take you to the Mediterranean life it self, to the point that you feel you are actually there. This is something I caught right away, because I lived in Italy, which I try to visit at least once a year, and if anything, one thing this indi film caught very well, was the true Roman Mediterranean vibe. From the very beginning of the film, from that specific Mediterranean sun, the specific grape wines you see, the apples, the olives, the plums, and even the cicadas singing in the background, the filmmakers caught every detail of what Mediterranean truly is.
Therefore, when in Rome...Saluti!
Perhaps this time I wasn't expecting Russel Crowe in Gladiator, or Gerard Butler in 300, and just watched it for what it is, without the whole rossi glasses. There is just something about this film that talks to you in its own hypnotic bizarre language, to the point that it made me open my Italian Red Malvasia wine.
The film is obviously low budget, as it is lacking in cinematographic quality, when it comes to the special effects, and computer graphics, but that is exactly what makes it interesting. Even though it starts really slow, at moments even corny, and just simply bizarre, if you watch it with an open mind, I promise you will love it by the end.
In an unorthodox way, it get to its own by the second act, as it catches up in its richness and novel like dynamic. It sort of feels like listening to those audio books, only instead of the voice, the atmosphere is expressed through the collage of plentiful rich and colorful images, almost like looking at classic paintings, and somehow you just can't take your eyes and ears of it.
The film manages to take you to the Mediterranean life it self, to the point that you feel you are actually there. This is something I caught right away, because I lived in Italy, which I try to visit at least once a year, and if anything, one thing this indi film caught very well, was the true Roman Mediterranean vibe. From the very beginning of the film, from that specific Mediterranean sun, the specific grape wines you see, the apples, the olives, the plums, and even the cicadas singing in the background, the filmmakers caught every detail of what Mediterranean truly is.
Therefore, when in Rome...Saluti!
A very good movie!
aleisterbook28 January 2015
A very good movie! I really liked this film. It has some very cool effects. It makes me wonder what it must have been like to live in 476 A.D. I really like this films sensibilities. It reminds me of the way Fellini's movies made me feel when I first saw them. Real Art! Thank you for elevating the craft of story telling, and for telling a story that isn't very well known. If you enjoy learning about history you will enjoy this movie. I feel so numb watching most of the shlock that Hollywood is selling these days. 476 A.D. is the type of movie I can watch over and over. It has so many layers. I'm really looking forward to part two.
Spartacus Fan
ryank8185 December 2015
If you like this kind of period piece and similar big stories like 'Spartacus', 'Rome', '300', 'The Immortals' etc...then you'll love this film. By Ivan Pavletic, a great up and coming Denver based Actor who comes off more like a chameleon and less like a human. Support Independent Film Making and rent '476 A.D. Chapter One: The Last Light of Aries' today!! Featuring a terrific and talented cast, this feature film is set in the first century with great costume and production design. Produced, Directed by, and Starring Ivan Pavletic (Wildflower) and featuring Matt Block (The Gospel According to Stevenson). This film is the first to come in a saga of two. The sequel is now in post production.
Occasionally cheesy but worth the watch
zadrokar9 August 2015
I decided to give 476 A.D. a shot at the recommendation of a buddy of mine, and from the look of the trailer I was expecting to sit through 75 minutes of repetitive imagery, sub-par scores and stiff acting. After an initially slow pickup, the movie really came into its own around the halfway mark. Acting that I expected to be stiff was quite the opposite, and the music, which could be overpowering at times, was for the most part a welcome accompaniment to the storyline. So while the film isn't necessarily devoid of all low budget clichés, its directorial direction is astoundingly clear, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone with an evening to spare.
A Touch of our Human Journey
weirwealthy4 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Brilliant view of the time and people. This is a true artistic film! I love the artistic drive of Ivan Pavletic. Independent film is a growing art form that needs it's place and 476 A.D. delivers! This film gets to the real foundation of the human story at a crucial event in history. The end of the Roman Empire and how it felt to those who lived it. It makes us ask, "What would we do if America fell, to our enemies or to an economic collapse. How would that feel to us? One of my favorite scenes is father and son. The tenderness of relationships contrasted by the hardness of social treachery. It's about human resilience in the face of diversity.
Love the historical accuracy and attention to detail
TheresamKalfas4 February 2015
Ivan did an excellent job with this film. From the script writing and directing to the actors & settings there was great attention to detail in all things. Very professional, very involved storytelling
it hooks you and keeps you! I love that it was filmed on location as much as possible. Ivan pours himself into every project he works on and this was no exception. Great job Ivan. I look forward to more works from you in the future! Make sure to look for Ivan in other projects as an actor as well as Director and writer. Fire Ripples, Tesla and this I love everything that he has been a part of so far. Keep an eye on this one!!! there is more to come!
Historical Film with Historic Story
skateboardp-3089029 July 2015
To see this film take shape was a treat, but when I got to watch it for the first time.. it was amazing... Great story line, & to see these guys do it on such a tight budget was something else.
Loved the feel of the battle scenes, really made you feel like there were many more on the field, & done with true style for a low budget film...
Ivan Pavletic is a true artist, & I can't wait for Chapter 2 to come out... let's make it a series guys!!!
Check out Ivan's other projects as well, his film Tesla looks to be another hit... Thanks Guys!!!
Loved the feel of the battle scenes, really made you feel like there were many more on the field, & done with true style for a low budget film...
Ivan Pavletic is a true artist, & I can't wait for Chapter 2 to come out... let's make it a series guys!!!
Check out Ivan's other projects as well, his film Tesla looks to be another hit... Thanks Guys!!!
cyclic cosmic rhythm
adu-951-174752 July 2015
My compliments dear sir Pavletic to the overall artistic impression of the film. Beautiful expressive faces. Fine framing. All present fiery atmosphere that culminates in an interview father and son: The fire in the heart !!! Emphasized Mediterranean beauty, love and eroticism with Madrigal of eroticism. Great emotion achieved beautiful harmonious nuanced. Beautifully displayed cause of the fall of the Roman Empire. The Romans, although they still have a large enough army to organize and combat threats by the Germans, but in this period there were no real representatives (politicians) in the Senate, who were eager for fame and not war. Cyclic cosmic rhythm accentuated talisman pearl mussel - a symbol of creativity, birth, life, death and new birth in constant biorhythm history. Once again congratulations for a great movie.Dragica Petrovic, Zagreb; Croatia adu-951-17475
Unusual yet interesting for its underground historic genre.
Carlyaunger6 August 2016
This is an unusual low budget film, yet very interesting for its underground historic genre. It is definitely one of its kind, and not something you see every day. The presence of the obvious nostalgia for the old 1960's European cinema is very evident while watching this. It is evident in its intentional old look, and slightly distorted type of sound, that hasn't been heard in films, in the last 40 years or so.
Even the whole dynamic of the film seems to feel a bit distorted, seeming to cater more to atmosphere, rather then story line. Hence making it confusing at moments, but enjoyable from the ambiance point of view.
Although the style of storytelling is rather unorthodox, it doesn't come across as a deliberate protest against the norm, but rather its own path of story telling. Which seems to flow in its own way, weather it is accepted by the audience. This I found interesting, because such type of a more free and no rule following approach is often seen in the Italian cinema, especially in the earlier Fellini films from the 1950's, such as La Strada, or The White Sheik, from 1952.
476 A.D. Chapter One: The Last Light of Aries is definitively not your pop-corn flick that you will watch in a main stream movie theater, but its own hermit. It is not a type of a film that is made by any fashion of the presently accepted module, but rather off the grid type experimental expression. It is definitely an art-experimental type of a film, that holds its virtue based on its one of a kind originality. Sort of like a modern art painting, painted in the moments of passion, that seems to speak only to the similar viewing minds.
Even the whole dynamic of the film seems to feel a bit distorted, seeming to cater more to atmosphere, rather then story line. Hence making it confusing at moments, but enjoyable from the ambiance point of view.
Although the style of storytelling is rather unorthodox, it doesn't come across as a deliberate protest against the norm, but rather its own path of story telling. Which seems to flow in its own way, weather it is accepted by the audience. This I found interesting, because such type of a more free and no rule following approach is often seen in the Italian cinema, especially in the earlier Fellini films from the 1950's, such as La Strada, or The White Sheik, from 1952.
476 A.D. Chapter One: The Last Light of Aries is definitively not your pop-corn flick that you will watch in a main stream movie theater, but its own hermit. It is not a type of a film that is made by any fashion of the presently accepted module, but rather off the grid type experimental expression. It is definitely an art-experimental type of a film, that holds its virtue based on its one of a kind originality. Sort of like a modern art painting, painted in the moments of passion, that seems to speak only to the similar viewing minds.
It's OK, but misleading and non-objective reviews. Either bias favoristic too high, or bias too low aversive.
robertpschenk7 January 2017
I came across this movie on Amazon Prime, and gave it a shot, based on the reviews on Amazon that I saw, and two thirds of people seem to either really hate it, or really love it. Although, the real more objective reviews are primarily in between the obviously personal favoritistic or aversive comments. I personally have to admit, I did not like this film, despite the fact that it is a low budget artsy experimental indi film, however, I can not say I hate it either. I thought it had a certain unique quality to it, that's why I'm giving it a 7 star rating, as in 69-70% C- barely passing, rather then the 4 stars I think it really deserves.
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