Rome - Series 1 (DVD)

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Good
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Good
How does it compare to similar films?	Outstanding

Advantages:	Authenticity  -  Great Cast  -  Brilliant Acting
Disadvantages:	Historical differences may offend some

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Aired in 2005 and released on DVD in 2006, Rome broke the mould and did something very different. Never has a TV series mixed fact and fiction as well and cleverly as this. Ultimately following the events of the Roman republic in times of Julius Caesar, the TV Series loosely follows the events of other characters that not only brings hours of entertainment but hours of intrigue, suspicion and shock.

The series itself is split into six episodes each being just over an hour long. Upon watching these episodes the viewer is drawn into a world fully populated by extras that give out atmospheric detail into believing that it really is set in Rome 52BC. Scenery and buildings are all mostly authentic being filmed in Italy and any special effects added are astounding. Live animals wander in the background and interact with 'extras' that again fortitude the belief that it is in fact Rome, and side characters all give their best in a truly excellent cast of actors. Authenticity is they key is costume design and even graffiti that is spread all over the walls of Rome.

So is it fact or fiction? When I say that it is in fact 'Fact' I use the term loosely as many of the details have been changed, obviously for entertainment purposes, but nearly of the characters did exist way back in 52BC.Some of the relationships however are exaggerated to appeal more TV wise and other characters (mentioned below) have been added to further plot and complicate storyline. Politics runs the menu with the influence of relationships engaging power and reasoning, it really is a complicated show that presents itself in an enjoying way.

Rome is truly an excellent show featuring experienced actors that perform with such exuberance and interest that you could compare with the best. The acting is emotional, authentic and commendable also.

Keven McKidd who plays Lucius Vorenus (Hannibal Rising / Kingdom of Heaven) is outstanding at delivering a character who is set to play many roles throughout the series. In my opinion he plays Vorenus with so much more quality than other films I have seen him in. Vorenus as a character has been exaggerated grately for TV. Historically Lucius Vorenus was a soldier of the 11th legion mentioned personally in Caesar's Commentarii de Bello Gallico who has a rivalry with another low ranked officer Titus Pullo.

In the TV Series, Lucius Vorenus is a commanding officer of the 13th legion who is in fact in charge of Titus Pullo. Throughout the series the viewer follows Vorenus as a sort of protagonist watching him cope with being a leader, a family man, a butcher, a seneter and Caesar's personal bodyguard. McKidd adapts his preformances throughout showing experience as a soldier but inexperience at being a husband and father. Throughout the viewer is engulfed with Vorenus' emotions and as the viewer you become emotionally attached to him and all of his problems that as a result you feel sorry for him when ever he ends up mistreated but also respect as he truly stands up for what he alone belives in.

Titus Pullo played by Ray Stevens (King Arthur) is a character whom plays around and crosses the line on more than one occasion all to the astonishment of his captain Lucius Vorenus. Again as Vorenus is, Pullo is amplified into a character of importance within the show. Historically Titus Pullo was equal to Vorenus as a soldier of the 11th legion mentioned in Caesar's writings.

In the show, Pullo was under the command of Vorenus serving in the 13th legion. Stevens does more than an adequate job at portraying a character that is mischievous and at times dense used for TV purposes a humorous character with a story of his own to tell. Unlike his comrade, Pullo never really elevates in status during the Republic but as a character goes through some highs and lows that as a viewer, you are enticed to follow. Stevens delivers his witty humour and basic understanding of life with ease and it's not until you see the downfall of his character that you truly understand the importance of Pullo as a man who serves his country and in the end gets nothing.

Mark Antony played by James Purefoy (Resident Evil / A Knights Tale) never really gets the chance to shine as a character apart from a person who is generally seen as Caesar's main supporter. Historically Antony appears just as he does in the show. It is not until the next era of the Republic that Antony really begins to show himself as an individual rather than being by Caesar's side. Purefoy actually does an excellent job at displaying an egotistical man with many ideas but yet has the power to employ them.

Polly Walker plays Atia of the Julii (TV's Waking the Dead) a character smitten by jealousy, power and malice towards other nobles of rank. Historically Atia was the complete opposite. A matron of all things religious and holy, Atia was a very proud and calm person, quiet by nature and never loved Mark Antony as the show implies. Apart from This I have never seen Walker play anything else, but by just watching her very first scenes you get the impression of a very experienced actress who knows her character well. She speaks Atia's words brilliantly with body language to match. Atia herself is the mother of Octavian, (Augustus) and has an ongoing rivalry with another high ranking female of noble class Servilia. Throughout the series you really are forced to hate her as a character who orders people's death for her own gain and as a 'harlot' for sleeping around to give extra favours. It is not until the near end of series 1 that you actually see a more loving and mothering side to character. Walker also requires sympathy in the end episode when she finally realises that she lost to Servilia.

Servilia played by Lindsay Duncan (TV's Spooks) at first is introduced as a minor character, whose importance is known for being Marcus Brutus' mother. Historically Servilia is known for being the mistress of Caesar and remains so until his death. Within the show she plays this side but refrains from it later on and in fact her character is elevated so high it can be implied that she is a sole individual responsible for the plan to kill Caesar. Duncan at times plays Servilia at a disadvantage. Her natural softer side in the beginning wanes over you like a side character, but it is not until her jealous and emotional betrayal by Caesar that as a character Duncan really expresses. The scenes where she is casting curses of Caesar are particaully well acted with passion and detail.

Marcus Brutus played by Tobias Menzies (Casino Royale / Finding Neverland) is a character full of guilt, shame and ridicule at the hands of his mother Servilia. Historically Brutus is known for being one of the main suspects in organizing and carrying out Caesar's execution. In the show he is portrayed throughout as a character under the power of Caesar but treated as family. He is also given the role of the person who delivers the final deadly blow that kills Caesar, which Menzies plays well. To be honest, I'm not a true fan of Menzies' acting within the series, at times he seems inexperienced and others naïve following other actors leads. It is passable though, and hardly noticeable. Memorable scenes include the assassination kill where he becomes emotional, erratic and ultimately a murderer.

Ciarán Hinds plays the ultimate leader Gaius Julius Caesar (Tomb Raider The Cradle of Life / Miami Vice) and plays him with honour and prowess. At first I wasn't too sure about his accent, but it quickly becomes reasonable and his actions are foremost the most important of the show. Historically Caesar was a Roman General appointed Dictator in ridding Rome of threats, but under some suspicious circumstances becomes elected Consul and Dictator for Life. His assassination is well known throughout the modern world and acts as a hotspot for many novels, shows and plays. In the show nothing is left to fiction. Fact rules his actions and his course to conquer Pompey and capture the Republican people are well deserved. Minor details are also included such as his alleged epileptic fits and his love for Servilia.

Episode List:
(**NOTE: THIS IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF EVENTS, I DIDN'T WANT TO GIVE TOO MUCH AWAY**)

1.1 The Stolen Eagle

Caesar has just conquered Gaul, captured Vercingetorix and his army are joyful. However the Golden Symbol of Caesar has been stolen, and a unobeying soldier (Pullo) and his commander (Vorenus) are sent to regain it. The senate is introduced as a powerful legion within itself full on conspirators and Pompey is introduced who is misguided by the senate into being concerned by Caesar's growing power.

1.2 How Titus brought down the Republic

Vorenus and Pullo return home after a successful campaign, but Vorenus is shocked to find his wife Niobe may have been unfaithful. Mark Antony runs for Public Office and Caesar starts his journey home to Rome.

1.3 An Owl in a Thornbush

The Senate begin to worry as rumours say that Caesar is going to cross the Rubicon into Rome with his Army. Pompey begins to evacuate the city forcing people to choose sides.

1.4 Stealing From Saturn

Atia throws a party for Caesar's return, whilst Pompey's plans to steal the Gold from Rome do not go to plan. Vorenus ventures on a business plan and Pullo begins to realise that his skills outside of the Army of limited.

1.5 The Ram Has Touched the Wall

Caesar refuses Pompey's counteroffer, whilst Atia schemes to break up the relationship between Caesar and Servilia. Pullo asks the young Octavian for help with his personal problems, whilst Vorenus struggles as a businessman.

1.6 Egeria

Mark Antony plays around with his new appointed power whilst Caesar is out of Rome. Caesar himself finds himself outnumbered by Pompey's army and must rethink about his choices. Atia forces Octavian to grow up and be a man but loosing his virginity enclosing Pullo for help, whilst Vorenus and Niobe decide to put passion back into their marriage.

1.7 Pharsalus

Shipwrecked Vorenus and Pullo fight desperately to reach Caesar in Greece but come into the hands of Pompey. Pompey escapes to Egypt where he is killed and Niobe has trouble from her sister Lyde.

1.8 Caesarion

In search for Pompey, Caesar heads to Egypt where he returns Cleopatra to her throne. Brutus and Cicero contemplate their guilt at surrendering to Caesar and worry about his even further grown power.

1.9 Utica

The remaining escaped senate make peace in Africa, whilst the rage for Caesar grown in Servilia. Vorenus and Pullo return home to find that Niobe has set up a business in the form of a butcher and asks Vorenus to join in. Octavia finally gives into Servilia and sleeps with her brother Octavian to find out information.

1.10 Triumph

After the shame if Incest, Octavia has banished herself to a priesthood to appease her sins, whilst Caesar celebrates his triumph. Pullo declares his love for Eirene only to find she's engaged to another slave. In rage he lashes out and kills the slave and in turn Vorenus throws him out into the street.

1.11 The Spoils

No-where to turn Pullo turns to Errestes Fullman as a paid murderer only to find himself being caught and sentenced to death. Being thrown into the ring, Pullo fights his way through gladiators only to find Vorenus paying him homage and fighting by his side.

1.12 Kalends of February

Caesar enlists his own senate of Celts and Gaul's much to the disgrace of Cicero and Brutus. Meanwhile Pullo and Vorenus are seen as heroes to the people and Caesar must reward them to keep the plebs favour. Vorenus is employed by Caesar as his personal bodyguard and member of his senate whilst Servilia plans out the assassination of Caesar. The plan goes ahead where Brutus deals the final blow.

All the episodes are memorable in their own way offering different themes throughout. As a viewer you become shocked at the amount of blood shed at the hands of the Romans and even more shocked yet entertained by the scenes or Incest, Lesbianism and Moral depredation. Sex scenes are graphic showing full frontal Male and Female nudity and many will view this as perverse. However in my opinion it shows the true horrors and lifestyles of Rome in 50 BC. Lifestyles have changed considerably whilst many people my dislike the obvious sexist nature of the show. Women are seen as below Men both in Physical and Political status.
It was a real joy to watch a show that captured the imagination of the Ancient world whilst mixing it with real life problems.

There are downsides however. Many historical details are skipped over and some hardly mentioned such as Caesar's journey to Britain and many battles seem less heroic than documented. Battle scenes themselves are few and far apart which can be seen as a let down to some. The extras available are also disappointing offering mostly commentaries for episodes and behind the scenes on how episodes were directed.

Overall Rome is a wonderfully constructed show revealing the deadly truth about Rome's political struggles during the Republic under Caesar's rule. A lot may be fiction but the entertainment value is marvellous filled with dramatic cues, and with a terrific cast of actors, Rome should enjoyable by anyone over the age of 18.

Prices:
(as of 23/03/07)

Play.com  £32.99
Amazon  £22.96

ROME IS AN 18 CERTIFICATE