Period Dramas-The Age of Antiquity-8th Century BC-30 BC
This is a list of movies or/and mini series set in the period between the 8th century BC - 30th century AD
The Age of Antiquity is divided into 3 parts: Arachic (8-6th century BC), Classical Greece (5th to 4th centuries BC), Hellenistic period (340 to 330 BC), Roman Republic (5th to 1st centuries BC), Roman Empire (1st century BC to 5th century AD) and Late Antiquity (4th to 6th centuries AD). For this is I have concentrated on the Arachic, Classical and Hellenistic Periods.
Unfortunately there was not a great deal of productions that have dealt with time time period, though naturally there are a many number of Greek and Italian productions. For this list I have tried not to add them as many would have not the fortunate to see them outside of Greece and Italy.
I have laxed the time period in this list as many will notice I have added films from outside the time period and from different cultures. The reason why I have done this is because, I simply do not want to mix up the other Period Dramas. Mythology, Myths and legends are the main contents, as well as the productions set in the Arachic times. However I am willing to take on board any comments who can strongly argue their case. Sometimes it's difficult to have the correct era, especially in myths, folk tales and legends.
For those who are serious about Period Dramas and deem a movie/mini series worthy to be listed, add your comments
The Age of Antiquity is divided into 3 parts: Arachic (8-6th century BC), Classical Greece (5th to 4th centuries BC), Hellenistic period (340 to 330 BC), Roman Republic (5th to 1st centuries BC), Roman Empire (1st century BC to 5th century AD) and Late Antiquity (4th to 6th centuries AD). For this is I have concentrated on the Arachic, Classical and Hellenistic Periods.
Unfortunately there was not a great deal of productions that have dealt with time time period, though naturally there are a many number of Greek and Italian productions. For this list I have tried not to add them as many would have not the fortunate to see them outside of Greece and Italy.
I have laxed the time period in this list as many will notice I have added films from outside the time period and from different cultures. The reason why I have done this is because, I simply do not want to mix up the other Period Dramas. Mythology, Myths and legends are the main contents, as well as the productions set in the Arachic times. However I am willing to take on board any comments who can strongly argue their case. Sometimes it's difficult to have the correct era, especially in myths, folk tales and legends.
For those who are serious about Period Dramas and deem a movie/mini series worthy to be listed, add your comments
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- DirectorAlejandro AmenábarStarsRachel WeiszMax MinghellaOscar IsaacA historical drama set in Roman Egypt, concerning a slave who turns to the rising tide of Christianity in the hope of pursuing freedom while falling in love with his mistress, the philosophy and mathematics professor Hypatia of Alexandria.Date set:391
This is a gem of a film which blends in feminism, religion, science and humanity. Hypatia (Rachel Weisz), is perfectly cast the the female astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy teacher. She loves only science and has no times for admirers such as Davus (the slave) or Orestes. The special effects are admirable and the costumes are authentic and I particulary liked the pacing of the film. What I did not like is the male dominated depliction of the religous factions, particularly the Christian leader, Cyril. On stating that, I did notice it did show Christians and Jews in a different light, a rebellious, unclouth, undeducated mob who don't seem to the the teachings of Jesus installed in them...especially the one about forgiveness and loving your enemy. - StarsDerek JacobiOlivia WilliamsAngus MacfadyenOne of the most legendary adventures in all mythology is brought to life in an epic saga of one man's quest for the Golden Fleece, a gift from the gods.Also see:
Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
It's a watchable TV movie, and lenthy, with a few well know actors. It's a shame Jason London acting skills in not in the same strata as the rest of the cast. Good to see Jolene Blalock in a role other than T'Pol in Star Trek Enterprise. My personal taste is for the 1963 production, which has the stop motion of clay animatronics for the mythical beings. You just can't beat them when they are classics - DirectorLouis LeterrierStarsSam WorthingtonLiam NeesonRalph FiennesPerseus, a demigod and the son of Zeus, battles the minions of Hades and the Underworld in order to stop them from conquering Olympus and Earth.Also see:
Clash of the Titans (1981)
Overkill on the special effects, overkill on the acting, overkill on the plot, over this movie. The only one who acted superbly was Medusa, and she was an animated character. No attempt has been made for the actors to speak in an accent. Everyone seems to have kept their original accent; including Sam Worthington, those Australian accent is killjoy on the ears. - DirectorMichael CurtizStarsJean SimmonsVictor MatureGene TierneyIn ancient Egypt, a poor orphan becomes a genial physician and is eventually appointed at the Pharaoh's court where he witnesses palace intrigues and learns dangerous royal secrets.
- DirectorLuigi CozziStarsLou FerrignoBrad HarrisSybil DanningThe story of the Greek mythological figure, updated in this '80s version.
- DirectorGordon HesslerStarsJohn Phillip LawCaroline MunroTom BakerSinbad and the vizier of Marabia, followed by evil magician Koura, seek the three golden tablets that can gain them access to the ancient temple of the Oracle of All Knowledge.This movie was huge in it's day. The stop motion animation was ground breaking and sleek. Now it looks dated. But to those who seen it as a matinee or on the small screen, years ago, it was impressive. I liked the story line and the innocence of it. A great adventure with a great story line. Sometimes it good to revisit the past movies of our childhood
***Trivia***Dr Who fans will know that Tom Baker starred as the villianous Koura
Sinbad is a character from 1001 Arabian Nights. The oldest known manuscript found of 1001 Arabian Nights is 9th Century. - DirectorPier Paolo PasoliniStarsMaria CallasMassimo GirottiLaurent TerzieffAfter his quest to retrieve the fabled Golden Fleece, Jason returns to Greece with powerful sorceress Medea. However, when the king banishes her, it's only human that Medea plots her furious revenge. Can they escape her wrath?
- DirectorMichael CacoyannisStarsIrene PapasKostas KazakosKostas KarrasTo appease offended gods before going to war, a commander must sacrifice his favorite daughter to them but does so under the pretext of marrying her off.
- DirectorJonathan EnglishStarsTom HardyMichelle Van Der WaterTony ToddWhen the villagers offer their brethren as a sacrifice to the Minotaur, Theo (Tom Hardy) sets off on a harrowing quest to the labyrinth to kill the evil bull-god.What on Earth is wrong with Tom Hardy? There are some movies he has really shines and shows he is worthy of acting i.e Star Trek and Inception. But this is a dud. Folks, don't even waste grey matter here, this would seriously be an insult to your intelligence...mythology on acid!!!
- DirectorRobert RossenStarsRichard BurtonFredric MarchClaire BloomThe life and military conquests of Alexander III of Macedon (July 20/21, 356 - June 10/11, 323 B.C.), commonly known as Alexander the Great.
- DirectorOliver StoneStarsColin FarrellAnthony HopkinsRosario DawsonAlexander, the King of Macedonia and one of the greatest army leaders in the history of warfare, conquers much of the known world.Angelina Jolie is a little to young to be Alexander's mother, and I wished Colin Farrell crossed in to "Broke Back Mountain" territory. Alexander was a Macedonia for Heaven's sake, being true to their sexual nature is what makes them Macedonians. I wish the director had the b*lls do and follow it through. It lags in some part, but there was moments were it was truly terrific. One thing I must add, is it's good to see Val Kilmer in a decent role
- DirectorWolfgang PetersenStarsBrad PittEric BanaOrlando BloomAn adaptation of Homer's great epic, the film follows the assault on Troy by the united Greek forces and chronicles the fates of the men involved.I apologise in advance to those who adore this movie, but I truly found it to be dull and boring as Brad Pitts acting. It is clearly evident that this movie is a vehicle for Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom and Eric Bana. I agree the costume was superb, I agree the special effects were wonderful and I concede the supporting cast acting were very good. Having stated that, I found the entire production tiresome. (1)Rose Byrne character Briseis falls in love with Achilles,her capture, yeah right...in psychology it is called stockholme syndrome. (2)Brad Pitt, the lad cannot act here, this definitely was not a challenging role for him (3) Diane Kruger and Orlando Bloom as the doomed lovers, no chemistry what so ever between the two of them. I'd rather watch the mating dance of the South American tree frogs, then those two.
- StarsEmilia FoxJames CallisDaniel LapaineThe abduction of beautiful Helen, wife of Spartan King Menelaus, by Paris of Troy triggers a long war.I really didn't mind this production. A bit of mythology is added, when 3 goddesses ask Paris who is the most beautiful, and Aphrodite wins, because she offered him the most beautiful woman on Earth; which was Helen. Sure does not have the budget of a huge film, and it you can tell in the over use of scenery, sets and painted background. What I liked about this movie is the villian, Rufus Sewell as Agamemnon, who sacrificed his daughter so that the Gods can favour him with wind for his battleships to sail to war. Which makes me wonder, why does the depliction of Helen have to be blonde? She's a middle east woman, so technically she dark haired beauty.
- StarsArmand AssanteGreta ScacchiIsabella RosselliniFollows Odysseus on his wanderings back to Ithaca following the Trojan War.also see:
The Odyssey (1992)
Wonderful production of the re-telling of Homer's epic tale. ***SPOILER*** Armand Assante waltzing in as the aging Odyssus, who final has arrived home, and strings a bow and arrow. The bow and arrow is significant as his wife, Penelope will only marry the man who an string it, as it once belonged to her husband Odysseus . - DirectorZack SnyderStarsGerard ButlerLena HeadeyDavid WenhamIn the ancient battle of Thermopylae, King Leonidas and 300 Spartans fight against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. They face insurmountable odds when they are betrayed by a Spartan reject.Abdominal muscles galore! fake or real, it's eye candy if you're a female. A bit over the top with the acting, but hey it's based on a comic book; shows in in scenery and the posing, the lighting and the sets. Overall I truly enjoyed this movie
- DirectorJacques TourneurBruno VailatiMario BavaStarsSteve ReevesMylène DemongeotSergio FantoniA Greek soldier leads the fight against an invading Persian army.
- DirectorMichael CacoyannisStarsIrene PapasGiannis FertisAleka KatselliLiving in exile after the death of their father, the grown children of a murdered and usurped king converge to exact eye-for-an-eye revenge.
- DirectorMarino GirolamiStarsGordon MitchellJacques BergeracCristina GaioniIn the tenth year of the Trojan War, tensions between Achilles and Agamemnon divide the Greek camp while giving hope to the Trojans.
- DirectorFernando CerchioStarsJeanne CrainVincent PriceEdmund PurdomChronicles the rise and fall of the woman who eventually became known as Queen Nefertiti.
- DirectorMario CameriniStarsSilvana ManganoKirk DouglasAnthony QuinnA movie adaptation of Homer's second epic, that depicts Ulysses' efforts to return to his home after the end of ten years of war.
- StarsBettany HughesRay LonnenMargaret RobertsonA history of the ancient Spartans, featuring historian Bettany Hughes as presenter and narrator.
- StarsEdward HerrmannTravis WojcikThe history of the great militaristic Ancient Greek city state.
- 1986– 1h 51m7.4 (135)TV EpisodeDirectorDon TaylorStarsMichael PenningtonClaire BloomJohn GielgudPlagues are ravaging Thebes, and the blind fortune-teller Tieresias tells Oedipus, the King, that the gods are unhappy. The murder of the former king has gone unavenged, and Oedipus sets out to find the killer.Also see
Oedipus the King (1968) - DirectorTyrone GuthrieAbraham PolonskyStarsDouglas CampbellEleanor StuartRobert GoodierThe land ruled by King Oedipus is plagued by ill-fortune and the people are promised relief by the gods if the slayer of the former king is apprehended and punished. This does not bode well for King Oedipus and his Queen. (Performed in masks by the Stratford, Ontario, Shakespearean Festival Players.)also see:
Oedipus Rex (1993) - DirectorGregory J. MarkopoulosStarsRichard BeauvaisDavid BeauvaisRobert AlvarezPrometheus engages in repeated scenes of bisexuality in this independent feature from the New York underground.
- DirectorJohn RawlinsStarsMaria MontezJon HallTurhan BeyYoung, lovely Naila becomes queen of the ancient Egyptian kingdom of Khemis after her father is killed in a slave revolt. Continuing her penchant for going incognito among the people, she seeks out rebel leader Herua. But through palace treachery, she herself is captured and enslaved. After various adventures, she finds herself rescued by (and attracted to) the very rebel she was seeking. Will gratitude or revenge win out? Gorgeous scenery and costumes.
- DirectorMichael FrenchJonathan LawrenceScott MillerStarsOlga KurylenkoMi YangDavy WilliamsSet in a mythical world, the story of an unlikely love story between a young human and a mermaid.yet to be released. One of the 2011 movie I want to see
- DirectorMichael CacoyannisStarsKatharine HepburnVanessa RedgraveGeneviève BujoldThe women of Troy face enslavement after the fall of their city.also see:
The Trojan Women (2006) - DirectorNathan JuranStarsKerwin MathewsKathryn GrantRichard EyerWhen a princess is shrunken by an evil wizard, Sinbad must undertake a quest to an island of monsters to cure her and prevent a war.
- StarsPaul TelferElizabeth PerkinsSean AstinA chronicle of the life of the Greek hero who after killing his three sons must perform five labors to repent.
- DirectorRoberto RosselliniStarsJean SylvèreAnne CaprileGiuseppe MannajuoloA false accusation leads the philosopher Socrates to trial and condemnation in 4th century BC Athens.
- DirectorRicky SchroderStarsScott ElrodAdam ButcherAmanda BrooksA Greek warrior must travel to the Underworld and battle killer hellhounds in order to rescue his murdered bride from the clutches of Hades.sad but true, a dismal result but all actors and actresses must..sigh...start somewhere
- DirectorRudolph MatéStarsRichard EganRalph RichardsonDiane BakerA small Army of Greeks spearheaded by three hundred Spartans do battle with the whole invading Persian Army.This is a not bad production. Sure the acting is a bit wooden and the lines a delivered in a wooden manner, but you have to commend it for the scenery. All 100% outdoor scenery set in Greece, now that's a feat in itself. Plus there is a bit of action, which some with snigger at, nevertheless, it is very well staged and crafted.
- DirectorYimou ZhangStarsJet LiTony Leung Chiu-waiMaggie CheungA defense officer, Nameless, was summoned by the King of Qin regarding his success of terminating three warriors.
- DirectorKaige ChenStarsGong LiFengyi ZhangZhou SunIn pre-unified China, the King of Qin sends his concubine to a rival kingdom to produce an assassin for a political plot, but as the king's cruelty mounts she finds her loyalty faltering.
- DirectorSantosh SivanStarsShah Rukh KhanKareena KapoorDanny DenzongpaThe epic tale of King Asoka's life is recounted.Date set 304BC-232BC