Rome is a very detailed and historically accurate show that will keep you hooked throughout the series. It really is one of the most underrated tv shows ever created and a true masterpiece that is pretty much loved by anyone who has ever seen it. Just read through the reviews to see how loved this show really is! It's only two seasons long but those two seasons were damn near perfect! The acting, writing, directing, cinematography, production, etc. Are all fantastic. It doesn't get nearly the recognition it deserves because it wasn't advertised that much when it was on and pre social media so word of mouth was hard back then. I really can't say anything more that hasn't already been said about this terrific show except to just go watch it!
310 Reviews
The Best Yet?
jacksflicks28 September 2005
I Claudius was maybe the best miniseries ever. Now, there's Rome, and it's even better.
I agree with another reviewer, that quibbles about historical inaccuracies, such as accents or how old so-and-so should be, are silly pedantry. I've been a Roman history buff ever since my own high school triumvirate of Caesar, Cicero and Virgil, and I say that this historical fiction is both exciting AND quite accurate with the important stuff.
So far, every player has been terrific, in particular Ciarán Hinds as Caesar and Max Pirkis as Octavian. Julius Caesar was perhaps the most complex "great" figure in history. Was he a great populist, trying to champion the people against the Optimates, or was he an ambitious demagogue, who was using the Roman mobs to attain the imperium? Hinds depicts this complexity perfectly, while projecting a steely will that is shared by Caesar's emerging protégé, Octavian. Thanks to Max Pirkis's brilliant portrayal, we can already see the no-nonsense pragmatism, ruthlessness and brilliance that will propel this boy into becoming the greatest despot in history.
And what about that dissolute Mark Anthony? We can already see Actium in his face. And with Atia, I think Livia (as depicted in I Claudius) and Messalina have met their match.
And midst the struggle for mastery of Rome, we see the struggle of more common folk just to make a living. Rome makes the parallel stories of the Optimates and Centurian, now Prefect, Vorenus and Legionnaire Pullo a perfect vehicle for comparing the travails of different classes their love lives, social lives, how they treated the servants, how they practiced their faiths, how they fought. Seen from these different perspectives (which we did not get with I Claudius), we get a three-dimensional view and, for me, the closest to feeling like one is actually there of any historical fiction ever produced.
And look at the production values. Is it any wonder, when we see who's behind the camera Michael Apted and John Milius that we have an immaculately crafted work?
By their commitment to quality of production and integrity of story, HBO and BBC are demonstrating what television can be. This is a wonderful, wonderful series. Anyone with a love of history, drama and spectacle should be devouring it with delight.
I agree with another reviewer, that quibbles about historical inaccuracies, such as accents or how old so-and-so should be, are silly pedantry. I've been a Roman history buff ever since my own high school triumvirate of Caesar, Cicero and Virgil, and I say that this historical fiction is both exciting AND quite accurate with the important stuff.
So far, every player has been terrific, in particular Ciarán Hinds as Caesar and Max Pirkis as Octavian. Julius Caesar was perhaps the most complex "great" figure in history. Was he a great populist, trying to champion the people against the Optimates, or was he an ambitious demagogue, who was using the Roman mobs to attain the imperium? Hinds depicts this complexity perfectly, while projecting a steely will that is shared by Caesar's emerging protégé, Octavian. Thanks to Max Pirkis's brilliant portrayal, we can already see the no-nonsense pragmatism, ruthlessness and brilliance that will propel this boy into becoming the greatest despot in history.
And what about that dissolute Mark Anthony? We can already see Actium in his face. And with Atia, I think Livia (as depicted in I Claudius) and Messalina have met their match.
And midst the struggle for mastery of Rome, we see the struggle of more common folk just to make a living. Rome makes the parallel stories of the Optimates and Centurian, now Prefect, Vorenus and Legionnaire Pullo a perfect vehicle for comparing the travails of different classes their love lives, social lives, how they treated the servants, how they practiced their faiths, how they fought. Seen from these different perspectives (which we did not get with I Claudius), we get a three-dimensional view and, for me, the closest to feeling like one is actually there of any historical fiction ever produced.
And look at the production values. Is it any wonder, when we see who's behind the camera Michael Apted and John Milius that we have an immaculately crafted work?
By their commitment to quality of production and integrity of story, HBO and BBC are demonstrating what television can be. This is a wonderful, wonderful series. Anyone with a love of history, drama and spectacle should be devouring it with delight.
Brilliant!
Supermanfan-1319 August 2021
Rome really is one of the most underrated tv shows ever created and a true masterpiece that is pretty much loved by anyone who has ever seen it! Just read through the reviews to see how loved this show really is! It's only 2 seasons long but those 2 seasons were damn near perfect! The acting, writing, directing, cinematography, production, costumes, etc. Are all fantastic. It doesn't get nearly the recognition it deserves because it wasn't advertised that much when it was on and pre social media so word of mouth was hard back then. I really can't say anything more that hasn't already been said about this terrific show except to just go watch it!
a feast for the eyes!
J5iftY5iveXtreme21 September 2005
HBO's "Rome" is perhaps one of the best historical TV shows there ever was and one of the best HBO has ever produced.
Set during the first century B.C., this TV show tells the tale of two Romans serving in the army, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pollo. Vorenus in a strict, humorless and hard-working centurion, expecting his troops to obey him and is a loyal citizen of Rome. Pollo is muscular, carefree, party-loving, and womanizing, yet he is also a faithful, trustworthy friend, loyal companion, and overall lovable character. These two military men serve in Julius Caesar's army and live during a time of turmoil in Rome.
Originally planned as a TV miniseries, "Rome" has become an actual TV show. This TV show is mostly fictional, but it incorporates historical characters like Caesar, Pompey, Cato, Mark Anthony, and Atia, the most of Octavian, soon to become Rome's first emperor, Augustus. It is a time when the Roman Republic is corrupt, and high-ranking Romans like Julius Caesar and Pompey fight for power. The historical events in Rome are told thru the eyes of Vorenus and Pollo.
The script is intelligent and realistic, with some profanity, violence, and decadence. Unlike most portrayals of Rome, which tend to be clean and sanitize things, this is a graphic portrayal of Ancient Rome, complete with drunkards, brawlers, womanizers, prostitutes, adulterers, fornication, and loads of sexual acts. This TV series do not attempt to hide the dirty aspects of the Roman Empire. Rather, it is a honest depiction of the Empire, portraying its decadence and wickedness.
As for the production, one word - great! The sets are huge and realistic, with the viewer feeling as if he/she is in the middle of the scene. The costumes, too, are realistic and accurate. The sets, props, and costumes, etc. show signs of research. The actors and actresses did a great job, too, portraying their characters realistically.
Overall, this is a great series. I will be expecting more seasons of this.
Set during the first century B.C., this TV show tells the tale of two Romans serving in the army, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pollo. Vorenus in a strict, humorless and hard-working centurion, expecting his troops to obey him and is a loyal citizen of Rome. Pollo is muscular, carefree, party-loving, and womanizing, yet he is also a faithful, trustworthy friend, loyal companion, and overall lovable character. These two military men serve in Julius Caesar's army and live during a time of turmoil in Rome.
Originally planned as a TV miniseries, "Rome" has become an actual TV show. This TV show is mostly fictional, but it incorporates historical characters like Caesar, Pompey, Cato, Mark Anthony, and Atia, the most of Octavian, soon to become Rome's first emperor, Augustus. It is a time when the Roman Republic is corrupt, and high-ranking Romans like Julius Caesar and Pompey fight for power. The historical events in Rome are told thru the eyes of Vorenus and Pollo.
The script is intelligent and realistic, with some profanity, violence, and decadence. Unlike most portrayals of Rome, which tend to be clean and sanitize things, this is a graphic portrayal of Ancient Rome, complete with drunkards, brawlers, womanizers, prostitutes, adulterers, fornication, and loads of sexual acts. This TV series do not attempt to hide the dirty aspects of the Roman Empire. Rather, it is a honest depiction of the Empire, portraying its decadence and wickedness.
As for the production, one word - great! The sets are huge and realistic, with the viewer feeling as if he/she is in the middle of the scene. The costumes, too, are realistic and accurate. The sets, props, and costumes, etc. show signs of research. The actors and actresses did a great job, too, portraying their characters realistically.
Overall, this is a great series. I will be expecting more seasons of this.
The best TV series ever made
Leofwine_draca14 November 2011
I've become so bored of mainstream television over the last decade that I now make a point of only watching series that are history-related, given my huge love of the subject matter. I missed ROME when it was first shown, but heard so much good about it that I caved in and bought the box set on Blu-ray. I'm so glad I did; believe the hype, ROME is the ultimate in costume drama.
The series only lasted for two seasons before cancellation, but every episode is a winner. There are two story strands running through: the big story and the little story. The big story is concerned with the legendary figures of history - in the first season Julius Caesar and his cohorts, and in the second Mark Antony. The little story looks at the minor characters, the soldiers and families involved with the politics of their era.
The script crackles with realistic dialogue and the characters are superb. Not just Pullo and Vorenus, but also Atia and her offspring, Brutus and his mother, even the minor players who are awarded little dialogue. Every actor is amazing, with Ciaran Hinds stealing the show in the first series and James Purefoy in the second.
I'm pleased that the producers went all-out in making an adult drama, not skimping on the sexual content or the violence. It's hard to pick highlights in a series that never puts a foot wrong, but Pullo's diversion in the gladiator arena is hard to beat in terms of its sheer power. The ending of season two, with Antony descending into madness, is chilling and moving in equal measure.
It took a good few years, but I'm pleased to report that TV producers are finally capitalising on ROME's success and beginning to make similar products as they realise a market for adult-focused historical drama. Already we're seeing the likes of SPARTACUS (three series and counting), CAMELOT, GAME OF THRONES, THE BORGIAS and THE TUDORS, each of them indebted to ROME in some way. I'll enjoy watching them, but I doubt any will equal the quality of this.
The series only lasted for two seasons before cancellation, but every episode is a winner. There are two story strands running through: the big story and the little story. The big story is concerned with the legendary figures of history - in the first season Julius Caesar and his cohorts, and in the second Mark Antony. The little story looks at the minor characters, the soldiers and families involved with the politics of their era.
The script crackles with realistic dialogue and the characters are superb. Not just Pullo and Vorenus, but also Atia and her offspring, Brutus and his mother, even the minor players who are awarded little dialogue. Every actor is amazing, with Ciaran Hinds stealing the show in the first series and James Purefoy in the second.
I'm pleased that the producers went all-out in making an adult drama, not skimping on the sexual content or the violence. It's hard to pick highlights in a series that never puts a foot wrong, but Pullo's diversion in the gladiator arena is hard to beat in terms of its sheer power. The ending of season two, with Antony descending into madness, is chilling and moving in equal measure.
It took a good few years, but I'm pleased to report that TV producers are finally capitalising on ROME's success and beginning to make similar products as they realise a market for adult-focused historical drama. Already we're seeing the likes of SPARTACUS (three series and counting), CAMELOT, GAME OF THRONES, THE BORGIAS and THE TUDORS, each of them indebted to ROME in some way. I'll enjoy watching them, but I doubt any will equal the quality of this.
Epic
mlynch518716 July 2021
Simply put, this is one of the most underrated shows of all time. The attention to detail is absolutely astounding. The story arcs are captivating. Although only two seasons long, Rome is like reading a gripping novel!
Best show HBO ever had
robey-2412525 January 2021
Don't listen to the Naysayers
sserio14 September 2005
Having watched the first three episodes, I am anxiously looking forward to seeing the rest of the episodes. All of the intrigue that was Rome is presented well, considering that no one involved lived during that time that could give accurate details on Roman life. For that matter, all historical presentations that are over a hundred years old are filled in with speculation and assumption and for that no one can discredit the attempts at accuracy.
For all of the naysayers, listen well. You complain that the show is full of pointelss dialogue. Rome was one of the first political empires to exist. When you have a Senate, it becomes very political. As for the accuracies to design, as I said, we can only speculate in accordance to available artifacts, as to how the place really looked. The designs do look as I picture in my own mind. Another complaint that I saw was about the sex with one such comment relating Rome to "Skinimax". The fact is this is set prior to Christian corruption, shunning the act of sex. So yes, there was a lot of it.
For all of the naysayers, listen well. You complain that the show is full of pointelss dialogue. Rome was one of the first political empires to exist. When you have a Senate, it becomes very political. As for the accuracies to design, as I said, we can only speculate in accordance to available artifacts, as to how the place really looked. The designs do look as I picture in my own mind. Another complaint that I saw was about the sex with one such comment relating Rome to "Skinimax". The fact is this is set prior to Christian corruption, shunning the act of sex. So yes, there was a lot of it.
When in Rome ....... remember to cross the Rubicon
CelluloidRehab31 October 2005
HBO does it again. I got my start with the network back in 1990 with a sitcom called Dream On. From there, I have followed the yellow brick road through Sex and the City, Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Band of Brothers, From the Earth to the Moon and Deadwood (not to mention hours and hours of boxing, documentary specials and tons of movies).
HBO now presents a miniseries about the Roman Empire, appropriately called "Rome". The story revolves around the time Julius Ceasar conquers Gaul, and the subsequent years following that (Ceasar's rise to dictator). The series delves into historical and archaeological records, with a dash of artistic licensing to create an environment that seems so real. For the most part the series is divided into 3 parts :
1) Julius Caesar's rise to unanimous political power.
2) The exploits (in the field and at home) of a Roman officer, Luscious Vorenus, and one of the soldiers under his command (whom becomes his friend), Titus Pollo.
3) The various political and social interactions and manipulations of Caesars relatives, namely Atia and her two offspring, Octavian and Octavia.
4) Post Caesarian Rome.
The production of this series is quite breathtaking. It seems like they took into account so many of the variables ; costumes, jewelry, architecture, religious practices, mannerism, military units, social venues, politics, class structure,etc. to bring the empire back to life in the 21st century. They went as far as to train the extras portraying the Roman soldiers in boot camp fashion. All were to sleep in tents outside and were provided with no modern amenities.
This series has something for everyone with a strong stomach and inclination towards the graphic. The show is going for authenticity. This is not Rome seen through the eyes of 21st century people, but rather through they eyes of 1st century BC Romans. It has action, graphic violence, sex, incest, betrayal, murder, Machiavellian scheming, politics, family bonding, war,etc. I just can't begin to describe just how authentic the show feels and how hypnotically captivating it is to watch (especially in High Definition). I can't help but feel that John Milius (as a writer and executive producer) has brought some of the same grit and grime from Conan (albeit with a more historic flavor). Also on the writing credits is work from Entourage, Sex and the City, Band of Brothers and Desperate Housewives.
The acting core is quite good, consisting mostly on an English cast with theatrical experience. Their performances are quite good and contains many veterans and some newcomers (at least to me). Such standouts would include : Indira Varma (of Kama Sutra fame) who plays Luscious' wife Niobe, Kerry Condon (whom I first saw in Jet Li's Danny the Dog) as Atti's daughter Octavia, Kenneth Cranham (Jimmy from Layer Cake) as Pompey, Kevin McKidd (from Trainspotting and Dog Soldiers) as Luscious, Polly Walker as Atia and Ray Stevenson as Titus.
To add to the authenticity, the series was shot at Cinecitta Studios in Rome. This gives the series an extra flavor. I highly recommend this series, but only for those that can stomach graphic sex, violence and a lot of the Queen's English. It is currently my favorite show, and wishing it could last 1000 years.
-Celluloid Rehab
HBO now presents a miniseries about the Roman Empire, appropriately called "Rome". The story revolves around the time Julius Ceasar conquers Gaul, and the subsequent years following that (Ceasar's rise to dictator). The series delves into historical and archaeological records, with a dash of artistic licensing to create an environment that seems so real. For the most part the series is divided into 3 parts :
1) Julius Caesar's rise to unanimous political power.
2) The exploits (in the field and at home) of a Roman officer, Luscious Vorenus, and one of the soldiers under his command (whom becomes his friend), Titus Pollo.
3) The various political and social interactions and manipulations of Caesars relatives, namely Atia and her two offspring, Octavian and Octavia.
4) Post Caesarian Rome.
The production of this series is quite breathtaking. It seems like they took into account so many of the variables ; costumes, jewelry, architecture, religious practices, mannerism, military units, social venues, politics, class structure,etc. to bring the empire back to life in the 21st century. They went as far as to train the extras portraying the Roman soldiers in boot camp fashion. All were to sleep in tents outside and were provided with no modern amenities.
This series has something for everyone with a strong stomach and inclination towards the graphic. The show is going for authenticity. This is not Rome seen through the eyes of 21st century people, but rather through they eyes of 1st century BC Romans. It has action, graphic violence, sex, incest, betrayal, murder, Machiavellian scheming, politics, family bonding, war,etc. I just can't begin to describe just how authentic the show feels and how hypnotically captivating it is to watch (especially in High Definition). I can't help but feel that John Milius (as a writer and executive producer) has brought some of the same grit and grime from Conan (albeit with a more historic flavor). Also on the writing credits is work from Entourage, Sex and the City, Band of Brothers and Desperate Housewives.
The acting core is quite good, consisting mostly on an English cast with theatrical experience. Their performances are quite good and contains many veterans and some newcomers (at least to me). Such standouts would include : Indira Varma (of Kama Sutra fame) who plays Luscious' wife Niobe, Kerry Condon (whom I first saw in Jet Li's Danny the Dog) as Atti's daughter Octavia, Kenneth Cranham (Jimmy from Layer Cake) as Pompey, Kevin McKidd (from Trainspotting and Dog Soldiers) as Luscious, Polly Walker as Atia and Ray Stevenson as Titus.
To add to the authenticity, the series was shot at Cinecitta Studios in Rome. This gives the series an extra flavor. I highly recommend this series, but only for those that can stomach graphic sex, violence and a lot of the Queen's English. It is currently my favorite show, and wishing it could last 1000 years.
-Celluloid Rehab
Bring Rome Back!
crazygracie0712 December 2014
WHY was this series canceled?!!! While waiting for the new season of Game of Thrones to return, my husband and I started watching Rome on demand to stave off our epic genre addiction and we Love it! We were so disappointed to find out that it had been canceled! What a shame and only 2 seasons? Why?
Fans FYI: Having never heard of the characters Vorenus and Pullo, I assumed they were probably fictional characters but I did some digging and found that Vorenus and Pullo are only semi-fictional characters and were two of the very few plebeians/soldiers mentioned by Caesar in his writings, whose names appear as 'Titus Pulcio' and 'Lucius Varenus'. The first mention of Varenus and Pulcio comes in Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic War.
Caesar tells us that the camp of the XIII legion was attacked by the Nervii in 54 BC and was about to be overrun. Pulcio jumped the ramparts to fight hand-to-hand with the Nervii. Varenus, not wanting Pulcio to reap all the glory, then jumps the ramparts too, killing many of enemy. As a demonstration of "brotherly love" and comradeship, they each save the other's life at certain points during the fight. Caesar said it was impossible to decide who was braver.
HBO, PLEASE bring Rome back!
Fans FYI: Having never heard of the characters Vorenus and Pullo, I assumed they were probably fictional characters but I did some digging and found that Vorenus and Pullo are only semi-fictional characters and were two of the very few plebeians/soldiers mentioned by Caesar in his writings, whose names appear as 'Titus Pulcio' and 'Lucius Varenus'. The first mention of Varenus and Pulcio comes in Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic War.
Caesar tells us that the camp of the XIII legion was attacked by the Nervii in 54 BC and was about to be overrun. Pulcio jumped the ramparts to fight hand-to-hand with the Nervii. Varenus, not wanting Pulcio to reap all the glory, then jumps the ramparts too, killing many of enemy. As a demonstration of "brotherly love" and comradeship, they each save the other's life at certain points during the fight. Caesar said it was impossible to decide who was braver.
HBO, PLEASE bring Rome back!
Dark and compelling entertainment, though not very accurate
MartinPh5 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
The ingredients do not necessarily suggest a successful TV-series. There's extreme, relentless, at times mind numbing violence, graphically depicted; barely a single sympathetic character is in sight; there is not the slightest hint of anything humoristic (well, except for Ian McNeices delicious newsreader); and as always actual historical fact is twisted and turned into something that may be suitable for entertainment purposes but rather (over)stretches credulity at times one wonders why, because it's not as if these people actually were a dull bunch leading uneventful lives. Yet "Rome" is strangely haunting and compelling. Often it does a good job of transporting the viewer to a world unencumbered by Christian sensitivities, particularly in its love of bloodsports, its dealings with slaves, and its relaxed attitude to sex and public nudity. Full frontal male nudity is not eschewed, still the final frontier in film-making. Also, and more importantly, "Rome" conveys the constant sense of tension, intrigue and threat dominating the lives of those in power. Finally, a fairly good job was done of giving a realistic impression of the city itself in those final decades before the birth of Christ. It is, however, weird and rather silly that the characters speak English but throw in occasional Latin. Typically, many of the main dramatic historical events are not shown, but only told in flashback. For instance, we do not witness Mark Antony's finest hour, his eulogy at Caesar's funeral, that swayed Roman public opinion against the assassins. Several decisive battles, including that of Actium, are also conveniently skipped.
The story is told from the vantage point of two soldiers, one eventually rising through the ranks, the other only finding a settled existence towards the end. Both are, though in name only, based on historical characters. Gruff and dutiful Lucius Vorenus is haunted by personal tragedy. He struggles with his role as a father and his allegiance to a loosing party, that of Mark Antony; struggles that at one point will land him as the leader of a band of hired assassins. His unlikely friend Titus Pullo leads an aimless existence that never manages to be carefree and that only gains some focus whenever some fighting is to be done. The plot has been constructed around the far-out premise that the whole birth of the Roman Empire pivoted on the actions of these two men, rather than those of Julius Caesar and his ilk. The idea has been woven into the story so tightly and cleverly that it is surprisingly easy to suspend disbelief.
The first season is the more consistent and compelling of the two, dealing with the battle between Julius Caesar and Magnus Pompey. The strife between the families of Caesar and Brutus is exemplified by their two matrons Atia and Servilia, both in their way as vicious and devious a schemer as you're ever likely to see. The development of the relationship between Vorenus and Niobe is believable and quite touching. The second season then depicts the power struggle between Mark Antony and Gaius Octavian, and introduces the exotic element of Egypt, where Cleopatra's court appears to be some kind of whorehouse and the Queen herself a scantily dressed upmarket prostitute. Halfway through this season the story start to get ragged, and some plot lines hang by a precariously thin thread (the way Vorenus discovers his daughter's betrayal is like something out of an uninspired Miss Marple episode). A Jewish subplot is randomly tacked on and feels like a cumbersome invention to burden the story with irrelevant premonitions of Christ. Furthermore, it doesn't help that a substantial number of the more interesting characters, notably Cicero, Servilia and Brutus, are killed off. The "Xena, Warrior Princess"- act of Gaia in the battle of the Collegia is probably the low point of the series. Fortunately, things are pulled together for the final episodes, where the story is satisfyingly wrapped up and the viewer is indeed left, in Octavian's words, with the sense of having traveled a long road.
History buffs will find ample cause to be annoyed nonetheless. Many events are fabricated, characters are missing (where are Octavia's husband Claudius Marcellus, Atia's husband Lucius Phillippus and Marc Anthony's wife Fulvia?), people weren't really in the places where we see them at the moment we see them there (Caesar wasn't killed in the Senate, Cicero wasn't killed at home), and several details of costume and ritual are anachronistic or invented. Alexandria is shown as some rustic backwater rather than the dazzling metropolis it was. Characters are sometimes almost insultingly distorted. Cicero wasn't the abject hypocrite and coward he's been made into by the makers of the series. He delivered the Philippics against Antony himself, and was a figure of great power and huge popularity. Atia gets even worse treatment: described by Tacitus as one of the most admired and devout matrons of Rome, who couldn't bear crude language and was deeply serious, she is turned into a foul-mouthed, violent she-devil. Generally speaking it is a pity that most of the characters are rather flat and stereotyped. It sometime makes it hard to believe when they do change, as when the cynical libertine Mark Antony suddenly waxes philosophical after loosing the battle of Actium. Easily the most complex, fascinating and moving character in the series is that of Brutus, played with consummate skill and total conviction by Tobias Menzies. It is a great pity that the scriptwriters did not retain for him his dignified suicidal death, but instead have him madly confront an entire legion on his own, and die a death mirroring that of Caesar the symbolism is very trite. Such concerns may seem academic, but in this TV-dominated age its only too likely that many will think that after watching "Rome" they actually know something of Roman history. Not so but they will have been splendidly entertained.
The story is told from the vantage point of two soldiers, one eventually rising through the ranks, the other only finding a settled existence towards the end. Both are, though in name only, based on historical characters. Gruff and dutiful Lucius Vorenus is haunted by personal tragedy. He struggles with his role as a father and his allegiance to a loosing party, that of Mark Antony; struggles that at one point will land him as the leader of a band of hired assassins. His unlikely friend Titus Pullo leads an aimless existence that never manages to be carefree and that only gains some focus whenever some fighting is to be done. The plot has been constructed around the far-out premise that the whole birth of the Roman Empire pivoted on the actions of these two men, rather than those of Julius Caesar and his ilk. The idea has been woven into the story so tightly and cleverly that it is surprisingly easy to suspend disbelief.
The first season is the more consistent and compelling of the two, dealing with the battle between Julius Caesar and Magnus Pompey. The strife between the families of Caesar and Brutus is exemplified by their two matrons Atia and Servilia, both in their way as vicious and devious a schemer as you're ever likely to see. The development of the relationship between Vorenus and Niobe is believable and quite touching. The second season then depicts the power struggle between Mark Antony and Gaius Octavian, and introduces the exotic element of Egypt, where Cleopatra's court appears to be some kind of whorehouse and the Queen herself a scantily dressed upmarket prostitute. Halfway through this season the story start to get ragged, and some plot lines hang by a precariously thin thread (the way Vorenus discovers his daughter's betrayal is like something out of an uninspired Miss Marple episode). A Jewish subplot is randomly tacked on and feels like a cumbersome invention to burden the story with irrelevant premonitions of Christ. Furthermore, it doesn't help that a substantial number of the more interesting characters, notably Cicero, Servilia and Brutus, are killed off. The "Xena, Warrior Princess"- act of Gaia in the battle of the Collegia is probably the low point of the series. Fortunately, things are pulled together for the final episodes, where the story is satisfyingly wrapped up and the viewer is indeed left, in Octavian's words, with the sense of having traveled a long road.
History buffs will find ample cause to be annoyed nonetheless. Many events are fabricated, characters are missing (where are Octavia's husband Claudius Marcellus, Atia's husband Lucius Phillippus and Marc Anthony's wife Fulvia?), people weren't really in the places where we see them at the moment we see them there (Caesar wasn't killed in the Senate, Cicero wasn't killed at home), and several details of costume and ritual are anachronistic or invented. Alexandria is shown as some rustic backwater rather than the dazzling metropolis it was. Characters are sometimes almost insultingly distorted. Cicero wasn't the abject hypocrite and coward he's been made into by the makers of the series. He delivered the Philippics against Antony himself, and was a figure of great power and huge popularity. Atia gets even worse treatment: described by Tacitus as one of the most admired and devout matrons of Rome, who couldn't bear crude language and was deeply serious, she is turned into a foul-mouthed, violent she-devil. Generally speaking it is a pity that most of the characters are rather flat and stereotyped. It sometime makes it hard to believe when they do change, as when the cynical libertine Mark Antony suddenly waxes philosophical after loosing the battle of Actium. Easily the most complex, fascinating and moving character in the series is that of Brutus, played with consummate skill and total conviction by Tobias Menzies. It is a great pity that the scriptwriters did not retain for him his dignified suicidal death, but instead have him madly confront an entire legion on his own, and die a death mirroring that of Caesar the symbolism is very trite. Such concerns may seem academic, but in this TV-dominated age its only too likely that many will think that after watching "Rome" they actually know something of Roman history. Not so but they will have been splendidly entertained.
A considerable achievement
Andy-2966 January 2012
Warning: Spoilers
HBO's Rome two seasons (originally shown in the years 2005-2007) covers in twenty two episodes the twenty two year period between the battle of Alesia in 52 BC and the aftermath to the battle of Actium in 30 BC (Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BC is shown at the end of the first season and the beginning of the second season). While several plot threads runs through the series, basically the first season is about how Caesar rose to hold absolute power (defeating rivals like Pompey) just before being murdered, while the second season tell us how after Caesar's death, a struggle began between Octavian (later emperor Augustus) and Mark Antony to fill the power void generated by Caesar's death.
The series is centered round the lives of two friends and comrades from the campaign in Gaul, the hot tempered Vorenus (played by Kevin McKidd, who looks a lot like Daniel Craig) and the more amiable Pullo (played by Ray Stevenson, who looks a bit like Mel Gibson and another bit like Russell Crowe) They both existed historically (two centurions bearing those names are mentioned in Caesar's Commentaries on the War in Gaul), but little else is known about them, so most of what is shown in the TV series is invented. The rest of the cast is mostly British, none of them very famous (most of them come from a BBC high drama/theatrical background) but they mostly acquit themselves fine: James Purefoy particularly excels as the slimy, edgy Mark Antony; David Bamber is a fine Cicero, so is Polly Walker as the scheming matron Attia. The gorgeous Kerry Condon impresses as the young, promiscuous Octavia, while Ciaran Hinds is good in his understated performance as Julius Caesar.
With the obvious exception of having the Romans speak in English (there is always something ridiculous about movies where Romans deliver obscenities in a Cockney accent) real care was taken by the filmmakers to make this series as historically accurate as possible.
The production values are considerable. Still, since they didn't have an enormous budget, the filmmakers decided not to film huge crowd scenes, concentrating instead on smaller, more intimate scenes. Thus Mark Antony's funeral oration of Caesar is referred to but not shown, and with the exception of the battle of Philippi none of the other battles of the era is recreated. Despite this smaller scope, this miniseries represents a considerable achievement, a triumph both of popular and intelligent entertainment and scholarship.
The series is centered round the lives of two friends and comrades from the campaign in Gaul, the hot tempered Vorenus (played by Kevin McKidd, who looks a lot like Daniel Craig) and the more amiable Pullo (played by Ray Stevenson, who looks a bit like Mel Gibson and another bit like Russell Crowe) They both existed historically (two centurions bearing those names are mentioned in Caesar's Commentaries on the War in Gaul), but little else is known about them, so most of what is shown in the TV series is invented. The rest of the cast is mostly British, none of them very famous (most of them come from a BBC high drama/theatrical background) but they mostly acquit themselves fine: James Purefoy particularly excels as the slimy, edgy Mark Antony; David Bamber is a fine Cicero, so is Polly Walker as the scheming matron Attia. The gorgeous Kerry Condon impresses as the young, promiscuous Octavia, while Ciaran Hinds is good in his understated performance as Julius Caesar.
With the obvious exception of having the Romans speak in English (there is always something ridiculous about movies where Romans deliver obscenities in a Cockney accent) real care was taken by the filmmakers to make this series as historically accurate as possible.
The production values are considerable. Still, since they didn't have an enormous budget, the filmmakers decided not to film huge crowd scenes, concentrating instead on smaller, more intimate scenes. Thus Mark Antony's funeral oration of Caesar is referred to but not shown, and with the exception of the battle of Philippi none of the other battles of the era is recreated. Despite this smaller scope, this miniseries represents a considerable achievement, a triumph both of popular and intelligent entertainment and scholarship.
Lacks a certain charm, maybe because its too crowded
akwonghuynh30 July 2015
This story is much like a vaudeville, it has comedy, drama, romance, and adventure. Right off the bat, it would appeal to quite a very wide audience.
However, it does feel very crowded. Not only are there a lot of characters, but there are a lot of plot points and genres to contend with. Without a central character or a theme, I did lose interest in the series many times. One moment I'm watching two soldiers trying to survive on some desolate island, the next moment my eyes were assaulted by a flurry of orgies... this is a HBO production after all. Aside from a few characters, it was a bit difficult to care for everyone else since each episode switched sceneries so many times. However during a war arc, the narrative does focus and everything becomes all the more enticing.
Despite the drawbacks of this series, it has pays attention to detail and authenticity. Despite how rare battle scenes are, this movie stays true to form and doesn't make their characters have superhuman fighting abilities. Everything feels grounded, and the threats always feel real. However, right at the moment I'm caught up in the struggles of one character, the vibe is instantly killed when the narrative changes to another scene.
Overall, if you like a bit of history, a lot of sex without the courting part of romance, and gratuitous violence, this is the TV show for you. But for someone like me who enjoys the intricacies of ancient battles and politics, "Rome" feels lacking.
However, it does feel very crowded. Not only are there a lot of characters, but there are a lot of plot points and genres to contend with. Without a central character or a theme, I did lose interest in the series many times. One moment I'm watching two soldiers trying to survive on some desolate island, the next moment my eyes were assaulted by a flurry of orgies... this is a HBO production after all. Aside from a few characters, it was a bit difficult to care for everyone else since each episode switched sceneries so many times. However during a war arc, the narrative does focus and everything becomes all the more enticing.
Despite the drawbacks of this series, it has pays attention to detail and authenticity. Despite how rare battle scenes are, this movie stays true to form and doesn't make their characters have superhuman fighting abilities. Everything feels grounded, and the threats always feel real. However, right at the moment I'm caught up in the struggles of one character, the vibe is instantly killed when the narrative changes to another scene.
Overall, if you like a bit of history, a lot of sex without the courting part of romance, and gratuitous violence, this is the TV show for you. But for someone like me who enjoys the intricacies of ancient battles and politics, "Rome" feels lacking.
Could have been better... sadly, the best ancient Roman movie/series out there yet
phenomynouss14 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Much of HBO's "Rome" is quite inaccurate. Aside from the leaving out of many strategic movements (specifically during the civil war), a battle in which Caesar was badly defeated, only to come back around at Pharsalus, sadly, this is the best Ancient Roman movie/mini-series out so far. Both versions of "Spartacus" are laughably inaccurate, the many dud TV "Julius Caesar" shows are long forgotten in public memory, and "Gladiator" may have been action-packed and good to look at, but was in the end just a Hollywood action flick.
"Rome" is perhaps the most accurate looking, realistic feeling depiction of the end of the Republic Rome and of Pompeius and Caesar. Being a history expert myself, I can't help but concentrate on the historical inaccuracies, but was well pleased with the accuracies they've taken.
Accuracies: - The (only) battle scene in the beginning follows suit with Roman battle style of staying in formation rather than wandering around like barbarians as in "Gladiator" - The streets of Rome look properly filthy and crowded, but with a definite "Roman" feel to them - The use of Caesar's proper name "Gaius", and his full name "Gaius Julius Caesar" rather than dwelling upon the "Julius Caesar" which has so plagued modern depictions of him (the equivalent of calling a modern-day 3 named person by their last two names only: Earl Jones, Love Hewitt, Dallas Howard, Day Lewis, etc) - The accurate depiction of Caesar not as benevolent, but rather cool and calculating--always thinking of his own benefit and the people first - The proper unfolding of the assassination scene (as in leaving out the cliché "et tu, Brute?" line, and such) - The portrayal of Antonius as a vicious brute
Inaccuracies: - Significant lack of key players in the Optimates (the good men opposing Caesar) such as Bibulus, Titus Labienus, Lentulus Crus and Lentulus Spinther, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, etc - Portrayal of Cato as an old man (he was only in his 40s at the time) - The "dumbing down" of the conflict between Caesar and the Optimates (giving the audience the idea that they warred because Pompeius was jealous of Caesar gaining the love of the people. In actuality, it ran far deeper and far terribly more complex than that--but not too complex for dramatic depiction) - Confusion of Servilia and her relationship with Caesar and Atia, confusion of Brutus's relationship with Caesar (he was never his close friend---he in fact hated him at some times) - The depiction of Cleopatra as some sort of opium junky - Confusion of Marcus Tullius Cicero's role in the Optimates and Caesar - Legion confusion (Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus were never in the Thirteenth Legion after the Gallic Wars ended, and the Thirteenth was never Caesar's favorite---that distinction went to the Tenth) - Octavian's true name is Gaius Octavius---Octavian is not a real Roman name, perhaps bearing resemblance to "Octavianus", which is the name Octavius much later adopted as part of his adopted name "Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus" and later Augustus - Octavius was much younger during this period of time than depicted---he was 18 when Caesar died, only 13 during the endpoint of the Gallic wars - Lack of mention of Marcus Crassus (Caesar's friend, who died only a year before the show starts), and complete lack of mention of Gaius Marius and Lucius Cornelius Sulla (save for a barely caught mention of "the last dictator"), both of whom had a tremendous impact on Roman society at the time---indeed, they feared Caesar's dictatorship specifically because they feared he might proscribe, as Sulla did - Leaves out Caesars march on the Spains before following Pompeius to Greece - Pompeius left Greece with some of his comrades, the Lentuli Crus and Spinther, etc - Pompeius had an adult son with him during the Civil war, and even at Pharsalus - At no point after Julia's death did Caesar attempt to have Pompeius re-marry into his family - Atia had a husband during this time--Lucius Marcius Philippus - The treasury was never emptied at any time---this was of catastrophic cost to Pompeius, as Lentulus Crus forgot to empty the treasury as they all fled Rome, thus leaving its wealth to Caesar's use, while Pompeius was forced to squeeze his provinces in the East and sell much of his wealth in Italy to fund the war - Caesar's eagle(s) were never stolen - Absolutely no mention whatsoever of Caesar's mother Aurelia, who died a month or so after Julia's death - Cato left for Africa before Pharsalus - The final battle with Vercingetorix was not a traditional battle as depicted in the first episode, but a massive siege assault on Alesia, in which Caesar was nearly defeated were it not for his luck, his men's hardiness, and the enemy's collective confusion and disconnection - Metellus Scipio was not with Pompeius as he fled to Greece---he was in Syria, and pulled up the two legions stationed there to meet Pompeius, reaching them before Pharsalus - After Pompeius's death, the civil war did not die down--there was still resistance to be put down in Africa, mostly, as well as other Eastern regions - Vercingetorix would never have allowed Romans to touch him when he surrendered to Caesar - Vercingetorix and Caesar had actually had a history together before Alesia, and had known each other by name. Thus, the introduction of Vercingetorix to Caesar was unnecessary - Marcus Cicero's brother Quintus was strongly for Caesar, thus the two would have quarreled fiercely, along with Cicero's son and wife on his side, and Quintus's son and wife on his
"Rome" is perhaps the most accurate looking, realistic feeling depiction of the end of the Republic Rome and of Pompeius and Caesar. Being a history expert myself, I can't help but concentrate on the historical inaccuracies, but was well pleased with the accuracies they've taken.
Accuracies: - The (only) battle scene in the beginning follows suit with Roman battle style of staying in formation rather than wandering around like barbarians as in "Gladiator" - The streets of Rome look properly filthy and crowded, but with a definite "Roman" feel to them - The use of Caesar's proper name "Gaius", and his full name "Gaius Julius Caesar" rather than dwelling upon the "Julius Caesar" which has so plagued modern depictions of him (the equivalent of calling a modern-day 3 named person by their last two names only: Earl Jones, Love Hewitt, Dallas Howard, Day Lewis, etc) - The accurate depiction of Caesar not as benevolent, but rather cool and calculating--always thinking of his own benefit and the people first - The proper unfolding of the assassination scene (as in leaving out the cliché "et tu, Brute?" line, and such) - The portrayal of Antonius as a vicious brute
Inaccuracies: - Significant lack of key players in the Optimates (the good men opposing Caesar) such as Bibulus, Titus Labienus, Lentulus Crus and Lentulus Spinther, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, etc - Portrayal of Cato as an old man (he was only in his 40s at the time) - The "dumbing down" of the conflict between Caesar and the Optimates (giving the audience the idea that they warred because Pompeius was jealous of Caesar gaining the love of the people. In actuality, it ran far deeper and far terribly more complex than that--but not too complex for dramatic depiction) - Confusion of Servilia and her relationship with Caesar and Atia, confusion of Brutus's relationship with Caesar (he was never his close friend---he in fact hated him at some times) - The depiction of Cleopatra as some sort of opium junky - Confusion of Marcus Tullius Cicero's role in the Optimates and Caesar - Legion confusion (Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus were never in the Thirteenth Legion after the Gallic Wars ended, and the Thirteenth was never Caesar's favorite---that distinction went to the Tenth) - Octavian's true name is Gaius Octavius---Octavian is not a real Roman name, perhaps bearing resemblance to "Octavianus", which is the name Octavius much later adopted as part of his adopted name "Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus" and later Augustus - Octavius was much younger during this period of time than depicted---he was 18 when Caesar died, only 13 during the endpoint of the Gallic wars - Lack of mention of Marcus Crassus (Caesar's friend, who died only a year before the show starts), and complete lack of mention of Gaius Marius and Lucius Cornelius Sulla (save for a barely caught mention of "the last dictator"), both of whom had a tremendous impact on Roman society at the time---indeed, they feared Caesar's dictatorship specifically because they feared he might proscribe, as Sulla did - Leaves out Caesars march on the Spains before following Pompeius to Greece - Pompeius left Greece with some of his comrades, the Lentuli Crus and Spinther, etc - Pompeius had an adult son with him during the Civil war, and even at Pharsalus - At no point after Julia's death did Caesar attempt to have Pompeius re-marry into his family - Atia had a husband during this time--Lucius Marcius Philippus - The treasury was never emptied at any time---this was of catastrophic cost to Pompeius, as Lentulus Crus forgot to empty the treasury as they all fled Rome, thus leaving its wealth to Caesar's use, while Pompeius was forced to squeeze his provinces in the East and sell much of his wealth in Italy to fund the war - Caesar's eagle(s) were never stolen - Absolutely no mention whatsoever of Caesar's mother Aurelia, who died a month or so after Julia's death - Cato left for Africa before Pharsalus - The final battle with Vercingetorix was not a traditional battle as depicted in the first episode, but a massive siege assault on Alesia, in which Caesar was nearly defeated were it not for his luck, his men's hardiness, and the enemy's collective confusion and disconnection - Metellus Scipio was not with Pompeius as he fled to Greece---he was in Syria, and pulled up the two legions stationed there to meet Pompeius, reaching them before Pharsalus - After Pompeius's death, the civil war did not die down--there was still resistance to be put down in Africa, mostly, as well as other Eastern regions - Vercingetorix would never have allowed Romans to touch him when he surrendered to Caesar - Vercingetorix and Caesar had actually had a history together before Alesia, and had known each other by name. Thus, the introduction of Vercingetorix to Caesar was unnecessary - Marcus Cicero's brother Quintus was strongly for Caesar, thus the two would have quarreled fiercely, along with Cicero's son and wife on his side, and Quintus's son and wife on his
"ROME" If You Want To...
cchase28 August 2005
Warning: Spoilers
And if the premiere episode is any indication, you WILL want to. Leave it to HBO, to replace the dearly departed SIX FEET UNDER with a worthy substitute already. And considering how outstanding that series was, that's saying something for ROME, that it may be able to measure up to how far the bar has been raised for dramatic series in a premium cable format.
Ten years in the planning and production, as lavish, sprawling, deep, dark and deviously, deliciously decadent as anything of its like, ROME combines historical figures with equally compelling fictional side characters, many of whom show us what it was like through their eyes, to bear witness to the heady rise and staggeringly shocking fall of one of the greatest empires in history.
For those who like their summaries simple, you only need to know that the core of the doings in ROME is comprised of three major stories: the contentious relationship between Roman movers and shakers Magnus Pompey (Kenneth Cranham) and Gaius Julius Caesar (Ciaran Hinds), which grows even more fractious when Pompey's wife Julia, also Caesar's daughter, dies in childbirth. Then there's Roman centurions Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson), two complex men struggling to do their duty and buck their fates as pawns in the machinations of the two leaders to which each is separately loyal, while testing the bond of their own tentative friendship, as much as the complications within their lives will allow.
And, oh yes, what would any man be without the support of a good woman behind him...hopefully not with a dagger in her hand? In this case the women would be Atia (Polly Walker), an ambitious socialite and political strategist who makes Lady Macbeth look like a rank amateur, and Servilia (Lindsay Duncan), whose sweet and civilized demeanor more than likely hides the cunning and ruthlessness of a cobra. Oh, and does it bode well that Caesar is her secret lover, and that his confidant and friend, Cassius Brutus is also Servilia's son?
Webs are being woven and plots are being planned even in the first few moments, and the mostly British cast is well up to the task (the series is produced in conjunction with the BBC). It's also a great sign that not all the heavy hitters are among the cast of characters, but also behind-the-scenes as well, (Michael Apted and John Milius are vital parts of the creative team, and directorial chores are being handled by everyone from Allen Coulter (THE SOPRANOS) to Alan Poul (SIX FEET UNDER).) Plus the sets which dominate the bulk of the world-renowned Cinecitta Studios in Rome itself have a startlingly authentic feel. Every penny of the $100 million-plus budget is apparent on screen and was well worth spending.
Speaking of which, my TiVo is already set for the next episodes. Looks like Sundays will be well worth spending here, too.
Ten years in the planning and production, as lavish, sprawling, deep, dark and deviously, deliciously decadent as anything of its like, ROME combines historical figures with equally compelling fictional side characters, many of whom show us what it was like through their eyes, to bear witness to the heady rise and staggeringly shocking fall of one of the greatest empires in history.
For those who like their summaries simple, you only need to know that the core of the doings in ROME is comprised of three major stories: the contentious relationship between Roman movers and shakers Magnus Pompey (Kenneth Cranham) and Gaius Julius Caesar (Ciaran Hinds), which grows even more fractious when Pompey's wife Julia, also Caesar's daughter, dies in childbirth. Then there's Roman centurions Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson), two complex men struggling to do their duty and buck their fates as pawns in the machinations of the two leaders to which each is separately loyal, while testing the bond of their own tentative friendship, as much as the complications within their lives will allow.
And, oh yes, what would any man be without the support of a good woman behind him...hopefully not with a dagger in her hand? In this case the women would be Atia (Polly Walker), an ambitious socialite and political strategist who makes Lady Macbeth look like a rank amateur, and Servilia (Lindsay Duncan), whose sweet and civilized demeanor more than likely hides the cunning and ruthlessness of a cobra. Oh, and does it bode well that Caesar is her secret lover, and that his confidant and friend, Cassius Brutus is also Servilia's son?
Webs are being woven and plots are being planned even in the first few moments, and the mostly British cast is well up to the task (the series is produced in conjunction with the BBC). It's also a great sign that not all the heavy hitters are among the cast of characters, but also behind-the-scenes as well, (Michael Apted and John Milius are vital parts of the creative team, and directorial chores are being handled by everyone from Allen Coulter (THE SOPRANOS) to Alan Poul (SIX FEET UNDER).) Plus the sets which dominate the bulk of the world-renowned Cinecitta Studios in Rome itself have a startlingly authentic feel. Every penny of the $100 million-plus budget is apparent on screen and was well worth spending.
Speaking of which, my TiVo is already set for the next episodes. Looks like Sundays will be well worth spending here, too.
One of the Best Historical Series
tkdlifemagazine6 September 2022
This was one of the most exciting and historically interesting series on HBO. It was a shame that it only lasted two seasons. This look at the Rise and Fall of Julius Caesar during the Roman Empire was so interesting, historically accurate, and attended to details. The series was framed as being seen through the eyes of two Roman Centurians mentioned in a speech of Julius Casear in real life is engaging from moment one. It is also filled with explicit sex and violence. The Direction and cinematography are worthy of any motion picture. The costumes are wonderful. The acting is top notch by the lead and supporting cast. This is how historical series should be done.
Very well done
jestak18 April 2022
I loved this series. It was well written, well acted, and fairly close to historically accurate as possible, everything considered. It was an expensive series, and you can tell. The quality of the sets, the exterior scenes...so well done. I laugh at the detractors, I mock them.
This is NOT a documentary. Get over it. I loved this production, from start to finish. Well worth watching, and I've seen it probably 20 times.
This is NOT a documentary. Get over it. I loved this production, from start to finish. Well worth watching, and I've seen it probably 20 times.
Amazing Series....
reacharif21 January 2012
I saw the ROME Series, Both Season 1 & 2, in a weeks time.. And the last four episodes, in one go.. Such was my addiction to this splendid series that, I am still awestruck...
Kudos to the production house "HBO", for coming out with an extra - ordinary series worth every bit.. To start with, the cast was spectacular.. It was a sheer magic.. Every artist came up with such a captivating performance and it is bound to leave the mark... The actors, support crew, the newsreader (you would love him and start imitating his way immediately), the ladies... You name it and you have it in this series...
I had to wait an eternity to get my hands on this series.. My favorite characters, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo were the best.. The way, their friendship has been portrayed will leave an indelible mark on the audience for long time... You cannot imagine these two characters being donned by anyone else... In my opinion, they were the real heroes..
Ciarán Hinds as Julius Ceaser was amazing.. He carried his role effortlessly and with such a brilliance.. Lyndsey Marshal as Cleopatra was stunning.. Her mere presence ignites the frame to perfection... Boy, I was just carried away.. Such a beauty... James Purefoy as Mark Antony was portrayed brilliantly.. He justified his role more than anyone.. Awesome...
Even though, each episode has been directed by different people, they have been construed so well, that, the entire epic series is carried effortlessly... The continuity of thought has been maintained to perfection...
Brutus with his audacious voice was terrific... He was Brutus indeed...
My verdict: A perfect 10 on 10... Go ahead and watch the enigmatic series ever to be made... And be mesmerized like me... !!!
Kudos to the production house "HBO", for coming out with an extra - ordinary series worth every bit.. To start with, the cast was spectacular.. It was a sheer magic.. Every artist came up with such a captivating performance and it is bound to leave the mark... The actors, support crew, the newsreader (you would love him and start imitating his way immediately), the ladies... You name it and you have it in this series...
I had to wait an eternity to get my hands on this series.. My favorite characters, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo were the best.. The way, their friendship has been portrayed will leave an indelible mark on the audience for long time... You cannot imagine these two characters being donned by anyone else... In my opinion, they were the real heroes..
Ciarán Hinds as Julius Ceaser was amazing.. He carried his role effortlessly and with such a brilliance.. Lyndsey Marshal as Cleopatra was stunning.. Her mere presence ignites the frame to perfection... Boy, I was just carried away.. Such a beauty... James Purefoy as Mark Antony was portrayed brilliantly.. He justified his role more than anyone.. Awesome...
Even though, each episode has been directed by different people, they have been construed so well, that, the entire epic series is carried effortlessly... The continuity of thought has been maintained to perfection...
Brutus with his audacious voice was terrific... He was Brutus indeed...
My verdict: A perfect 10 on 10... Go ahead and watch the enigmatic series ever to be made... And be mesmerized like me... !!!
Guardians of the Galaxy
bemyfriend-4018428 October 2021
A couple of years ago, I saw Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. It was kind of childish. Then, out of curiosity, I watched a clipping of HBO's Game of Thrones, on YouTube. It was so much more mature and intelligent than the Marvel film. I borrowed the Game of Throne series DVD's, from my local public library; and binged all eight seasons. At the time, I thought it was the best series to ever be shown on TV. That is, until I saw Rome, on Tubi; the free streaming site. Sorry this isn't a helpful review. But Rome is great. I loved this series. Binge-watch it, if you can.
Rome Series 1......Gladiator has met it's match
Jackie-Kennedy14 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Historical dramas,as a rule, are very hit and miss. While they can look stunning most will suffer from a lack of drama. And it will always be a challenge to bring to life the movers and shakers of history accurately. Just look and Troy and Alexander.While both were visually stunning they lacked depth(Alexander) and and historical accuracy(Troy).
So needless to say, as a student of Classics, when I heard about Rome for the first time I was unsure what to expect. Is it really possible to do justice accurately to the most colorful and action-packed period of Roman history? In a word YES. Rome is a perfect example of how do it right. It has something for everyone; Action,drama,suspense,humor,weepy bits,sex, romance, murder, violence, beautiful women and handsome men and historical accuracy for the most part anyway.
The story begins at a crucial period of Roman history, the conflict between Gnaeus Pompey Magnus ( Pompey the Great) and the most famous Roman of them all, Gaius Julius Caeser. The balance of power is shifting as Caeser, after his hugely successful campaign in Gaul is gaining popularity with the Plebs( ordinary people).
The tale is told through the eyes of two ordinary soldiers in Caeser's army, Centurian Lucius Vorenus and Legionnare Titus Pullo of the Thriteenth Legion. These two ordinary are thrust into the center of the conflict as Republic hangs in the balance, while dealing with their own personal issues. They come into contact with some of the biggest names of the day like Marc Antony, Caeser's right hand man and Gaius Octavian who will became Rome's first Emperor Augustus.
The series covers the beginnings of the conflict between Caeser and Pompey and continues up to the death of Caeser in the Senate House The performances are top notch. The stellar cast includes the wonderful Ciaran Hinds as Caeser, driven, proud and noble. Kenneth Cranham is on fine form as Pompey, Caeser's put upon former friend.
Special mention to James Purefoy as Antony. He brings to life the larger than life character you meet on the pages of Plutarch, rude,vulgar, selfish,brave, passionate, hilarious and it must be said impossibly handsome.
The tough ruthless Lucius Vorenus is played by Kevin McKidd in a role built for him. Ray Stevenson amazes as loyal lovable rogue Pullo. Other top performances include young Max Pirkis as Octavian. He clever, watchful and calculating, a shadow of what he is later to become.Kerry Condon as his sister Octavia and Polly Walker as his driven ambitious, often cruel Mother Atia are excellent.
On fine form also are Tobias Menzes as Brutus and Lindsay Duncan as Servilla. David Bamber as the famous Orator Cicero delivers one of his best performances yet. There is also a fine support cast including Indira Varmha as Vorenus' wife Niobe and Lee Boardman as the Horse-tamer Timon.
The sets are lush and almost fantastical but also realistic from the peace of the countryside to the hustle and bustle of the form and the grandeur of the Patrican homes. The sets are as authentic and historically correct as possible so that one really feels that one is there in Rome at this historical milestone.
Most of the larger events such as Caeser's death are as history tells us. Some artistic license has been taken. For example while Pullo and Vorenus are actual people their stories as told here are fictionalized as is the relationship between Antony and Atia. Nevertheless as a whole the piece is a top notch epic and worthy of all the praise it gets.Any fictionalized areas simply add to the story and help it flow.
This is how historical dramas should be done ; realistic and interesting with characters true to life and engaging, top notch script and fantastic acting.
Gladiator has met it's match.
So needless to say, as a student of Classics, when I heard about Rome for the first time I was unsure what to expect. Is it really possible to do justice accurately to the most colorful and action-packed period of Roman history? In a word YES. Rome is a perfect example of how do it right. It has something for everyone; Action,drama,suspense,humor,weepy bits,sex, romance, murder, violence, beautiful women and handsome men and historical accuracy for the most part anyway.
The story begins at a crucial period of Roman history, the conflict between Gnaeus Pompey Magnus ( Pompey the Great) and the most famous Roman of them all, Gaius Julius Caeser. The balance of power is shifting as Caeser, after his hugely successful campaign in Gaul is gaining popularity with the Plebs( ordinary people).
The tale is told through the eyes of two ordinary soldiers in Caeser's army, Centurian Lucius Vorenus and Legionnare Titus Pullo of the Thriteenth Legion. These two ordinary are thrust into the center of the conflict as Republic hangs in the balance, while dealing with their own personal issues. They come into contact with some of the biggest names of the day like Marc Antony, Caeser's right hand man and Gaius Octavian who will became Rome's first Emperor Augustus.
The series covers the beginnings of the conflict between Caeser and Pompey and continues up to the death of Caeser in the Senate House The performances are top notch. The stellar cast includes the wonderful Ciaran Hinds as Caeser, driven, proud and noble. Kenneth Cranham is on fine form as Pompey, Caeser's put upon former friend.
Special mention to James Purefoy as Antony. He brings to life the larger than life character you meet on the pages of Plutarch, rude,vulgar, selfish,brave, passionate, hilarious and it must be said impossibly handsome.
The tough ruthless Lucius Vorenus is played by Kevin McKidd in a role built for him. Ray Stevenson amazes as loyal lovable rogue Pullo. Other top performances include young Max Pirkis as Octavian. He clever, watchful and calculating, a shadow of what he is later to become.Kerry Condon as his sister Octavia and Polly Walker as his driven ambitious, often cruel Mother Atia are excellent.
On fine form also are Tobias Menzes as Brutus and Lindsay Duncan as Servilla. David Bamber as the famous Orator Cicero delivers one of his best performances yet. There is also a fine support cast including Indira Varmha as Vorenus' wife Niobe and Lee Boardman as the Horse-tamer Timon.
The sets are lush and almost fantastical but also realistic from the peace of the countryside to the hustle and bustle of the form and the grandeur of the Patrican homes. The sets are as authentic and historically correct as possible so that one really feels that one is there in Rome at this historical milestone.
Most of the larger events such as Caeser's death are as history tells us. Some artistic license has been taken. For example while Pullo and Vorenus are actual people their stories as told here are fictionalized as is the relationship between Antony and Atia. Nevertheless as a whole the piece is a top notch epic and worthy of all the praise it gets.Any fictionalized areas simply add to the story and help it flow.
This is how historical dramas should be done ; realistic and interesting with characters true to life and engaging, top notch script and fantastic acting.
Gladiator has met it's match.
One of the best shows of all time
lulzrawr14 January 2021
This show is excellent from start to finish. It is the only show that I loved so much that I rushed out to buy the box-set. The acting, all of the casting, the story and character development, the sets, everything was superb. The only point against it is that it ended too soon, it should have been renewed for a few more seasons.
Game of Thrones in Rome
DLochner7 July 2020
Rome is a great series that made series like Game of Thrones possible. Despite its age, the series is still worth seeing - for younger viewers who already know brutality from Vikings, game of Thrones or other historical dramas, this series may be boring. I join the latter group. But not because of the brutality, but for me the partly bleak story, which seems exaggerated in today's world.
Meh. Maybe I'm just spoiled by Game of Thrones
bayou_hannibal31 May 2012
I only started subscribing to HBO a few years ago, so I never got to see this show when it was live. However, after watching the first season of Game of Thrones more times than I could count, I wanted something new. I had heard great things about this show, and to my delight, I found the Blu Ray set for Season 1 one day for only 25 bucks. I immediately started watching it with my wife, who loves a lot of the same HBO original series as I do (Sex and the City, The Sopranos, True Blood, Game of Thrones, etc). After watching the first few highly unsatisfying episodes, we looked at each other and my wife said "I'm not captivated". I said, "me neither". Meh. What am I missing here? Why did everyone go completely ga-ga over this series? Was it just fresh at the time? Maybe I'm spoiled by Game of Thrones, so when I see an inferior political/war drama, I can recognize it.
I must be totally missing what made this series so popular. One of the biggest problems is that the script and acting are terrible. This is supposed to be an authentic portrayal of ancient Rome, but it is littered with tons of British slang that sticks out like a sore thumb. The show constantly reminds you that you are not watching actual ancient Rome, but a bunch of British actors acting like one-dimensional, uptight jerks. The show feels like a daytime soap opera, and not the brilliant, realistic narrative that I was expecting. This show makes backstabbing, insulting, and betrayal about as boring as it could possibly be. Julius Caesar comes across to me as just another unemotional stuffy British guy, when he should be a guy that oozes charisma in buckets. This show utterly failed to convince me that this was a genius who led grand armies.
Another major problem with this show is that the most significant events often happen off screen. The worst example of this problem is halfway through the first season when Caesar's army is badly outnumbered and surrounded, and it looks like it's curtains for Julius. But then a massive battle happens off screen, and somehow Caesar wins. How he won is never actually explained. Clever tactics? An inspiring speech? Luck? Weather? All that we know is that the suspense, fear, and drama that was built up during the previous hour was all meaningless. This is a pattern repeated throughout this show. How am I supposed to care about what happens on this show when I don't even get to witness the most significant events? To me, that is like taking the great action scene at the end of "The Road Warrior" out of the movie and replacing it with some voice-over saying "the good guys won". Rome also does a poor job of giving you context for the major historical events that it portrays. I think that it might assume that the viewer is already an expert on ancient history, and it is merely filling in the blanks dramatically. I'm not an expert on ancient history, so I don't understand how Julius Caesar and Magnus Pompey got to be such bitter enemies. I almost felt like my Blu-Ray set was missing five crucial episodes of exposition.
Rome also really goes over the top when it comes to the sex. Rome has about as much sex as True Blood, but unlike that show, the sex in Rome isn't comical, and it usually isn't appropriate for the story either. It is more contrived and gratuitous. In one short scene, we see a Roman soldier nailing some lady from behind against a tree, not having seen how they met or how he seduced her. That was another moment where my wife and I kind of looked at each other like we were missing something.
Rome does at least have a couple of decent plot lines. The stories of the soldiers Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo are entertaining, and they supply the only (effective) comic relief. Vorenus is an uptight guy who can't do much besides fight. He is a lousy husband and he fails as a businessman. Pullo is more of a happy-go-lucky, crowd pleaser, woman pleaser type. The friendship that they strike up is interesting, as is the story of teenage Octavian, who possesses cynicism and knowledge beyond his years.
I watched ten episodes of the first season, and I don't feel all that strongly compelled to finish it. It has its moments, and I find the subject matter interesting despite its bungled presentation. Still, after hearing so much about how great this series was (from people whose opinions I usually agree with), I was very disappointed. I was hoping for a drama about war, politics, and the harshness of ancient life that featured good storytelling and realistic behaviors. In other words, I wanted something as good as Game of Thrones. I guess I'll stick with that.
I must be totally missing what made this series so popular. One of the biggest problems is that the script and acting are terrible. This is supposed to be an authentic portrayal of ancient Rome, but it is littered with tons of British slang that sticks out like a sore thumb. The show constantly reminds you that you are not watching actual ancient Rome, but a bunch of British actors acting like one-dimensional, uptight jerks. The show feels like a daytime soap opera, and not the brilliant, realistic narrative that I was expecting. This show makes backstabbing, insulting, and betrayal about as boring as it could possibly be. Julius Caesar comes across to me as just another unemotional stuffy British guy, when he should be a guy that oozes charisma in buckets. This show utterly failed to convince me that this was a genius who led grand armies.
Another major problem with this show is that the most significant events often happen off screen. The worst example of this problem is halfway through the first season when Caesar's army is badly outnumbered and surrounded, and it looks like it's curtains for Julius. But then a massive battle happens off screen, and somehow Caesar wins. How he won is never actually explained. Clever tactics? An inspiring speech? Luck? Weather? All that we know is that the suspense, fear, and drama that was built up during the previous hour was all meaningless. This is a pattern repeated throughout this show. How am I supposed to care about what happens on this show when I don't even get to witness the most significant events? To me, that is like taking the great action scene at the end of "The Road Warrior" out of the movie and replacing it with some voice-over saying "the good guys won". Rome also does a poor job of giving you context for the major historical events that it portrays. I think that it might assume that the viewer is already an expert on ancient history, and it is merely filling in the blanks dramatically. I'm not an expert on ancient history, so I don't understand how Julius Caesar and Magnus Pompey got to be such bitter enemies. I almost felt like my Blu-Ray set was missing five crucial episodes of exposition.
Rome also really goes over the top when it comes to the sex. Rome has about as much sex as True Blood, but unlike that show, the sex in Rome isn't comical, and it usually isn't appropriate for the story either. It is more contrived and gratuitous. In one short scene, we see a Roman soldier nailing some lady from behind against a tree, not having seen how they met or how he seduced her. That was another moment where my wife and I kind of looked at each other like we were missing something.
Rome does at least have a couple of decent plot lines. The stories of the soldiers Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo are entertaining, and they supply the only (effective) comic relief. Vorenus is an uptight guy who can't do much besides fight. He is a lousy husband and he fails as a businessman. Pullo is more of a happy-go-lucky, crowd pleaser, woman pleaser type. The friendship that they strike up is interesting, as is the story of teenage Octavian, who possesses cynicism and knowledge beyond his years.
I watched ten episodes of the first season, and I don't feel all that strongly compelled to finish it. It has its moments, and I find the subject matter interesting despite its bungled presentation. Still, after hearing so much about how great this series was (from people whose opinions I usually agree with), I was very disappointed. I was hoping for a drama about war, politics, and the harshness of ancient life that featured good storytelling and realistic behaviors. In other words, I wanted something as good as Game of Thrones. I guess I'll stick with that.
Rome for the First Time
kjs9929 August 2005
Great. Loving classical literature and history, and the sometimes ridiculous film genre known as Sword and Sandal, I was thrilled by the first episode - I really feel like I'm getting something very like the grit and feel of the place and the politics for the first time. I've read some stupid comments here that somehow the series is less than authentic because these Romans speak English - and most absurd - that the actors are all too old because the average male died in his 40's. That figure - If true - is skewed tremendously by the fact that many died of childhood maladies that are easily treated today. Many men lived in to their 70's and 80's, especially in the aristocracy. Pompey - one of the oldest in the series - died at something like 58, and his death was anything but natural. Look, some suspension of disbelief is required every time you turn the TV on. I think they've done a great job with this series and I look forward to future episodes.
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