Lacks better second half

Rating: 6/10 (29 August 2010)

I've stopped searching for truth in movies depicting history events long time ago, as none is faithful to it. Well at least one we learned in schools.
But this one starts pretty well. It is very gory as that was the case in Roman empire era and later. Violent and bloody, it will satisfy those who like reality in this type of scenes. Photography is great to that extent you can actually feel that famous British cold, wet and rainy weather. Movie is fine in technical aspect and direction is good. Soundtrack is satisfactory as well is acting.
But story is what is in question here. First half starts really good and get you interested. You are being introduced to two factions in war and some of it's leading characters. And it is all fine until entire Roman legion got smashed in one scene and only handful is left behind. And they went to rescue their commander who got captured and enslaved. Movie is all good until this point.
Problem is that what stated as band of Romans drama turned down to one of them becoming rogue, as being betrayed by his own people, and falling in love with one native woman. Along the way rest of his mates got killed in action or otherwise. From all possible outcomes that one was least interesting and too cliché. A real pity as this could have been much better piece of work.