A Surprising Gem of a film!

Rating: 9/10 (15 November 2010)

I stumbled on the DVD of "Centurion" knowing nothing about it and was rewarded with a fascinating, involving and enjoyable film. I figured it was probably a Roman epic film, which is a genre I truly enjoy, but it was even more. It involves the Roman invasion of Britain and their eventual confrontations with the Picts in Northern Scotland which led to the building of Hadrian's Wall (which still stands to this day). The Wall was built as the end of the Roman line in Britain AND to keep out the Picts. The film is well cast, expertly directed, cinematically stunning with its cold landscapes and it really moves along at a furious pace while never "boring" the viewer. Michael Fassbender plays Quintus Dias, the titular Centurion whose Roman stronghold has been attacked by the Picts. Because he speaks the Pict language he is taken hostage and while in captivity learns much about the Picts. He escapes and encounters Rome's famed 9th Legion. They are about to quell the "Pict situation" led by a Pict scout, Etain (Olga Kurylenko) who is leading them straight into a deadly ambush. From there the story builds into an escape for survival. Dominic West is excellent as the legendary General Titus Flavius Virilus, leader of the Roman 9th Legion as are Ulric Thomsen as Gorlacon, King of the Picts; David Morrissey as Bothos a fellow escapee; Imogen Poots is lovely as Arianne the witch and the rest of the cast also shines. This is a Braveheart type epic with bloody battles and a fascinating story based on truth. There was a Roman 9th Legion who headed into Scotland and was never seen nor heard of again. Although this story is speculation by writer/director Neil Marshall, it is based on various facts and actual historical figures. I do not understand the first review here where the reviewer could not empathize with the Romans, as they were invaders, nor the savage Picts. To me this is like blaming soldiers for policy for which they are not involved. This is more a story of humans rather than soldiers or warriors and survival rather than war or conflict. I highly recommend this film, but a warning for those who cannot take scenes of blood and gore; this film has some of those!