History is not an option. Contains Historical discrepensies and references to legends and spoilers.

Rating: 6/10 (22 January 2008)

History is not an option. Contains Historical references and references to legends. Article contains spoilers.
The Action/Adventure title better describes this picture. An enjoyable tale of warriors and child Emperors with a legend or 7 mixed into a fatuous storyline which somehow kept me watching. Perhaps it was my love for Roman history and the legend of Julius Caesar's unbreakable sword which held my attention.
The picture is set in 460 CE and opens in the city of Rome with a Young boy, who later emerges as the new Caesar. Narration sets the narrative that Rome's best soldiers are returning to Rome to defend its borders, and so we are introduced to Aurelianus. A few exiting battle scenes commence which lead us to the capture of the young Caesar, who by now has lost his empire, and Aurelius' attempt to keep his oath to keep the boy safe. We then arrive at Tiberius Ceaser's Palace on the Island of Capri. For those who know the legend, it is the last place the Sword of the Caesars' was seen. It is here that the legend and prophecy begins to find a hero to fulfil that legacy. In an attempt to forge an army to take Rome back from the Hands of Odoacer, Aurelius takes the boy and their new entourage to Anglia Britain and Hadrian's Wall in search of the Ninth legion, Rome's last legion. Encountering a rebel King and a legion transported into farmers, Hope seems to be lost. The Anglian king also wants the sword of legend, and hearing of the arrival of the young emperor, makes war on the new tribe. The young emperor and his commander Aurelius have one last battle against the rogue King of Anglia in hope of fulfilling the legacy. 'You are Caesar-Wherever you are, always remember' Aurelius Santonius' words to the young emperor before the last battle.
If one looks for historical accuracy, one looses interest within the first 15 minutes, however if one looks for entertainment and has a spurious interest in history and legends, I can guarantee enjoyment. As a historic piece, it is lacking in any truth. For example, the capturing of Rome by Odoacer took over 13 years, and happened in 473CE, which would make the boy, a man. Not to mention the fact that any family connection to Ceaser's bloodline was lost at the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, But hey, how often can historical truth and motion pictures really come together? As a picture it is technically superb. Enigmatic and captivating Performances from a seasoned cast of actors led by 'Drama Center London' Colin Firth as Commander Aurelius Santonius, Who is no doubt a reference to Lucius Santonius, A Lusitanian Warrior who fought with J.C in Gaul and later in the civil wars. The picture entertains with a mixture of legend, well shot and choreographed fight scenes, and two major battle scenes correlated with comic lines and actions which culminate in epic climaxes to the scenes. The film ends with a moving and inspiring suggestion that Ceaser's message of 'Cai Iul Caes Ensis Caliburnus' engraved into the sword gives birth to another great British legend of Excalibur. I must say, I enjoyed the ending and the suggestion it made. As all legends have some truth... Article by Rui Filipe Santos...