Julius Caesar
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Movie Reviews of Julius Caesar
Movie Review: A really excellent film ... a look at one of history's great figures
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a remarkably good film about one of history's great men. This film features above-average acting and a storyline that is reasonably true to history, rather than a Hollywood puff piece. The film begins with Caesar's confrontation with the dictator Sulla, and ends of course, with his historic assassination in the Senate.
The thing I liked best about this film is that in my opinion it is a fairly realistic look at Julius Caesar. It mostly does not try to glorify him (as did, for example, Colleen McCullough in her Masters of Rome series of books). Nor does it demonize him. The film shows that Caesar went to Gaul and provoked wars mainly for his own political purposes (to enhance his stature at home) and that when the Senate sought to call him to account, this is what motivated him to turn his army against Rome and essentially overthrow the Roman Republic. These are not necessarily laudable acts, and the film does not gloss over these points. The scenes of Caesar imperiously dictating harsh laws and proscriptions to the Senate show that by the time of his death, absolute power had indeed corrupted Caesar absolutely.
The film has a much better attention to detail concerning Roman parapernalia such as the lictors who attended the Roman Consul, and other similar details. Purists will appreciate this.
Another excellent quality of this film is the casting and acting, both are excellent. The acting is generally good. Jeremy Sisto was criticized for his portrayal of Caesar, but I thought he did a reasonably good job. Richard Harris absolutely nails the role of the Dictator, Lucius Cornelius Sulla. Christopher Walken did fine as Cato, although this was not a major role in the film. Heino Ferch was a very convincing Vercingetorix (the King of the Gauls). I did not think that Jay Rodan was a convincing Mark Antony. Overall, though, this film surprises with the performances that its generally excellent cast turns in. This film is sufficiently good, in fact, that one why it was not a "bigger" film. I have not enjoyed a film as much as this one in several years, causing it to merit 5 stars.
The sets, acting, and DVD reproduction of this film are all excellent. This film will satisfy those of us who seek historical accuracy in a film about one of history's great figures, but the storyline will similarly engage those who simply are interested in good dramatic entertainment. This one is highly recommended.
Movie Review: Et Tu, Brute?
Summary: 5 Stars
I, for one, found this movie to be an excellent sort of etertainment, both for the movie enthusiast as well as one interested in Roman History. I must admit, I was a bit worried being that it was a TV miniseries but I queued it up on Netflix regardless. About 14 minutes into the film, I realized what set this apart from other movies based on history or that attempt to portray historical situations. Julius Caesar is not an easy topic, despite the information we have on him, yet this series pulled it off with stars and stripes.
People have claimed, in these reviews, that Jeremy Sisto did not do that great of job. I believe I am a more critical...critic in that I had high expectations considering that I would never want to see him outside his role in Six Feet Under as the crazed Billy. Nonetheless, his performance grew from miniseries appropriate to bigscreen legend. In the beginning, Caesar is played as a humble man who gets in much trouble still trying to find out his destiny yet when he does find his destiny, Sisto conveys everything you'd hope: a passion for Rome and also some bit of grandeur for himself. I would give his performance 5 stars alone.
Not to mentioned Harris, Walken, and Noth who were all very shocking in the performance (in the good way). I had high expectations of all these but especially Noth who I had never imagined in a role other than that of our trusty detective in Law and Order. I was surprised with how well he played the role of Pompeyy.
The only problem I have with this is that there never go into any mention of Octavian (Augustus) as Julius' heir. They do mention him only once near the end of the film but nothing to do with adoption. I can see why this was so, as to not distract from Julius Caesar himself, but it would have been nice regardless.
I recommend to any of those who are interested in a surprisingly good film and who appreciate actors who are not known for their huge blockbuster films, yet still do a better job in some cases.
Movie Review: One Of The Best Historical Movies Ever Made
Summary: 5 Stars
I've watched this movie 3 times and enjoy it every time. The script is great, the dialog meaningful and entertaining. The actors are excellent. Jeremy Sisto does a good job as Julius Caesar. Richard Harris chews up the scenery in his role and Christopher Walken steals every scene he is in. I really liked the way this movie was directed, as it went from one interesting scene to the next and there were no dull spots. I also like the fact that they actually built all the sets and recreated ancient ROME, instead of using blue screen and CGI. The marble floors, statues, drapes, the soldiers costumes all gave a sense of high quality production. The movie was filmed in two countries. Disregard the one star review below, that person must be a history snob. It's too bad this movie was only released on cable and DVD, I think it would have been great to see this in the theater. It's better then Alexander or some other recent historic movies. I highly recommend this movie and coming in at just under 3 hours, you definitely get your moneys worth.Movie Review: Excellent depiction Caesar and Pompey
Summary: 5 Stars
Jeremy Sisto gives the most compelling performance of his career.This movie was an excellent Roman epic and I enjoyed it tremendousley! Although much of the history was inaccurate and would be difficult for someone anal about that sort of thing to watch they should remember that its not a documentary but instead an excellent film on the life of Caesar. Sure in real history Cato hated Pompey and in the movie they appear to be friends, sure Crassus doesn't make an appearance, and Pompey's heroic son Sextus isn't even mentioned but the movie gets the character of Caesar right and Sisto gives an inspiring performance perhaps the best I've seen as Caesar! The siege of Alesia was also exceptionally depicted and the actor who played Marc Antony did excellent in his oratory not coming off cheesey which is a hard thing to do. I enjoyed this movie, and forget about historical accurateness its hollywood I'm happy they nailed the character of each man well especially Caesar.Movie Review: A great miniseries
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been researching a lot on the Roman Rebublic. I stumbled on this here on amazon and i thought it was worth checking out. i spent most of my day watch and taking everything in and comparing it to similar films and HBO's Rome which i bought resently as well. Is there changes in the life of Caesar to film? Yes, of course their were. But you get the effect. You get a 'glimpse' into the life of the father of emperors. It isn't a documentary, so i didnt expect facts, only a story... and the story was well told, emotional, and generally accurate. The way i see it, if you no exactly what happened... why does it matter if a few things are reversed or if it doesn't happen in the proper time frame. Learn what you can, then go buy a documentary or read the life of caesar by plutarch.
I no that i will be rewatching this often, and i would reccomend it to any fan of caesar, rome, ancient history, or a good move.