Julius Caesar
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Movie Reviews of Julius Caesar
Movie Review: A good movie, with some problems.
Summary: 4 Stars
All in all, this version of Julius Caesar's life is somewhat better than the others, once Caesar starts to begin his rise of power. First off, the acting is extraordinary (Christopher Walken as Cato), and is carried through the entire movie, particulary with Chris Noth a Pompey (his look of uncertainty when presented with the command against Caesar is absolutely uncanny).
Likewise, the siege of Alesia in Gaul, Caesar's crowning achievement during the Gallic wars, is well done, though the troubles that Caesar's army faced were somewhat overblown. Historically, Caesar's legions were fanatically loyal to him, chiefly because of his willingness to put himself on their level with daily assignments, so the scene where they are on the verge of mutiny demonstrates a lack of control that the historical Caesar rarely (perhaps twice - the mutiny of the tenth and his assassinaton) experienced. However, chalk this up to poetic license.
There are, of course, some aspects that were a bit lacking: Caesar's travels to Bithinya, his crucifixion of the pirates, and his adulturies with his political enemies' wives are all aspects of his personality that would have enriched an understanding of what made him tick.
Likewise, the selection of Caesar's actions once he was made dictator could have used some work. Too many people believe that Caesar was an opportunistic monster (when his actions condemning men that abused the law and his legislation in the plebeian assembly clearly demonstrate good sense rather than a quest for personal glory). Some more of his political and legal acumen could have been incorporated.
However, all in all, the depection is a good one. It Combines his clemency and compassion for Romans with his casual discarding of barbarians. It shows his grief at Pompey's death in Egypt. It also shows his daring military skill. Each of these presents a picture of a Roman capable of seeking to preserve Rome's pre-eminence and law while simultaneously marching on the city and defeating fellow Romans. If could use some work, but it treads a line between the silly "Caesar was a villian" view and the equally silly "everything Caesar did was wonderful" position. That's something that's rare these days, and this movie is worth seeing simply forthat fact.
Movie Review: Good Entertainment, but historical inaccuracies
Summary: 4 Stars
This is an entertaining film about Julius Caesar, one of the greatest men in history. The costumes were authentic and the speeches by Caesar and Marc Anthony were fantastic. There are some accounts that I found very interesting and generally accurate, such as the decisive battle of Alesia. The battle order of the Romans is well presented. The film managed to capture the atmosphere of the life during the period that Caesar lived.
The film gives an account of the early life of Caesar up to the time that he was appointed to a five year term as Proconsular Governor of Transalpine Gaul (current Southern France) and Illyria. Not content with an idle governorship, Caesar started the Gallic Wars (58 BC-49 BC) in which he conquered all of Gaul (the rest of current France, with most of Switzerland and Belgium, effectively western mainland Europe from the Atlantic to the Rhine) and parts of Germania and annexed them to Rome.
The film also shows the critical role played by Caesar in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. His conquest of Gaul extended the Roman territory. Caesar was responsible for the first Roman invasion of Britannia in 55 BC. Caesar is undoubtedly one of the greatest military geniuses of all time, as well as an astute politician and one of the ancient world's strongest leaders. In 42 BC, two years after his assassination, the Roman Senate officially sanctified him as one of the Roman deities.
However, there are several instances of historical inaccuracies that have been well highlighted by several reviewers. Therefore, if you want to learn about Julius Caesar and are looking for an accurate historical account of his life and achievements, this is not the right film for you. After all, this is a Hollywood movie, with a commercial focus not historical interest.
As far as the acting is concerned, I think Jeremy Sisto did an above average performance, which is not good enough when telling the story of one of the most famous men in recorded history. The rest of the film is reasonable well played, providing good entertainment.
Movie Review: "Gallia est omnis divisa in partes tres..."
Summary: 4 Stars
This TNT production on the life of Julius Caesar is a well made attempt to historically portray the life of one of history's greatest leaders. Starring Jeremy Sisto, it follows the life of the future Dictator of Rome from his relative obscurity to his death at the hands of his peers on the Senate floor on the Ides of March in 44BC.
The story covers the highlights of Caesar's life including his exile during the rule of the cruel dictator Sulla, his patronage under the capable General Pompey, his brutal but victorious campaigns against Vercingetorix and the Gauls, and his love affair with the beautiful and scheming Egytian queen Cleopatra. Caesar's great ambition ultimately lead to his own murder by members of the Roman Senate who fear his ascendency, but ironically bring about the rise of the Empire.
There are many political complexities that are touched upon in this film that give a good idea of the kinds of power plays that lead to Caesear's rise and fall, many of them including betrayal and murder. The film depicts the Gallic Wars in good detail and gives an understanding of the turmoil that faced the Roman Republic in its last years before the rise of the Empire. Caesar is portrayed as a intelligent human figure who is struck down by tragedy and overcome with amibition which ultimately leads to his own death. The irony of Caesar's murder is that it was ostensibly to preserve the Republic, but rather hastened the foundation of the Empire. While not a great movie, it is entertaining and provides a good introduction to Roman history as well.
Movie Review: A movie worth watching!
Summary: 4 Stars
Julius Caesar: His Time Has Come, brings to the screen the rise to power of one of the most well known historical figures.
It is a rather long movie, approximately 3 hours, but that is to be expected considering who the movie is about.
Overall, the acting is above average, with the highlights being Christopher Walken and Chris Noth portraying a Roman Senator and the Roman General Pompeii respectively.
The siege of Alesia and the subsequent battle were also very good as was the portrayal of the Gauls.
On the negative side and as other reviewers have also pointed out, the lead actor, Jeremy Sisto, was not really the best choice for Caesar, as was the case with Marc Anthony who was also a poor choice.
In addition, there are historic discrepancies such as the in case of the Gaul chieftain Vercingentorix who was reportedly strangled, and not stabbed as the movie would have it.
Furthermore, Julius Caesar is to have perished on the Senate steps, not while sitting inside the Senate.
Nevertheless, the setting, the dialogues and the costumes are all wonderful!
In a nutshell, though not a masterpiece, Julius Caesar: His Time Has Come will surely provide for an evening's entertainment. It is a movie definitely worth watching, especially for those with a soft spot for History and all things Roman.
Movie Review: Rent dont buy
Summary: 4 Stars
You know what? This movie actually works! No need to waste time on historical plot line, it is accurate as much as these things can be (many characters play diminished roles due to time constraints, its not an exhaustive history of the man, mind you). Other than Richard Harris' brief role the cast is questionable (at least the males) but the acting is there and competent. This isn't a masterpiece but a decent enough flick on the man. You see both sides of Caesar hopeful tyrant, brilliant tactician, man of integrity. But they do not allocate anytime towards political and social reform and progresses under his brief rule. If you like Roman histories watch this, destine the wow factor missing.
By the way, I perhaps should have `3 star' it, but couldn't. It seems as if 3 would have marked it as a bad movie, when it wasn't. There aren't happy mediums for some movies; Like Chinatown., either a 5 or a 1... so in that spirit I hope you know what I mean?