Rome

To be honest, I would not even believe that it is possible to shoot such a suggestive yet realistic picture of ancient Rome without significantly compromising the high demands for fidelity to historical events. yet the series is not boring at all. Individual documented historical characters are intertwined with fictional ones, and real historical events complement the captivating imagination of the screenwriter engagingly. The series depicts the life of all social classes in the Roman Empire, and it is characteristic that the opening scene of one episode begins with a chase between small children in the middle of a Roman street full of craftsmen and traders. Even the opening credits create the impression of a demanding yet interesting spectacle. The acting and directing are very well done, and established stars do not appear in the series. This makes the sense of reality and identification of the actors with the characters in the series even stronger. Unlike hundreds of other works, this series tells the story of the real life of the inhabitants of a long-lost empire. Overall impression: 95%. Perhaps only the war scenes are somewhat lacking, which can be forgiven given how expensive they are to film. (09/04/2008)

The first season offers a great overview of Caesar’s government, building up to an incredible finale. Precise acting, great casting. The story sprints through the most important events, while taking the time to present the everyday face of Rome: shady assholes on every street corner, misleading advertising, spongers and liars everywhere you look. It’s a shame that they avoid large battle scenes, but the fight in the arena in the penultimate episode is pretty hardcore. Season 2 is darker and far more generous overall. The rise of Octavian, who grows from being a clever and rather shy boy into a heartless, calculating bastard, is built up very nicely. Antonius (the fantastic Purefoy) and the finale in Egypt which, squeezing out a more realistic take on the end of those eternally drugged up wrecks from the classic tragedy, leaves you speechless. The production design is amazing and we are even treated to one big battle. This is a good imitation of Game of Thrones, but there is only one original. Have his head salted, so that it survives the journey to Rome. (05/06/2020)

Rome doesn't blow you away right away, and especially for those like me who didn't pay attention in history class, the first half will be more or less a chore. The plot spans several years and an incredible cast of characters enters the scene, with the viewer being thrown mercilessly headfirst into the plot. Yet the moment you realize that there is not a single positive character (even the funny Pulo is still just an uncouth, bloodthirsty asshole), that all the actors, without any exceptions, act their hearts out, and that the whole "beauty of Rome" is portrayed as it really was, without moral principles or respect for life, with the filthy streets and the scrawled walls, it pulls you in and doesn't let go. Perhaps the only criticism I have is that the several-year gap in the plot should be noticeable on the characters' faces, especially the children. Otherwise, I have no complaints. PS: Edit after Season II: Phenomenal! (12/03/2010)

An interesting combination of elements typical of "made by HBO" series with excellent sets and historical trappings. inspiration by I, Claudius (whether by the magnificent books or the unsurpassed TV series) is obvious, but it certainly doesn't hurt. The depiction of the political intrigues during the life of Gaius Caesar, as well as the usually unseen side of the lives of plebeians and legionnaires, is well done. It is not strictly necessary to orient yourself in the events of the time, but it pays off knowing something, because there are a lot of references for the knowledgeable - sometimes they are purely fun allusions, and sometimes they are interesting takes on different events. The acting is precise; the production design is spectacular, and from about episode three it is really excellent as a whole (the initial episodes only serve as a relatively uninteresting beginning); yet something is missing - something its older brother I, Claudius (even though it was shot in a studio) had in abundance. (03/03/2006)

Or how a good budget, masks, attractive locations, occasional fine camera - and nothing else - is enough to attract an audience. In Rome, a huge serial mistake emerged in the first series, with the most cruel plots, stupid dialogues, and a failed setting in historical realities. I would like to give the series a chance, but being completely irritated by most of the main characters has turned all the potential upside down. (23/03/2008)