Ode To Rome
In the past couple of years I've really become addicted to television shows, specifically the excellent entertainment HBO usually offers. I don't get HBO here in Canada but many of the shows are shown on other channels where I am or, if not, I can at least buy them on DVD. I love many of HBO's well-awarded and critically praised shows, such as Six Feet Under (my all-time favourite), OZ, Sex and the City, Entourage, Deadwood, Big Love and the mini-series Band of Brothers.
But only one show has recently blown me away for its spectacular and perfect storytelling, script and cast. That would be the series, Rome. It only ran for two seasons due to the high costs of filming on location, costumes, props, etc. But, wow, was it ever a ride watching that show. For any of you who love history, this is the show for you. The creators of Rome, for the most part, paid incredible attention to historical details when making the series, which lends it an amazing and geuniely authentic feel. Even the swords and sandals epics that are in movie theatres can't compare to the amount of effort and time put into this series.
It starts with the rise to power of Julius Ceasar, with subplots involving two soldiers of the 13th Legion, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo. The second season, and the series itself, ends with the rise to power of Rome's first emperor; Julius Caesar's nephew, Octavian. Love, Hate, Death, Sex and Politics make for one of the best and most underrated series ever created.
The all-British cast is absolutly amazing. Special mentions go to the beautiful Polly Walker as Atia, Caesar's cunning niece; Ciarian Hinds as the powerful, but charismatic, Julius Caesar; Tobias Menzies as the mournful traitor, Marcus Brutus; Ray Stevensen as the noble and loyal Titus Pullo; Kevin McKidd as the tragic and conflicted Lucius Vorenus and, last but DEFINATELY not least, James Purefoy as the incredibly sexy (albeit raging drunk) Mark Antony, Caesar's loyal right-hand man and the eventual lover of Cleopatra (seriously, ladies, James Purefoy is walking sex).
Watch the opening credits. It's got a great score and I love the animation of the graffitti on the walls.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jon4QqbA4RA
And this is a perfect example of how incredible the show is. I'm sure all of you know that Julius Caesar was murdered in the Forum by his own men, the final blow being dealt by his former friend, Marcu Brutus. Just watch how perfectly this scene is done.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=41BjWZ-NSzs
Do yourselves a favour and watch the two seasons of Rome. You won't regret it. I promise.
But only one show has recently blown me away for its spectacular and perfect storytelling, script and cast. That would be the series, Rome. It only ran for two seasons due to the high costs of filming on location, costumes, props, etc. But, wow, was it ever a ride watching that show. For any of you who love history, this is the show for you. The creators of Rome, for the most part, paid incredible attention to historical details when making the series, which lends it an amazing and geuniely authentic feel. Even the swords and sandals epics that are in movie theatres can't compare to the amount of effort and time put into this series.
It starts with the rise to power of Julius Ceasar, with subplots involving two soldiers of the 13th Legion, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo. The second season, and the series itself, ends with the rise to power of Rome's first emperor; Julius Caesar's nephew, Octavian. Love, Hate, Death, Sex and Politics make for one of the best and most underrated series ever created.
The all-British cast is absolutly amazing. Special mentions go to the beautiful Polly Walker as Atia, Caesar's cunning niece; Ciarian Hinds as the powerful, but charismatic, Julius Caesar; Tobias Menzies as the mournful traitor, Marcus Brutus; Ray Stevensen as the noble and loyal Titus Pullo; Kevin McKidd as the tragic and conflicted Lucius Vorenus and, last but DEFINATELY not least, James Purefoy as the incredibly sexy (albeit raging drunk) Mark Antony, Caesar's loyal right-hand man and the eventual lover of Cleopatra (seriously, ladies, James Purefoy is walking sex).
Watch the opening credits. It's got a great score and I love the animation of the graffitti on the walls.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jon4QqbA4RA
And this is a perfect example of how incredible the show is. I'm sure all of you know that Julius Caesar was murdered in the Forum by his own men, the final blow being dealt by his former friend, Marcu Brutus. Just watch how perfectly this scene is done.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=41BjWZ-NSzs
Do yourselves a favour and watch the two seasons of Rome. You won't regret it. I promise.