Spartacus! (icon should read, "I watched, I squeed, I cried, I posted"...

[ash48]

“Do not shed tear. There is no greater victory than to fall from this world a free man.”

(Post contains some visual spoilers for the finale episode (and NSFW). Take a peek if you are trying to decide if this series is for you. The first half is non spoilery - just reasons why I think it's amazing. I've tried to make a good case for it...;D)

Comments

[missyjack]

Yes - such an extraordinary show in all aspects. The style and look of the show served the story so perfectly. And I thought they really set an example of how you can tell amazing stories with women and people of colour and queer characters. And the stories were so complex, and had such heart. I cant wait to watch it all on blu-ray!

And i loved that they finished with that shot of Andy.

[ash48]

I loved the complexity of the story telling and the multi facets of the characters.

And Andy...<3 That bought another tear to my eye...

[destina]

You know, one of the things I think is interesting is that they really didn't seem to have a big budget for the show. But they managed to convey a sense of epic scale with just a few tricks, and they saved up for the ending. I think back to the ludus on the edge of the cliff, and how striking that is, there on the barren plane. It conveys the isolation of Capua, the distance the gladiators are from all they know, and the futility of their plight, all by simply using a location in a particular way. And I think that was all green/blue screen, except for the interiors. Which is pretty cool

[ash48]

*nods and nods* It took me a while to warm to Naevia also, but I think that was due to the various stages of her journey. She wasn't always sympathetic I thought which makes for a more complex character.

Ah yes Varro! And I loved Illithya also. It took me a while to warm to her but I thought the actress found her feet with the character the more she developed.

I know a lot of green screen was used - I think the style allowed them to get away with it being unrealistic at times. So not a big budget? They did an amazing job of making it look like they did - I suppose the epic nature of the story telling and the special effects made it feel bigger than it actually was.

LOVE indeed!

[cassiopeia7]

Wait, what? This is a television show?? What gorgeous imagery -- I may have to check this out. (Thanks for the warning about the violence, though. Me big chicken when it comes to that.)

[ash48]

I know! It's looks amazing right?

It is very violent though. There's usually plenty of warning (arena scenes etc) , but they dont shy away from showing the full thing. There's also a heap of blood. I had to turn a way a few times, but mostly I was ok with it. It won't be for everyone that's for sure.

xxx

[amberdreams]

Oh dear. Now I'm thinking maybe I should give this a third chance. That dialogue really bugged the hell out of me - I read what the author said about why he wrote it like that but I just found it incredibly annoying, so much so it was throwing me out of the story every time. But I did think Gannicus was lovely.

[ash48]

Ah yes. I think if you don't like the way it's written then it would be very hard to get into. For me, I loved the way the words conjured up images. I will say that I think it got easier to listen to the more I watched it. I found it harder in the beginning - and I found the variety of accents hard also.

And Gannicus is a sweetie - well, if you can consider a gladiator sweet I suppose...;)