Please post and give ur opinions on the miniseries...

As a long-ago college major in ancient, especially Roman, history, I found part 1 was excellent. It well portrays the political intrigues of the late Republic (Pompey, Caesar, Crassus, Octavian, Mark Antony, Lepidus, Lucullus, etc.), and the general oiliness of Marcus Licinius Crassus, who eventually died along with his troops at Carrhae against the Parthians in the Middle East. The evils of Roman slavery, especially those of the gladatorial blood sport, are well portrayed, and the star, who hails from around Croatia, is well cast as a Thracian (from Thrace) from northeast of Greece (between it and Byzantium and modern Turkey). We all hear about the massacre at Mt. Vesuvius, which was an "extinct" volcano until it erupted a century later to bury Pompeii and Herculaneum. All in all, a worthy successor to the Kirk Douglas version, which was known for its "socialist workers unite" bent which probably better fit the early 1960s A.D. than the 70s B.C. I look forward to the conclusion tonight, and maybe a later DVD purchase. Glad to see that "Gladiator" has rekindled interest in one of my favorite periods, the 500 or so years of Roman hegemony. Now for a strong story about Belisarius, Justinian, Narses, and the glory that was the Byzantine Empire after the Fall of Rome!

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I thought the acting was good (particularly Alan Bates') but the writing was mediocre in the second half, and the action scenes were not quite better than Xena and not quite worse. However, I like Goran Visnjic in a nappy with a sword.

Post-Script: As a fencer and someone who likes the history of swords, I enjoyed the little bit about the gladius. It was a wicked weapon at the time. However, I didn't like the use of a short gladius without a shield. At the time, a parry and an attack weren't really done with the same weapon. You had the offensive weapon in one hand, and either a dagger or a shield in the other. A tad innacurate.

Post-Post Script: Spartacus is crucified, man! Not pummeled and squished! Though maybe our history major could tell us how the real one died?

I thought it left more than a little to be desired. This was a cast that I expected more of. They did poorly with character development. But then again, the dialogue was a little weak and predictable. You work with what they give you. I've said this before and I'll say it again: I loved Angus McFadyen in Braveheart, but he was downright "blah" in this.

Also, I haven't seen the original, so can anyone tell me if the bulk of the dialogue was in the original? That was where this lost the most points with me.

--Kat

"Every face spoiled by beauty,
Every adult tamed by duty,
Is falling at your feet…"
-Bono

I liked it a lot better than the Kirk Douglas-widescreen version which was overly dramatized and created by the egos of Douglas, Kubrick and Dalton Trumbo. THis version is less Hollywood; more realistc -- and altho I haven't read the book/novel, probably closer to that. Goran was OK; smoulders enough but I wish they had cast somebody more dynamic and better built. Rhona Mitra was wonderful; reminded me very much of Linda Hamilton of the early Terminator movies! I've always liked ANgus MacFayden, and I thought he did a good job considering some of the lousy and hackneyed speeches they gave him. But he looked fine as a corrupt, megalomaniac powerful Roman.

Was puzzled by the absence of the Antoninus (Tony CUrtis) character who I guess was created especially for Curtis in the film; but now replaced by David - the would-be Christ, in this version. WOrked very well too. Production values were great; and they tried to minimize the gore yet still portray the brutality of the times correctly. It all came together in Act 2 for me; and I can't wait for the DVD to add to my collection.

I loved it! The first part was good, but the second part seemed to be rushed. Maybe they should've made it a 3 part mini-series.

I loved how they didn't make it all "Hollywood glam." They seem to have tried to make it as period and authentic as possible. More movies should be like this.

Mari Gold
"It is a mystery to me how anyone can fail to admire a man [Sharpe] whose legs start at his ear lobes."

dear scifi queen -- I hope you get the chance to see this wonderful miniseries and to experience Goran Visnjic's performance. He was the best choice for this role and really did it justice. I think this is the first time I have ever seen him in a real love scene. He proves he is a lover AND a fighter. Angus MacFadden (not sure if I spelled that right) was excellent as well as Alan Bates. But then all of the actors were outstanding. BRAVO!

Rome total War came out a couple of weeks ago and now this!!! Good times. Ave Caesar! Morituri te salutant.

For those who liked the battles, I strongly recommend the game. You have the urban cohorts, and the real legions, the town garrisons, the shitty cavalry and so on. Good times!

But a dog's got personality. Personality goes a long way.