MovieChat Forums > Borgia (2011) Discussion > The new dynasty-themed series "Medici: M...

The new dynasty-themed series "Medici: Masters of Florence" VS "Borgia"

posted 8 years ago by dmyriounis
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Has anyone watched the new series starring Dustin Hoffman and Richard Madden and if so, what's your opinion?

I personally found it was a well-acted, well-produced drama (even if I spotted a few costume pieces recycled from "The Borgias" and the CGI felt a bit rough at times) but still a bit traditional in its approach and everything you'd expect from such a series. The several timelines aspect functions fine and places it above the much more straightforward and flat narrative style of "The Borgias", yet it felt less idiosyncratic and unique in its direction and general perspective on its subject than "Borgia", judging by the first two hours at least. All in all, worth a watch however.

Interestingly, I think there were several parallels to the dramatic style and prose of its most recent predecessors in the genre (of Medieval Italy period drama, so to speak), i.e. "The Borgias", "Borgia", "Da Vinci's Demons", which I would be happy to discuss.

[–] kgdag 7 years ago

I enjoyed Medici. I have been on a Renaissance period piece binge over the holidays (I just started Borgia). I may jump on the Jeremy Irons led Borgia show after I finish this one.

[–] dmyriounis 7 years ago

I recommend "The Borgias" even if it was cancelled, it is a well-produced, immaculately acted show that romanticizes the papal family and is entertaining, even if it lacks a real drive and a serious approach to the story.

Having finished "Medici: Masters of Florence" I feel rather opposite to my initial assessment of the show: it was pedestrian and boring if a finely put-together production all in all. My real problem with it was that Dustin Hoffman's character wasn't a living, breathing character but rather a plot device, a boogeyman (and a dull one at that) and the character developement in general was unimaginative, the plot unsurprising and the visuals flat.