Films about Rome, like Roman culture, have always been of great interest. The Colosseum, gladiatorial fights, fashion and art - all this attracted and fascinated. Despite the fact that the history of Rome was always bloody, and its rulers were distinguished by cruelty and a desire for conquest, great curiosity aroused the lifestyle of both kings and ordinary people. So, in this article we will present a selection of films dedicated to the great Rome.
"Agora"
Let's start listing movies about ancient Rome. The list is headed by the historical drama Agora, filmed in 2009 by director A. Amenabar.
The film takes place in the Roman Empire at the end of the 4th - beginning of the 5th century AD. e., the territory of which is divided into two parts. The story begins in the city of Alexandria. The 4th century for Rome was marked by the victory of Christianity over paganism; during this century, Christians from religious minorities turned into a dictatorial power organization, subjugating the state.
During these years, the first woman scientist known in history named Hypatia lived in Alexandria. She was an astronomer, philosopher and mathematician. Many famous men listened to her opinion, and her students later became famous architects, politicians and cultural figures. However, Christians did not approve of such a serious influence on politics by women. The riot of religious fanatics ended with the burning of the Alexandria Library and the death of Hypatia itself.
"Risen"
However, most often films about Ancient Rome tell of events much earlier. So, for example, the picture of Kevin Reynolds, shot in 2016, takes the audience to the events of 33 BC. e. The film describes the events of the first forty days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pontius Pilate, the Jewish procurator, sends one of his subordinates to check the rumors that the Jew, who was crucified several days ago with other bandits, was resurrected. He received this news from local residents. Pilate did not believe in God, like all the locals. However, they all attended the execution and saw the death of the Messiah. That’s why they were so excited about the news of the resurrection, because it meant that God existed.
Roman Empire: Augustus
Many films about Rome tell about the life of emperors who ruled the state for centuries. An example of such a picture is the historical feature film Roman Empire: Augustus.
The picture was shot in 2003 by director Roger Young. She talks about the life of Caesar Octavian’s great-nephew, who, becoming emperor, received the name Augustus. The time frame of the narrative covers almost the entire life of the hero, starting from a young age and ending with death. The plot is built in the form of retrospective jumps that send the viewer from present events to the past. The story itself is already led by the elderly Augustus, telling the story of his daughter's life.
The film begins with the fact that Augustus lies on his deathbed and is put on a death mask. But before that, he pronounces words to no one who asks if he played his part well.
"Roman Empire: Nero"
Often historical films about Rome enter a certain cycle, and it happened with this picture, which became the second episode of the minimal (the first was described above), shot by Imperium. This time the focus is on Nero.
As a child, he witnessed the murder of his father, which was committed by order of Caligula, the distraught emperor. Nero himself appears at his aunt, where he is brought up as a slave. After the death of Caligula, against whom a conspiracy was built, Claudius sat on the throne, who restored the rights of Nero and his mother. She soon marries the emperor and persuades him to adopt Nero. Later, the wife will poison the emperor, which will give her son the opportunity to seize power.
The film was shot in 2004 by director Paul Marcus and became a joint project of three countries: Spain, Italy and the UK.
Films about Spartak
Films about ancient Rome cannot be described without mentioning this hero, who led the riot of slaves. Moreover, Spartak turned out to be so popular that several films and television series were shot about it.
Perhaps the most famous film is Stanley Kubrick’s Spartak movie, shot in 1960. The picture was shot based on the novel by Howard Fast, which was dedicated to the description of the rebellion of Sparta. The film was a tremendous success and was awarded four Oscars.
The last film "Spartacus" about the hero of Roman slaves was released in 2004. The director was Robert Dornhelm, and the main role was played by Govar Vishnich. The painting was also awarded several prizes and nominated for a number of awards. The plot was also based on the book of G. Fast.
The very first film about Spartak was released back in 1926 in the Soviet Union. It is known for certain that about 3 thousand people were involved in the filming. Unfortunately, the picture has not been preserved to this day.
"I, Claudius"
Films about Rome were often shot in the form of series. The painting "I, Claudius" is direct evidence of this. The mini-series was created by the BBC broadcasting organization in 1976. The film was directed by Herbert Wise based on the novel “The Divine Claudius,” written by Robert Graves.
The picture covers the history of the Risky Empire from the time of the death of Marcellus until the death of Claudius, that is, from 24 BC. e. 54 year old e. Claudius, on behalf of whom the story is being told, talks about a conspiracy against the emperor Tiberius, about the disputes of the emperor Augustus with his wife, about the bloody reign of Caligula and his subsequent murder, and, in the end, about his own life after he received the title of emperor .
Caligula: 1400 Days of Terror
Many cruel and crazy emperors knew Rome. A documentary filmed in 2012 by Bruce Kennedy talks about the reign of Emperor Caligula.
August Gremanik, better known as Caligula, the world did not remember by political successes or great conquests. This man became famous for his vices, among which there were cruelty, revenge, treachery, voluptuousness - there are practically no negative qualities that would not be characteristic of this emperor. It is enough to say that he strangled in his own bed the old and helpless emperor Tiberius. It is hard to say whether Caligula was born so cruel or whether the power he gained at age 14 made him so. But anyway, the 1400 days of the reign of Augustus Germanicus entered the history of Rome as the worst of times.
"Julius Caesar"
Films about Rome are complemented by a painting by Uli Edel, shot in 2002, which tells about the life of Julius Caesar.
The picture begins in those years when Caesar was still young, and his daughter was just a girl. The two of them were in Rome when the power was usurped by Sulla, mother Julius. Miraculously, Caesar manages to save his family and himself from the hands of his mother. However, before Julius takes power, years will pass.
"Pompeii"
Films about Rome (our selection) are crowned by the picture of 2014, directed by Paul Anderson. The action of this historical adventure film disaster begins in 62 A.D. e., when the Romans suppress the Celtic rebellion in Britain and kill the leader of the tribe and his wife. Only their son Milo, who is now destined to become a slave, remains alive. It is the fate of this hero that the film will be dedicated to. The historical context of the picture is the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius, which destroyed Pompeii and most of its inhabitants.
Happy viewing!