The series "Borgia", reviews of which are given in this article, is a popular movie saga. Of particular interest is the fact that in recent years two multi-part television films devoted to this family have appeared at once. About them and is described in this article.
Creator Neil Jordan
In 2011, the broadcast of the series “Borgia” began, reviews of which you will find in this article. Its production was carried out by Canada, Hungary and Ireland. The creator was the famous director and producer Neil Jordan, who managed to become famous thanks to the films "Interview with the Vampire", "Breakfast on Pluto".
The events of the picture unfold in the XVI century. The series tells about a family named Borgia, which was in power during the Renaissance in Italy. The film was originally released on the American channel Showtime and Canadian Bravo !. In Russia, it was shown on Channel One as part of the Urban Dudes project.
In total, three seasons came out, in which 29 episodes fit. In the story, Borgia has many enemies. At the beginning of the first season, Pope Innocent VIII dies. After this, the throne is occupied by Rodrigo Borgia, achieving this with the help of blackmail and bribery, he takes the name of Alexander VI.
His main opponent, Cardinal Giuliano, goes to France and the Italian states to find allies in the fight against the powerful family. He seeks an alliance with the French king Charles VIII, who promises to help him overthrow the pope in exchange for his recognition as king of Naples.
Cast
In the reviews of the series "Borgia", many noted the participation of a large number of famous actors. Rodrigo Borgia is played by the Englishman Jeremy Irons, who in 1991 became an Oscar winner for the role of Klaus von Bülow in Barbet Schroeder’s drama "The Wrong Side of Fate".
The role of Cesare Borgia went to the Canadian Francois Arnaud, who became famous in the debut film Xavier Dolan "I killed my mother." The image of Lucretia on the screen creates the Englishwoman Holliday Granger, who was nominated for this work for the Golden Nymph Award.
The rival of the family - Cardinal Giuliano della Rover - is played by American Colm Fiori.
Reviews
As for the reviews of critics about the series "Borgia", it is worth noting that mostly there are positive ratings. Experts praised the elaborate costumed historical television movie, which is able to attract the attention of the viewer.
The Borgia family here will be taken apart literally in pieces, showing each character from different angles. Most are convinced that members of this family are inveterate villains. In fact, it is, but the series shows how hard it is, how many murders and intrigues they manage to stay in power. This film is recommended for anyone who is interested in how the story is created.
From the negative reviews of the audience about the series “Borgia”, it should be noted that some thought that the authors were too free to deal with historical material, focusing on blood and intrigue, and not on the essence of what is happening. In the end, it turned out that the vices of Borgia, depicted in the series, were too commonplace.
Alternative version
Interestingly, in 2011, another Borgia series appeared on the screens. This time, France, Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic were involved in its production. By 2014, three seasons came out, consisting of 38 episodes.
The events of the series begin to develop in 1492, when Italy is divided into many fragmented states. In addition, they are threatened by invasions from outside. The events described in the series are similar to those described in another series, released almost at the same time. The health of Pope Innocent VIII is extremely poor, Rodrigo Borgia begins to take advantage of the moment, seeks the location of the Spanish king in order to take the holy throne himself.
The events of the second season cover the period from February to September 1494, and the third - from 1495 to 1507.
Leading actors
According to reviews of the series "Borgia" (France), many were satisfied with the strong cast that was involved in this television movie. The role of the future pope Alexander VI is played by American John Dowman. He is familiar to the audience primarily on the series "Doctor Quinn, a female doctor", "Ambulance", "Law and Order", "Soprano Clan", "House of Cards", "Elementary."
The role of Cardinal Cesare Borgia is played by the Englishman Mark Ryder, for whom filming in this project was the first real success that brought him fame and popularity. Juan Borgia is played by Frenchman Stanley Weber, and Lucretia is a German actress of Russian descent Isolde Dyushauk. It is known that she was born in Surgut in the Tyumen region, only in 2002 she moved with her mother to Berlin when she was 9 years old.
Obviously, this series is by name inferior to the Irish-Canadian project, but the large number of young actors makes it no less attractive to the general audience.
Reviews
In reviews and reviews of the Borgia series, experts note that vivid images of Pope Alexander are created here, which is presented as a merciless and tough politician who does not give anyone a descent. Many emphasize that in this historical series, literally every episode, in its intricacies and dynamics, matches a full-fledged full-length film.
Due to the fact that the project has not received a single award, it is considered underestimated. Many have to compare this series with its counterpart, which was already mentioned above, since it turned out to be more popular. In this project, there is much more realism and historicity.
The series is good in that the scenery and costumes are made at the highest level, much attention is paid even to the visual details. Excellent creators cope with the disclosure of the characters of the characters. Many will be attracted or, on the contrary, pushed away from the series by the fact that here too many sex scenes and naked heroes may seem to someone, by the way, it catches the eye already at the stage of the splash screen. But here it is all about taste. The only thing that can be advised is that it is better not to watch this series with children.
In general, we can summarize that we are faced with a highly artistic quality product that is made with taste and soul, the actors here give all the best.