Rome - Complete First Series Reviews

Rome as it was

Well what can i say? To start with, its quite accurate factually, Caesar was a complicated and yet very loyal man, hated by certain factions of the hierachy but loved by the mob, this man who suffered epilepsy, but could command his legions to defeat any enemy far greater in number than his own. Yet was also able to be ensnared by a woman half his age (Cleopatra VI) who would eventually bring about his murder by a group led by Brutus and Cassius. The acting is superb and this series tells it how it actually was, not grand, but as ROME was, grubby, dirty and a very dangerous place to live, whether you were rich or as poor as a pauper. the best series HBO have done since Band of Brothers. Highly recommended.

a bit boring

Complicated for french speaker...

Rome

Rome is a story chronicling the ups and downs of two roman soldiers who are seconded to Julius Caesar's army prior to his ascendency to the throne.

Colorful backdrops and lively story lines keep this drama moving at a good pace and whilst watching on the television you felt yourself wanting the next episode to be sooner than the seven day intervals it was given!

The two main characters are well played by their respective actors they give a warmth to their roles that you can believe in and with some comedic value thrown in along side the more serious elements they draw you into their story.

All of the cast provide good value for money with their portrayals of their given characters but the two leads definately steal the show

The story of these two soldiers is told by neatly interweaving the time leading up to Caesar becoming emperor and finally with his downfall at the hands of his friend Brutus.

Comparisons between the more modern italian legions (the mafia) and the romans can be drawn with various protagonists crossing and double crossing fellow countrymen in order to ascend the class system. 'Keep yor friends close and your enemies closer' was true even in those early times.

Well worth a watch and the last episode is a must with some fantastic fight scenes incorporating some special effects some hollywood blockbusters would be proud of!

The best i've seen!

Rome is the best television series i have ever seen. Whilst keeping to historical facts and being wonderfully enertaining this series takes you through the highs and lows of the first Roman civil war and its effects. Very thank full for filming of the second series and just can not wait for it. I'm sure it will be even better than the first.

Gratuitous Sex and Violence

I don't rate this at all. The amount of sex and violence was off putting. It did look great but the script left a lot to be desired.

what an idiot!

i cant believe the person above moaned that it was obscene - dont you understand what an 18 cert means?

you should stick to watching U and PG if easily offended! surely 18s dont need warnings - thats why they are 18!

[Highly rated reviewer]

Gladiator - Eat your heart out!

I confess that I had originally missed out on viewing the early episodes on the television and only started watching from episode 8 onwards. Therefore renting the DVDs put the whole series into perspective for me and I will confess that I am impressed now that I watched all twelve episodes.

Nevertheless, seeing the arena fight in episode 11 reminded me just why I wanted to see the whole series. It was a well shot and choreographed piece of action and atmosphere that represented one of many highlights of the series.

Meanwhile the assasination of Caesar reflected what a dark and horrendous deed this must have been at the time.

This series rewrote the standard for historical drama for Romans on a par with the way 'Elizabeth' brought a realistic flavour to the Tudour period.

Gone are the clinical sets of Hollywood, with bright shiny accessories and good riddence too!

The whole production team deserve an accolade for the way this series has turned out, gritty, bloody, mucky and an everyday story of ancient civilised folk.

I shall definitely be looking to acquire my own set of DVDs to watch again and again.

Im not a historian

This TV series is absolutly fantastic. The acting is brilliant, the sets are panoramic and full of life the cities are crowded and busy.

The problem I often find with programmes and films that concerntraite on this subject and time frame often have far to few people, Rome was a busy and over populated city so I would expect to see lots of people and Roman armies were huge, the producers of this series have managed to capture this. If its CGI then it is well done. If it is use of camera angles, then this too is well done.

The story grabbed me from the off and has still got me wantring more, probably the best thing since Battlestar Galactica, but nothing like it, in fact the complete opposite!

If it wasnt for the nudity and swearing I think this could probably be used as a classroom reference, but as it is the adult content is significant, as I imagine it would have been at the time. Bad language and sexual freedom is evident throughout and the 18 certificate is warranted.

D

excellent

absolutely excellent. A must see series that is very well researched, and addictive to watch. dont miss it.

The Rise of Rome

This is absolutlley bloody terrific! Lots of sex and violence, great acting, excellent sets, sound plot, all under the blanket of historical fact. Makes great viewing, and the amount of nude scenes mixed with the brutal violence will get your heart racing, but as thye say, when in Rome.