Sand, blood, games. Colosseum, Circus Maximus and packed stands where thumbs are raised or lowered. How about we leave all this behind us and go to… remotest corner of the Roman Empire look? For a completely different kind of story?
Modern sandal films have much more to offer than the same old gladiators and Ridley Scott. For example, a very small but no less epic story in the far north of the Roman Empire. With two brilliant stars starring the lead characters and a journey into the wilderness, The Eagle of the Ninth Legion on Amazon Prime is just that.
The Eagle of the Ninth Legion on Amazon Prime: A dangerous road trip between two unlikely men
Marcus Aquila (Channing Tatum) is a good soldier. He completed his military service with honors. Actually, he could now sit back and enjoy his life. Things could be so easy for him on his uncle’s (Donald Sutherland) estate. But Marcus leaves his Past not going.
As soon as he turns around, there is whispering behind his back. Because his father is best known for his mysterious disappearance with his men in Caledonia. He also has the eagle Standard of his legionlost and thus fell from grace. A circumstance that Marcus constantly feels.
Marcus no longer wants to accept all the unanswered questions about his father’s whereabouts and the humiliation. Together with the rebellious British slave Esca (Jamie Bell), he sets out to find out the truth. The journey takes them far beyond the safe borders of the Roman Empire, to the north of Caledonia, where other laws prevail than at home. And where some roles are reversed.
The Eagle of the Ninth Legion is refreshingly different from a sequel like Gladiator 2
The Eagle of the Ninth Legion takes us on a road trip far, far away from the familiar silhouette of the Colosseum we last saw in Gladiator 2. It goes into a wild land and the breathtaking landscape of Scotland. It has its own surprises and dangers – full of challenges, full of adventures. The action makes the most effective use of this scenery thrilling fights.
In contrast to Gladiator 2, The Eagle of the Ninth Legion takes its time to become catchy to deal with his characters. He dedicates himself to a complex, difficult relationship characterized by hatred, fear, but also curiosity. In the wilderness setting, conversations become unexpectedly intimate – and the characters’ view of themselves changes.
Is The Eagle of the Ninth Legion historically accurate? Let’s say it’s as accurate as the first Gladiator film. But that’s what he is for something completely differentwhen it comes to sandal films and Roman epics? In any case. And exciting at that.
If you’re looking for a bit of sandal adventure and a convincing duo of actors, The Eagle of the Ninth Legion is the right choice. You can stream it currently on subscription to Amazon Prime.
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