Review of Centurion (2010) by Hm F — 15 Jul 2011
Scottish genre-maestro Neil Marshall brings his directorial best to this rollicking and blood-splattered adventure. Rugged Scottish landscapes and a strong cast are just some of the highlight of this 'lost' 9th Legion story (see The Lost Legion or King Arthur for other recent stabs at this historical mystery).
The cast of characters is particularly engaging, especially Fassbender as Quintus and Olga Kurylenko is visually striking as the mute 'she-wolf' warrior hunting down the Roman centurions. The film makes very effectively transitions to what seems like another Gladiator clone into an effective chase film and even finds time to throw in a little romance that isn't half bad.
Marshall keeps the action moving at a fast clip although at times the filtered high contrast photography is a little too showy and takes you out of the movie. The story is at its best when it switches to The Naked Prey mode with the Romans on the run from the Picts.
The movie wisely avoid making the Picts outright villains and the viewer is challenged as to who to root for as the movie goes on. Its cool to see Noel Clarke as one of the Romans on the run, especially with fellow Who alumni David Morrissey.
The quality of the production design is quite good; the reuse of the Roman forts is although obvious is nonetheless effective. The blood & guts that Marshall is known for is in evidence throughout the movie with some gory kills (watch for some grisly arrow-in-the-eye action) but the CG blood splatter effect doesn't look so great.
In light of recent ancient warrior fare like Season of the Witch and The Eagle, Centurion easily bests them both as a strong entry in the genre.
This review of Centurion (2010) was written by Hm F on 15 Jul 2011.
Centurion has generally received mixed reviews.
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