Curiously, I wondered why anyone would cast Olga Kurylenco in the role of Etain, the psychologically wounded huntress/warrior. I think she is far more effective in roles like Nika, the prostitute on the run in the movie 'Hitman'. Sex kitten, yes. Barbarian she-warrior? No. Not really. She did work the role, but was unable to suspend my disbelief.
My reason for posting to this thread isn't to defend this movie, but rather defend why I might be interested in adventure tales from this period in history.
The only historians from the time were Roman. The various tribes being conquered by the Romans did not have much of a tradition for writing chronicles of their respective histories. Therefore all we really have from the period are relics dug up by archeologists, the writings of Roman historians, and the writings of a couple of Christian monks from a later time period who were attempting to chronicle some of the pagan folklore, (from a Christian perspective), before all of it became forgotten. (Geoffry of Monmouth and Bede)
As noted in the op, "The 13th Warrior" is an example of a dark age adventure flick that succeeds. (I think) While this one, (Centurion) is entirely forgettable.....and this is my attempt at closure for having watched.
Probably, the interesting thing about the time period from which this story comes, is that Rome came to realize that it had over-reached its ability to govern when they conquered Britain. Hence Hadrian's wall....to keep those unruly and difficult Picts out. I'd like to think that it would be possible to construct an interesting movie around the struggle between the conquered Celts and the oppressive and efficient war machine that was Romes. Perhaps another retelling of Boudica?
I had hoped for something a little more interesting, rather than just the ultra violent chase that the movie is.
I still hope for a good movie from this time period. One that almost succeeds is "The Last Legion". A flick that attempts to preface and prepare the way for the King Arthur legend by explaining the origins of the sword Excalibur. Pure fantasy. But well produced and with some interesting lead characters.
-Steve
Thorens Rules
