My review is influenced partially because I haven't watched a European movie for several years and it was refreshing to revisit. This movie is certainly not suitable for younger people or anyone who dislikes realistic violence. I usually shy away from violent movies, especially where the violence serves no purpose.
What stands out about this movie is that it feels realistic. Most of Hollywood has drastically shifted into a synthetic reality that is more like a day-time soap opera, but has added plenty of violence. and SFX. By contrast, this movie had characters exhaling misty breath in freezing cold rain, inside a cage made of rough bits of timer. You really felt as if you were watching the real thing at times, or a very detailed documentary. The characters also behaved realistically, something Hollywood has lost the ability to reflect.
The costumes (despite criticism from another reviewer) were probably realistic for 750BC as the characters were mostly slaves that were imprisoned in the quieter parts of what is now known as Italy. Many characters had beards because they didn't have access to Schick shavers. However, the actors probably lacked muscle and leanness that the actual inhabitants would have had. By contrast, the social elite in 750BC would have dressed immaculately.
The fight scenes were very well performed. Far less cut-scenes than you usually see today in Hollywood and far more awareness of exactly what is going on around the violence. However, at times I felt the violence was too much and wasn't adding value to the story.
In case you're wondering, even the ancient Romans were unsure of how accurate the stories of Romulus and Remus were. Today, we talk of what being a "good citizen" (especially promoted by the United Nations). The Romans had the concept of a "good Roman", so, in all probability, the current story of Romulus and Remus was popularised through a "good Roman" filter.
If you're in the mood for a thoughtful, violent, somewhat historically accurate film about the establishment of a world-class Empire, this is absolutely worth watching. It's in Latin, so, you'll have to read subtitles. The violence is very graphic, probably on par with the original Robo Cop movie, although, more realistic. Just think of watching a great BBC documentary with no voice-over and with a lot of graphic violence.
