Eyes of a Roman

I've seen other feature films from Director CJ Goodwyn and thought the stories were really strong. This is his best work yet though. I hope to see him act more in the future. Les Best is such a freaking indie film star. He killed it with this role, unsurprisingly. I found myself studying the props- they were more realistic looking than I ever would have expected out of a modern day Texas filmmaker. Some green talent throughout but some real shining stars performance wise. I would recommend checking this film out to anyone who appreciates Roman storytelling and/or independent film. Enjoy some raw talent.

This movie has something for everyone. History buffs will appreciate the period detail involved, but these details wisely did not override the plot. Action aficionados will appreciate the 300esq editing of the fight scenes, but the fight scenes do not dominate the feel.

The writer/director weaves a complex human story of allegiance and loyalty, and asks the age old question of whether nature or nurture plays the larger role in our foundational beliefs.

An imperfect movie, yet so many superior elements are included to belie the independent label. You will see something new each time you watch.

This movie has some fine attributes despite the low budget. The story, direction and cinematography were what I'd normally see in a higher budget film. The score was very nice as well.

Most of the historical context is fairly accurate and the costumes are fine. However the Parthians of Persia were not barbarians as we see here, they actually had a fairly advanced culture at that time.

Some of the actors were very good, some others less so. The one weakness of the movie is the casting - Crassus was only about 30 when Sulla marched on Rome, and about 40-42 when he won the final battle in the Spartacus slave revolt, so he should have been played by one of the younger actors in the movie.

CJ Goodwyn is an excellent writer and director, but not an impressive actor, so it would have been better if he had cast one of the other actors in the main role.

Overall, it's a good historical movie.

The film was shot in the hill country of Texas, and the crew behind this film did a masterful job. Seeing how the cameramen, sound, director, assistant director, and makeup/hair work all in unison on location was a joy to watch. Watching the film, the images are so crisp and vivid, you will wish you could rewind to see them again. Knowing how the director held regular sessions to coordinate 60+ actors through fight choreography training, and how the director encouraged active participation were some of the highlights of being part of this film. Many people contributed blood, sweat, and smiles to make the action scenes of the movie worth the watch, and it shows. Congratulations to the cast and crew.

As far as I know there have been no Roman-themed, period pieces filmed in Texas.... until now! Eyes Of A Roman takes place during the period of the Third Servile War, also known as the last battle between Spartacus's barbarians and the powerful Roman army led by Marcus Crassus. This is the story of a war-orphaned boy, Atticus, who is raised in the shadow of Rome and bears witness to atrocities that his own family endured carried out by a calloused, unmerciful leader.... the very man who raised him.

Atticus joins the ranks of the Roman army, the world's most elite fighting force. He soon learns that evil acts can be justified...if they are done in the name of Rome. As Rome marches toward the final battle against Spartacus and his rebels, Atticus must make a choice between what he knows to be right and what he has been trained to do as a son of Rome.

With 300-esque fight scenes, epic soundtrack and sweeping shots of the terrain, Eyes Of A Roman is a great experience. I will definitely be seeing it again!