66 reviews
- vincentlynch-moonoi
- Jul 20, 2015
- Permalink
Obviously no one knows exactly what happened during Tut's reign but there has been enough discovered Spike could have still done an excellent series using a little more fact. If you like elaborate costumes, scenery and intrigue it's good. If you are hoping for more of a true depiction you will be disappointed. Was so excited to watch on Netflix since this was my favorite time in history and finally had to pretend it was a story I did not know...which it sort of was.
I read several of the reviews to see anyone said what I was gonna say and didn't look like it so far so here goes.
I noticed that allot of people really liked the show, I also thought it was pretty good, but I got the idea the reason for that is, that it's actually Hamlet from Shakespeare with an Egyptian outfit. For those who don't know Hamlet, The Lion King was also the story of Hamlet. Try to see if you find any similarities. You will find many.
I did enjoy watching it but I was hoping for a series about ancient Egypt, but except for looking Egyptian it had nothing to do with ancient Egypt so that's why I'm a bit disappointed. There is very little known about Tutankhamen but a few things they do know like who is parents where Ikhnaton and his sister who's name is unknown. they introduced Monotheism during there rule. When Tut became Pharaoh the old gods where reintroduced, probably the clergy took advantage of the young naive pharaoh but none know's, would have been nice if at least there was something about that in the series.
I noticed that allot of people really liked the show, I also thought it was pretty good, but I got the idea the reason for that is, that it's actually Hamlet from Shakespeare with an Egyptian outfit. For those who don't know Hamlet, The Lion King was also the story of Hamlet. Try to see if you find any similarities. You will find many.
I did enjoy watching it but I was hoping for a series about ancient Egypt, but except for looking Egyptian it had nothing to do with ancient Egypt so that's why I'm a bit disappointed. There is very little known about Tutankhamen but a few things they do know like who is parents where Ikhnaton and his sister who's name is unknown. they introduced Monotheism during there rule. When Tut became Pharaoh the old gods where reintroduced, probably the clergy took advantage of the young naive pharaoh but none know's, would have been nice if at least there was something about that in the series.
- nickluyten
- Aug 3, 2015
- Permalink
The costumes were absolutely gorgeous. The deceit, treachery and politics all seemed very apropos to today's goings on in the world. The photography was good and the scenes were engrossing. Good casting using Ben Kingsley, and the young Pharaoh was also well-cast.
I understand that this is the first original production for Spike TV. Well congratulations to you, Spike, because it was a very good show. The only issue I had was that the volume of the dialogue was too low in proportion to the volume of the music and/or action scenes.
I look forward to more original productions by this up and coming channel.
I understand that this is the first original production for Spike TV. Well congratulations to you, Spike, because it was a very good show. The only issue I had was that the volume of the dialogue was too low in proportion to the volume of the music and/or action scenes.
I look forward to more original productions by this up and coming channel.
- joycekonig
- Jul 27, 2015
- Permalink
This show was a total and pleasant surprise. I would of loved to see it have a chance to developed more but all and all a very good show. People dogging this show lose sight that is TV show not a documentary full of facts and figures. The show served it's purpose of providing drama and a very good story. From a production stand point I thought it was outstanding. Actors and actresses who I've never heard of had a chance to shine and for the most part did a very respectable job. As with most TV drama there are going to parts that could of hit the editorial floor but for Spike TV to feature a show off this magnitude I thought it was well done and definitely worth watching!
- starbase202
- Jul 21, 2015
- Permalink
- lynpalmer1
- Jul 20, 2015
- Permalink
To start the 3 part series tries to tell the story of king TUT within that 3 episode time span with the little knowledge known about the boy king.The casting was spot on and the performances were on par with what is expected from the characters especially the pharaoh.Do not look for a history lesson here since you won't be able to find it.You can find good battle scenes,nice scenery but its not for kids though for obvious reasons.
I found the series to be quite entertaining and it covered most of the aspects of the human struggle which can be compared to modern times.Wished it was more than just 3 episodes.
I found the series to be quite entertaining and it covered most of the aspects of the human struggle which can be compared to modern times.Wished it was more than just 3 episodes.
- unpaid_movie_critic
- Jul 21, 2015
- Permalink
Personally, and although I like to watch it, I have a lot of itchiness with films and TV series based on historical material. They usually end up having so little rigor in the way they show the past and the real historical characters that they become worthy of my hatred or my disdain, as a historian. This series is another one, with an aggravating tone: we don't know as much as we wanted about Tutankhamun's life. In fact, as far as we know, Tutankhamun is one of the most unlit pharaohs of the dynasty to which he belonged. The story of his father, Akhenaten, is much more interesting in that he led a serious religious conflict in the heart of Egypt, a country where Pharaoh was also head of the state religion. However, it is not possible to escape the fascination that this young king has on us. He is, with his funerary mask, the face of Ancient Egypt.
The real Pharaoh Tut was born out of an incestuous union and began to reign around the age of ten. He married a half sister, with whom he had two daughters who did not survive childhood. The series addresses the problem of succession, but refers very briefly to these births and treats them as simple abortions. The series also takes the opportunity to create around the Pharaoh a web of intrigues and conspiracies involving the vizier Ay, who was head of the government, and the general commander of the army, General Horemheb. Both characters existed and came to reign, successively. One of the most wrong points of the series, from the point of life of historical rigor, concerns the Mitanni. The series portrays this kingdom in a way that, despite never placing it on the world map, seems to place it in present-day Sudan, reasonably close to Egypt for the characters to travel in just a few days' journey. The reality is, however, very different: the Mitanni kingdom was one of the Hurrian kingdoms and was located more or less in today's Kurdistan, far enough from the Egyptian capital to never represent a threat! Even more striking is the wrong way in which Tutankhamun himself is portrayed. In addition to his reasonably European features and white complexion, the pharaoh is shown to be a healthy person, even athletic and able to fight. In fact, and based on the analysis of his mummy, we know that Tutankhamun was fragile and would have had difficulty walking because he suffered from a mild form of scoliosis and a deformed foot. So forget the warrior pharaoh!
Now that we have seen how this series was able to run over history, the question remains: was it worth it? In fact, the series entertains, works well as an entertainment piece despite deceiving people and giving the wrong idea to Pharaoh! Reasonably well done and with an excellent cast, the series is decent.
The cast is strongly based on the performances of two specific actors: Avan Jogia and veteran Ben Kingsley. Both were effective in their work and knew how to act effectively, especially Kingsley, who gave Ay a Machiavellian aura. We also have the good performance of Kylie Bunbury, who gave life to the most emotional character and able to reach the public. Also admirable and praiseworthy were the efforts of Nonso Anozie and Iddo Goldberg. Sibylla Deen gave us the most fragile interpretation, but it was still quite convincing, especially in the scenes with the most dramatic load.
Technically, it is a series of average quality. Cinematography is quite good considering the TV quality that the series exudes. Using and abusing CGI and the green screen that everything makes possible, it was possible to recreate Egypt without great costs, although losing that pleasant feeling of realism. The royal palace with those overlapping floors, for example, is too fanciful to be credible and there are more problems of logic and lack of credibility to arise everywhere. This is the case of Egyptian military armor, clearly invented without the support of archeology, and having as its objective only and only the aesthetic criterion of production. The soundtrack is good, but of TV quality.
The real Pharaoh Tut was born out of an incestuous union and began to reign around the age of ten. He married a half sister, with whom he had two daughters who did not survive childhood. The series addresses the problem of succession, but refers very briefly to these births and treats them as simple abortions. The series also takes the opportunity to create around the Pharaoh a web of intrigues and conspiracies involving the vizier Ay, who was head of the government, and the general commander of the army, General Horemheb. Both characters existed and came to reign, successively. One of the most wrong points of the series, from the point of life of historical rigor, concerns the Mitanni. The series portrays this kingdom in a way that, despite never placing it on the world map, seems to place it in present-day Sudan, reasonably close to Egypt for the characters to travel in just a few days' journey. The reality is, however, very different: the Mitanni kingdom was one of the Hurrian kingdoms and was located more or less in today's Kurdistan, far enough from the Egyptian capital to never represent a threat! Even more striking is the wrong way in which Tutankhamun himself is portrayed. In addition to his reasonably European features and white complexion, the pharaoh is shown to be a healthy person, even athletic and able to fight. In fact, and based on the analysis of his mummy, we know that Tutankhamun was fragile and would have had difficulty walking because he suffered from a mild form of scoliosis and a deformed foot. So forget the warrior pharaoh!
Now that we have seen how this series was able to run over history, the question remains: was it worth it? In fact, the series entertains, works well as an entertainment piece despite deceiving people and giving the wrong idea to Pharaoh! Reasonably well done and with an excellent cast, the series is decent.
The cast is strongly based on the performances of two specific actors: Avan Jogia and veteran Ben Kingsley. Both were effective in their work and knew how to act effectively, especially Kingsley, who gave Ay a Machiavellian aura. We also have the good performance of Kylie Bunbury, who gave life to the most emotional character and able to reach the public. Also admirable and praiseworthy were the efforts of Nonso Anozie and Iddo Goldberg. Sibylla Deen gave us the most fragile interpretation, but it was still quite convincing, especially in the scenes with the most dramatic load.
Technically, it is a series of average quality. Cinematography is quite good considering the TV quality that the series exudes. Using and abusing CGI and the green screen that everything makes possible, it was possible to recreate Egypt without great costs, although losing that pleasant feeling of realism. The royal palace with those overlapping floors, for example, is too fanciful to be credible and there are more problems of logic and lack of credibility to arise everywhere. This is the case of Egyptian military armor, clearly invented without the support of archeology, and having as its objective only and only the aesthetic criterion of production. The soundtrack is good, but of TV quality.
- filipemanuelneto
- Nov 14, 2020
- Permalink
Loved the costumes, actors, and most of all the Pharaoh they chose! I liked the drama set up! I haven't been exited about a show in a while and this one is entertaining. I found the relationships with his high priest and his general similar to what goes on in politics today. I wish it was a series not a mini series as I'm loving the content. It is definitely not appropriate for kids though. I liked how there was a mixture of hate and anger linked to the pharaoh by everyone around him. You can never hold the spotlight too long because everybody wants it. I feel that is very humanly behavior being portrayed in these series of "Tut". I want to see the king in television more often he brightened my night.
- yvonneflowers
- Jul 18, 2015
- Permalink
It was gaudy eye candy. The actors were good and deserving of a much better script. Not very historically accurate, especially the portrayal of the Mitanni, the script, but who cares? Visually it was a real treat, obviously a lot of care was used in putting this together. Unfortunately, I know quite a bit about Egyptian history, so I watched with a cynical eye. This was Egyptian melodrama, and Avan Jogja made a very sexy Tut. Even though I kept going "what?" I watched it from beginning to end and had fun with it. "Troy" was good, too, in its own way, though not the greatest of movies. This is the kind of event you have to let yourself enjoy
Do you have jobless black actors? Are they frustrated that their ethnic group has no history? Well, don't worry! You can just fabricate some historical phantasmagoria about black Mitanni people, Tut's black wife, and a fictitious black general, and slap it together for the average North American audience. The average American just doesn't know, where Mitanni was, but he is well informed that every great historical figure born in Africa was black. Even Hannibal was black, after all. They just aired it on the History Channel! And why Tut wasn't portrayed as a black pharaoh, after all?!
This movie is an insult to the intelligence of every historian. It was made by businessmen, who know nothing about ancient history and hence they don't care about any facts. The most important thing is, if they get enough money for advertisement breaks.
This movie is an insult to the intelligence of every historian. It was made by businessmen, who know nothing about ancient history and hence they don't care about any facts. The most important thing is, if they get enough money for advertisement breaks.
Very refreshing to watch such a well written series, wonderful actors, believable sets, and story line. Wonderful to see that there is still some quality movie making instead of some of the dribble that is being made these days.
Hated to see it end but hope more historical dramas will be forthcoming. Made me want to read more about King Tut and that period. Would definitely recommend this, well worth time spent watching.
Enjoyed actors, especially the young man who played King Tut. Ben Kingsley portrayal was realistic and both of the young women were beautiful and well played.
Hated to see it end but hope more historical dramas will be forthcoming. Made me want to read more about King Tut and that period. Would definitely recommend this, well worth time spent watching.
Enjoyed actors, especially the young man who played King Tut. Ben Kingsley portrayal was realistic and both of the young women were beautiful and well played.
- lvanhooz-54527
- Jul 30, 2015
- Permalink
I'm visiting Egypt for the second time, next week, and this series is a real tonic! Wow! Fast paced, wonderful scenery, great sets, lovely costumes and a powerful script. Very cool indeed.
Why the Mitanni kings are black, though, defies logic ... they were from Syria. I guess the producers wanted black representation in ancient history, even though it never existed. Would black TV audiences really refuse to watch a miniseries about King Tutankhamun just because there were no black actors in it? Of course not! Grow up Hollywood!!!!
The casting is superb, Tutankhamun is a dark, embittered youth, that kicks back at his historical portrayal as a teen aged victim of Egyptian politics, shades of Frank Herbet's DUNE. Ankhesunamen is fabulously gorgeous and Ay (Ben Kingsley), is perfect in his role.
Why the Mitanni kings are black, though, defies logic ... they were from Syria. I guess the producers wanted black representation in ancient history, even though it never existed. Would black TV audiences really refuse to watch a miniseries about King Tutankhamun just because there were no black actors in it? Of course not! Grow up Hollywood!!!!
The casting is superb, Tutankhamun is a dark, embittered youth, that kicks back at his historical portrayal as a teen aged victim of Egyptian politics, shades of Frank Herbet's DUNE. Ankhesunamen is fabulously gorgeous and Ay (Ben Kingsley), is perfect in his role.
- zozer-54226
- Aug 18, 2015
- Permalink
Right from the start, Tut presents itself with grand and gorgeous set. It certainly boasts high presentation, ranging from the colorful costume, immense environment to heavy amount of make-up. The goal is clearly to make an epic tale, however it's also disjointed in many areas as the narrative progresses with slow political build up and occasional melodramatic romance.
This is the chronicle of Tut (Avan Jogia) as he deals with personal issues and outside oppositions to seize his birthright of becoming pharaoh. The most notable name here is Sir Ben Kingsley. After Exodus, Prince of Persia and even the recent Night at the Museum, it's hardly surprising that he's cast as the adviser role. Simply by having him, the show elevates its acting department as he performs with stoic conviction, in a way carrying the younger actors.
If the delivery of this miniseries reminds audience of Moses' tale (pick any modern rendition of it), because it is built to be an heroic spectacle. It presents hefty amount of political maneuvering and betrayal, as well as the more titillating sexual depiction and bloodbath. The presentation is catered around this idea, and for half the part, it does well.
The view is vibrant and its aesthetic is quite eye-catching. Design for both opulence and crude war is highly presentable, yet the actual human drama might be a stale. Story moves in slow pace, which is invested heavily on love triangle subplot and disgruntled general premise. It tries to bring fresh outlook, but unfortunately at times it feels like juvenile squabble instead of legendary vie for power.
Use of mature subject could've been dealt with more poise. It repeats many sexual acts, nudity, and literal face front gore. With restraint these may be indulging, though the series often puts them to seemingly prolong the gratuitous viewing, it may become unintentionally numbing.
Tut has all the riches of epic story, yet these are smoke and mirrors to pander audience with sensational beauty. It may offer a small degree of enjoyment, although the actual core of narrative and human relationship to drive a legendary tale seem to be lacking.
This is the chronicle of Tut (Avan Jogia) as he deals with personal issues and outside oppositions to seize his birthright of becoming pharaoh. The most notable name here is Sir Ben Kingsley. After Exodus, Prince of Persia and even the recent Night at the Museum, it's hardly surprising that he's cast as the adviser role. Simply by having him, the show elevates its acting department as he performs with stoic conviction, in a way carrying the younger actors.
If the delivery of this miniseries reminds audience of Moses' tale (pick any modern rendition of it), because it is built to be an heroic spectacle. It presents hefty amount of political maneuvering and betrayal, as well as the more titillating sexual depiction and bloodbath. The presentation is catered around this idea, and for half the part, it does well.
The view is vibrant and its aesthetic is quite eye-catching. Design for both opulence and crude war is highly presentable, yet the actual human drama might be a stale. Story moves in slow pace, which is invested heavily on love triangle subplot and disgruntled general premise. It tries to bring fresh outlook, but unfortunately at times it feels like juvenile squabble instead of legendary vie for power.
Use of mature subject could've been dealt with more poise. It repeats many sexual acts, nudity, and literal face front gore. With restraint these may be indulging, though the series often puts them to seemingly prolong the gratuitous viewing, it may become unintentionally numbing.
Tut has all the riches of epic story, yet these are smoke and mirrors to pander audience with sensational beauty. It may offer a small degree of enjoyment, although the actual core of narrative and human relationship to drive a legendary tale seem to be lacking.
- quincytheodore
- Jul 20, 2015
- Permalink
I would give this 20 stars if it were possible. I felt this was the best drama, with great acting, plot and action I have ever seen.
I totally loved this mini-series. All the actors did good jobs, but I was especially taken by Avan Jogik, who played King Tut. Not only is he a thrilling actor to watch, he is also one of the handsomest men ever on a screen. I think this actor will go far. I had not seen him before, but will certainly be watching for him in the future.
The series was riveting. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. The writing was excellent with the many twists and turns and great character development.
I totally loved this mini-series. All the actors did good jobs, but I was especially taken by Avan Jogik, who played King Tut. Not only is he a thrilling actor to watch, he is also one of the handsomest men ever on a screen. I think this actor will go far. I had not seen him before, but will certainly be watching for him in the future.
The series was riveting. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. The writing was excellent with the many twists and turns and great character development.
- mauvemoonlight
- Jul 20, 2015
- Permalink
This is an elaborate fantasy with virtually none of it based on fact and all the rest based on ignorance. The list of errors is beyond massive. (Seriously, pharaohs did not participate in nighttime commando raids and they certainly did not ride into battle bare-headed.)
This is entertainment. Nothing more. This said, it is a great story that is well written, well directed and well edited. There are many instances that reveal severe budgetary constraints, but in a great deal of the film the costumes and sets were so well done that it provided a wonderful feel of how the place may have been.
The fact that Tut apparently died from falling from one chariot and being run over by another is simply set aside, portraying his fatal injury as from being in battle. There are many other departures from reality.
What is known was that the general, the vizier and the high priest all maneuvered against the king, with Ai (the vizier) succeeding him to the throne for a very brief and insignificant reign, and with Tut's widow as queen.
I watched this miniseries for a second time a few years after my first viewing and while my initial review was highly negative (due to the wild inaccuracies) my second viewing led me to raise the ratings. The film may be 98% nonsense, but it's good cinema.
This is entertainment. Nothing more. This said, it is a great story that is well written, well directed and well edited. There are many instances that reveal severe budgetary constraints, but in a great deal of the film the costumes and sets were so well done that it provided a wonderful feel of how the place may have been.
The fact that Tut apparently died from falling from one chariot and being run over by another is simply set aside, portraying his fatal injury as from being in battle. There are many other departures from reality.
What is known was that the general, the vizier and the high priest all maneuvered against the king, with Ai (the vizier) succeeding him to the throne for a very brief and insignificant reign, and with Tut's widow as queen.
I watched this miniseries for a second time a few years after my first viewing and while my initial review was highly negative (due to the wild inaccuracies) my second viewing led me to raise the ratings. The film may be 98% nonsense, but it's good cinema.
- trey-yancy-572-763547
- Dec 14, 2018
- Permalink
I thought it was excellent! The Plot kept my attention and made me look forward to the next episode. I was elated that I didn't have to wait until the following week to watch again. I thought it was well cast, I appreciated the acting, and and production. Not knowing the route the series was going to take and how close to the facts the series would remain made it somewhat suspenseful. I appreciated the fact that they tried to adhere to some of the archaeological findings. I enjoyed the pace of the series and have encouraged all of my friends to watch it. It definitely was a fix for my game of Thrones withdrawal. I think anytime you can sit through a 6 hour mini series it has to be good!! I give it a 10!
- chem-dantzler-973-550031
- Jul 20, 2015
- Permalink
Considering was realized in 2015 the whole thing, the production, looks a bit too cheap to my eyes, comparing to other historical miniseries. The mixture of dialogs, photography , camera works, and acting feels a bit not authentic and cheap according to the actual standard. A pity for the story and for Ben Kingsley that still a great actor.
6/10
6/10
Ancient Eqypt is a piece of history that has been somewhat overlooked by modern day filmmakers. "Tut" is supposed to fill the gap, but sadly fails on a lot of levels.
First the good stuff. It's visually gorgeous, nicely filmed and the acting is decent.
However. The series completely fails as a believable story about an interesting period in ancient Eqypt. First and foremost, the fact that they chose Farao Tutanchamon for this is ample proof of a choice based on his fame with the public rather than his impact on history. Tutanchamon was in fact a puppet-king that had all major decisions made for him by advisors. Even if that hadn't been the case, his reign of only a few years would've been too short to have any lasting significance. Tut is only famous because his mummified body is one of the best preserverd of all the faraos of ancient Egypt.
All in all, what we learn from this series is that if you ever want a historical epic dedicated to you 2000 years in the future, you had best get started on your impregnable pyramid already.
First the good stuff. It's visually gorgeous, nicely filmed and the acting is decent.
However. The series completely fails as a believable story about an interesting period in ancient Eqypt. First and foremost, the fact that they chose Farao Tutanchamon for this is ample proof of a choice based on his fame with the public rather than his impact on history. Tutanchamon was in fact a puppet-king that had all major decisions made for him by advisors. Even if that hadn't been the case, his reign of only a few years would've been too short to have any lasting significance. Tut is only famous because his mummified body is one of the best preserverd of all the faraos of ancient Egypt.
All in all, what we learn from this series is that if you ever want a historical epic dedicated to you 2000 years in the future, you had best get started on your impregnable pyramid already.
- gielvdsteenhoven
- Aug 3, 2015
- Permalink
Beautiful costumes, and the great Ben Kingsley . What else do you need? The surroundings and beautiful sets are incredible. And as many says, it might not be 100% real history. But who cares when Avan Jogia slays his part as the young and gorgeous pharao?
This promised much but delivered some very standard, boring and predictable fare. Whilst not being in any way offensive it was rather light on intrigue and excitement. Tut will most likely find an appreciative and undemanding audience but don't expect this to fill a Game of Thrones shape void in your schedule. The presence of Ben Kingsley is somewhat surprising considering he is of a stature that he does not HAVE to anything he does not want to do. Maybe he saw something in it I did not. As I watched episode 1 I had to restrain myself from turning it off several times but eventually I gave up after 20 mins when the PHAROAH of Egypt was wandering happily in and out of local taverns chatting up wenches whilst undisguised and somehow unnoticed. Sigh.
- patrickjd2000
- Jul 26, 2015
- Permalink
OK, even if you ignore the total lack of historical accuracy, misrepresentation of cultural and ethnic reality (Egyptians with hair and black Mittanis!), and countless production mistakes and gaffs, the script and acting are just terrible! I mean really! Can't you tell a good story and still represent at least the spirit of a period and culture in an artful manner with soulful characters? The old Steve Reeves Hercules flicks were better than this abomination. I think the producers were shooting for a "Hunger Games Goes to Egypt" kind of thing......Seriously.....Nothing can save this mess...Poor Sir Ben Kingsley! From Ghandi to this...perhaps he helped with the fake English accents....
- cmurray-880-703065
- Jul 21, 2015
- Permalink