Not perfect, but it's fine.
"Those About to Die," created by Robert Rodat and directed by Roland Emmerich, is a soap opera set in ancient Rome that blends sports, mafia, politics, and family drama.
The plot follows Emperor Vespasian (Anthony Hopkins) as he tries to stabilize Rome. His sons, Titus (Tom Hughes) and Domitian (Jojo Macari), are embroiled in a rivalry that adds to the tension. Alongside the imperial family, characters from the plebeian underworld, like Tenax (Iwan Rheon), a hustler with big ambitions, and Kwame (Moe Hashim), a Numidian slave turned gladiator, add depth to the narrative.
The series struggles with an inconsistent tone, wavering between serious historical drama and quasi-satirical theatrical play. This inconsistency can be jarring, making the story feel a bit messy despite its decent plot. The characters are well-developed with clear motivations, but the chaotic presentation often detracts from their stories.
Visually, the series is impressive, though some CGI elements are noticeable. The depiction of Rome is visually stunning, with sprawling cityscapes and grand arenas. The action scenes, including gladiator battles and chariot races, are well-choreographed and explicitly violent, capturing the brutality of the era.
However, the show can feel repetitive, with many scenes reiterating the same themes and conflicts. The various narrative threads do converge nicely towards the end, providing a satisfying payoff. Despite its flaws, the series offers an entertaining look at ancient Rome's decadence and intrigue.
Overall, "Those About to Die" is an ambitious project that, while not perfect, is enjoyable for those who appreciate historical dramas with a mix of action and political intrigue. I watched it over a week and found it generally entertaining. I'd give it 7 stars.
The plot follows Emperor Vespasian (Anthony Hopkins) as he tries to stabilize Rome. His sons, Titus (Tom Hughes) and Domitian (Jojo Macari), are embroiled in a rivalry that adds to the tension. Alongside the imperial family, characters from the plebeian underworld, like Tenax (Iwan Rheon), a hustler with big ambitions, and Kwame (Moe Hashim), a Numidian slave turned gladiator, add depth to the narrative.
The series struggles with an inconsistent tone, wavering between serious historical drama and quasi-satirical theatrical play. This inconsistency can be jarring, making the story feel a bit messy despite its decent plot. The characters are well-developed with clear motivations, but the chaotic presentation often detracts from their stories.
Visually, the series is impressive, though some CGI elements are noticeable. The depiction of Rome is visually stunning, with sprawling cityscapes and grand arenas. The action scenes, including gladiator battles and chariot races, are well-choreographed and explicitly violent, capturing the brutality of the era.
However, the show can feel repetitive, with many scenes reiterating the same themes and conflicts. The various narrative threads do converge nicely towards the end, providing a satisfying payoff. Despite its flaws, the series offers an entertaining look at ancient Rome's decadence and intrigue.
Overall, "Those About to Die" is an ambitious project that, while not perfect, is enjoyable for those who appreciate historical dramas with a mix of action and political intrigue. I watched it over a week and found it generally entertaining. I'd give it 7 stars.
- ruidanielbarrossss
- Jul 23, 2024