And so, probably, the series is not called anything other than an insult to the entire human history or even the human mind as a whole, but about everything in order.
I'm a big fan of ancient Rome, its history; I'm a big fan of cinema, especially historical, but this is the first time I've seen such a perversion. I have to say, “This is not the level of Troy, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, you can expect from the movie ... um... nothing...”
Obviously, the emphasis in the series was not on the plot, not on historical information (in one of the scenes, for example, they framed the whole matter so that it came out sideways for Caesar, whose participation in the suppression of the uprising of Spartacus, in fact, has not been proven from a historical point of view, and his rape is completely nonsense) and not even on the play of actors, but on a banal beautiful picture, and if to be quite honest, then the creators there also screwed up: “Spartacus” is another conveyor product with an emphasis on unrealistic cruelty; a lot of blood, and his rape is not a lot of corpses, but it should be made of these effects on the full audience. But the battles between the soldiers are beautiful, well staged, this is almost the only plus. By the way, it is lost after the first season (they may have simplified the plot to expand the audience).
Perhaps the most successful can be called only the first season, in which all the main ideas are implemented. In the process of viewing, there is such a feeling as if the plot of the other seasons was written in haste, and somewhere completely sucked out of the finger - the entire second season dedicated to the formation of the house of Batiatus.
Separately, I will say a few words about the invincible gladiators: in Spartacus there is a mass genocide, sorry – there is no other word, the Romans. They had the best trained and most armed army in the world. - Because recruits and bandits were thrown to suppress the rebellion of Spartacus. But, the film crew shows not poorly organized army of Rome, she prefers to create the image of Spartacus, which would easily break the lyule to the superman.
Conclusion:
It's avant-garde and primitivism, just kidding.
It's wasted time, you can watch the first season, but it's better not to look further.
The colorful trailer, albeit full of computer graphics, promised a colorful spectacle, but in the end, after watching (part of the scrolling) 3 seasons and a prequel, the series frankly disappointed. This is not a film by Kubrick and Douglas, although there the writer also distorted history (but for the sake of an idea), not a historical film, not even a copy of 300. Snyder, and entertainment with incredible fights and an abundance of nudity. I must say there were bright moments because of which I watched this opus-good play of the main actors of the first season – Andy Whitfield and John Hannah, Tarabay (the first died of cancer after season 1, the second still shone in the prequel, the third and in season 2), actors who played Krasa (in season 3) and Gannica.
The creators decided to save on production and filmed everything on a few squalid decors in the studio, the rest was completed by poor computer graphics and a clear search for nudity both female and male (this is not “Rome” with a multimillion-dollar budget and decors in Italy). Epic battles are replaced by fights of 2-4 dozen people maximum and in season 3 computer battles as from the old strategy.
The impenetrable dullness of almost all the characters was most annoying, as was the strange behavior of the Romans and rebellious slaves in battle. For example, the attack on the wife of Spartacus in a wagon where there was nothing valuable but her, but instead of capturing the bandits, she is cut and not even taken away by horses, allowing her to get to the villa of Batiatus, the Glavger takes on faith the whole story as a complete idiot. During the battle, the Romans roar their own orders and rush to slaughter, but not the disciplined army of Spartacus in trophy armor, and a bunch of morons fighting not in the ranks but separately ala gladiators and without normal armor. Also, legionnaires have neither famous pilums nor bows, and armor is not in the era easily pierced with a sword (all to make it easier to kill them). The apotheosis of moronism-fighting Beauty with slaves in the captured city in front of a formation of soldiers not trying to help the commander, whose place according to the idea is in the rear.
Combat computer-unreal jumps, intestines, dismemberment, there were and very spectacular while the action went on in the arena, but to real gladiatorial fights have nothing to do (no judges, dead gladiators were not cut into pieces and taken away on special wagons, strict rules what type of fighter can fight is not observed and much more).
Horrifying the number of Negroes, and especially infuriating in the arena as spectators - if there were so many free and slaves in ancient Rome, the population of Italy would look different. The number of homosecs grows with each season and suddenly they are already familiar characters. So the sodomite is the son of Krasa, a military commander, who does not know in the late Roman Republic soldiers caught in a similar stoned colleagues under the law. The Germans "from the lands east of the Rhine" it is unclear how they get to the Romans as prisoners of war - before the conquest of Gaul for another 20 years, the territory of modern Austria is also not the province of Rome. The last inhabitant of Carthage is mildly a suspect but young considering that the fall of the city was in the middle of the 2nd century BC.
Of the characters most of all went to Spartacus and Crixus, a powerful Thracian (the standard of ferocity and physical strength of the times of Antiquity) who cut down enemies by dozens and hardened in battles with fellow tribesmen from other tribes of Thrace and the Romans, who cut down 4 gladiators of Solonius (the successful lanista and therefore the best fighters) when he got to Batiatus is a miserable weakling. The mighty gall, who bore a name characteristic of the nobility (not a pseudonym in the series), is depicted at first as a ferocious killer (played perfectly), further as a lover in the slave of the hostess, in the second he was turned into a whiner and a hysteria, and in the third into the litter of his girlfriend, a brainless psychopath, and his epic campaign to Rome at the end with a bunch of victories and even nonsense, in reality immediately after the separation from Spartacus he was defeated in the first battle. The second division, like the campaign of slaves itself, is not shown at all, the addition of shepherds with numerous herds is absent and ensures the hunger of the rebels. Spartacus became soft-bodied in Season 3 by keeping Roman captives for no reason and forbidding fights between them (in fact, he arranged such numerous fights that he fucked all of Rome, and if necessary without hesitation slaughtered prisoners), the ascribed desire to abolish slavery is complete nonsense (he was a man of his time).
Mass orgies and perversions of the Romans were another lie of the series in the times of the Republic, morals were strict and the immorality of a nobleman was used against him by political rivals.
The Romans got Gaius Julius Caesar, a lustful idiot, the murder of everyone in the school of Batiatus (the plot was discovered and only 78 gladitors managed to escape without women), Glabra is not a frivolous idiot, the absence of sane camps before season 3 and the depraved wives of the heroes.
Only for the performance of some actors.
2 out of 10
Their blood is stained with the sand floor of the arena, But their death is only fun for the crowd. They are slaves, serving "without change", but in their thoughts - Freedom - only the delight of their soul!!!
At the first shots of this series, it immediately becomes clear that this is the most spectacular historical narrative that has been filmed so far. When you get tired of watching historical documentaries or other films and TV series, over which you need to think and draw conclusions, analyze, etc., you can just take and enjoy the incredibly spectacular series Spartacus: Blood and sand, which combines such films as: Gladiator, 300 Spartans, Sin City, etc. But I am not saying that there is nothing to think about, just the opposite. Just here some wisdom is presented together with crazy dynamism and special effects.
As for the dynamism, it would seem that this series, which in fact should be filled with monotonous dialogue, insignificant scenes stretching the plot from series to series. But it's not here. Each series is full of significant events. It’s like a movie with its own name. In each series, in addition to the main storyline, an important event is revealed and very often ends in the same series (its own mini-plot, story). Especially in seasons 1 and 3.
Regarding special effects, you can also argue for a long time, but few in which series spend so much on computer graphics and various innovations. It is used in ordinary films (no more than 3 hours). And here in each series there are so many actions and productions. Of course, the graphics are not perfect, much is clearly visible, especially if you watch the series on your computer (close), but this is also not the main thing. It doesn’t bother you.
A little about the main "highlight" of the series - about the actors. They are beyond praise here. Andy Whitfield (the role of Spartacus in season 1) is a pity. He literally got used to the role (his "swan song") - "Champion on screen, legend in our hearts." But Liam McIntyre also seemed very convincing in this role. Both very competently showed all the experiences and fears of the hero in a memorable look. The memorable role is Batiatus (John Hanna). At first, I immediately remembered "Jonathan" from Mummy, but they are far apart. Here the actor very clearly plays an intelligent, calculating (cunning and insidious), lying intriguer Roman, ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of power. So many facial expressions and gestures - very believable. It was unusual to see the role of Lucretia Lucy Lawless (the former “Zena – Queen of Warriors” – this is the role she was remembered for). Her character, it would seem, at first not so decisive as her husband, but her cunning and prudence make her something even worse than her husband. All played at the highest level. As has been the case throughout history, it shows how women change the course of their lives by controlling their husbands and lovers. I really liked the role of Peter Mens ("master), a fair and strong gladiator mentor with an all-knowing eye. It is impossible not to mention one of the main villains of this story "Ashore" (Nik Tarabei), so to speak, the villain of the "second" plan; who by his cunning achieves goals at the hands of others. The actor very competently showed his hero, with a constant grin on his lips, with a piercing and sparkling cunning look. The other actors were also convincing. For me personally, the amazing acting in this series is its main component. I also liked modern music combined with great fights.
A little meaning. The series tells the story of a real man who raised a slave revolt against the Roman masters and for a long time crushed their troops. It began with revenge for a loved one (first his wife, then his best friend) and grew into a struggle for justice and freedom (against the whole Empire), the main goals in human life. Here it is clearly shown that if a person has a real goal in life, to which he goes no matter what, there is little or no one can stop him. It’s also interesting because one person has been able to change so much in the lives of people, country and even the world. Even in situations where the hero’s life hung in the balance, he did not deviate from his principles, even setting everyone against himself. It all started in the gladiatorial arena, but ended far beyond. People followed him because they were tired of suffering and sacrifice for the pleasure of the masters, and he inspired them by his example. In general, the story of the power of the human spirit!
Some memorable strong scenes: the first surrender of Spartacus in the arena for the sake of his beloved wife; the murder of his best friend with his own hands; the final conversation between Spartacus and Crassus. A very interesting move of the writers was the introduction to the narrative of the story – Caesar. I don't remember that from history. In some ways, the image of Caesar here resembles the image of Achilles (Brad Pitt) from Troy: behavior, character, even outwardly. The scene of his rape was unusual.
In this series there is "everything": murder and mercy, revenge and impunity, sex and violence, loyalty and betrayal, love and hatred, cruelty and nobility, admiration and disappointment, truce and scandals, gossip and exposure, intrigue, incest, tears, urine, blood and sand, in a word - ROME.
Traditionally, a few memorable phrases: "One, two promising, but the rest and my mother would win in the arena." “The roar of the crowd – there is no sound more glorious”, “Everyone dies, only time and method differ”, etc.
I would recommend watching the series. You can learn a lot from it. But the main advantage that makes it so popular is entertainment. After all, there is no one who does not want to see the winner of Theokolis (shadow of death), “bringing rain”, the champion of Capua, the great and powerful gladiator – SPARTAC-a!
All of the above is my subjective opinion.
P.S.: Think about death. He who says this tells us to think about freedom. He who learns death has forgotten how to be a slave. He is above all authority and certainly beyond all authority!!!
In this world, everything is possible when hearts and thoughts are connected with purpose!! (Spartacus: Blood and Sand).
I never wrote reviews, but after watching this series, this desire arose. I watched the series in two days, interrupted by sleep and urgent business. This shows that the series deserves praise and attention!
After all, it has everything: betrayal, friendship, loyalty, purpose and desire for it, human cunning - in a word, life. Life is far from modernity.
Spartacus is a symbol of honor, valor, freedom, which gives people hope for a bright future and the opportunity to realize this hope.
The acting is impeccable and realistic. Each character is worked out to the smallest detail, which makes you watch the series with even greater admiration. What else to say only positive emotions penetrating into the very depth of consciousness!
Delightful, impeccable, magnificent!
Well, here comes that sad day when I watched this cruel, blood-soaked, violent story about a Great, Legendary Man who did something that no one ever did, or even thought he would, went against the system.
Definitely the most epic series I've seen. Of course, there is some fiction, but everything is transmitted truthfully, as it should be, except for some factors, but I am not particularly going to find fault with it, because I do not care, I wanted a beautiful and interesting spectacle, I saw it, so there are no complaints. Such a beautiful shooting I have not seen in any series, shot very beautifully and spectacularly, I think that the historical series, equal to this, will never be, very sorry, I can not convey what I felt when I watched this masterpiece, it is very impressed on me.
I was so used to the characters that it was very difficult to part with them, after the final I was at the same time, knowing that there would be no more series, sad, and seeing a stunning finale, joyful. This is not just a series, but a serial historical film, the best in its genre, nothing and no one will surpass Spartacus, since it is simply not possible. This is what I call respect for the fans, the creators finished everything as it should, without spoiling the final, everything does not look long, beautiful and epic, in another way and can not be said.
It was very sad after Andy Whitfield left the project and died, very sorry for him, he was a great actor, let the earth rest on him. After that, I didn’t even know how to look, but when I got together, I kept watching the story. At first I didn’t accept the new Spartacus, because I was used to the old, but Liam McIntyre showed a really brilliant game, he just perfectly entered the image, after the first half of the second season I respected him, and began to consider him a real Spartacus. I will not say which of them is better, for they are both gorgeous, they both showed excellent play, low bow to them for it.
Starting to watch the prequel, I was bored, but then I got so involved that I watched 5 episodes a day, it was very intriguing. The prequel “Gods of the Arena” is made very high-quality and shot beautifully, the first series is boring, then all the salt begins, and you will sit without breaking away, in fact he introduces us to the real god of the arena. There is no Gannicus equal to him. The first season of Blood and Sand introduces us to Spartacus himself, who does not know how to fight, as well as other gladiators, some of whom will be in the coming seasons. I will not write further, I do not want to throw spoilers, although for those who studied history, this is not a secret.
Spartacus is a great warrior who did not fear the whip of the master and rebelled against him, thereby going against the system, and showed the Romans what an ordinary slave could do.
10 out of 10
I started watching the series in two rounds. For the first time, it grew out of catching glimpses of pieces of different series, which prompted you to get closer. But I didn’t get carried away the first time. The second time, something changed and after watching each series, I wanted to launch the next one. So series after series was watched the first season, and to quit the series was not possible. The prequel and the final two seasons were followed.
I think it's a good story. The next series is expected, because you want to know the fate of the heroes, each of whom is thought out, has a face, history. It is very interesting to observe the formation of gladiators, the attempts of politicians, the insidiousness of women, the development of intrigues, the experiences of the main characters. The abundance of blood and depraved scenes complements the picture of unbridled Rome, the entourage is perceived realistically. Events and behavior of the characters are harmoniously combined with the world shown.
The prequel, shot for the sad reason of changing the actor who played Spartacus, in my opinion, successfully continued what he started, maintaining the established bar. It is interesting to look at familiar heroes when they just won names for themselves, which served as one or another act.
Two seasons with a new actor. As often happens in such situations, the first character wins in comparison. However, we must admit that the replacement was successful. That's what I really didn't like, you could even say, was a bit of a jolt — it's the awful amount of slow-motion displays. I just can't look at it without being annoyed, which led me to start watching the series at half speed. Yes, this technique is possible in moderation, in order to show a resourceful technique, splashes of blood, but in such quantities, when, for example, during the application of one blow, directors manage to make two slow-mo movements, I see it as overkill. And if you consider that these two seasons are focused mainly on battles, then it just begins to annoy, which greatly worsens the impression of the series.
I have no regrets about watching. A great story for those who want to plunge into ancient times and who are not disgusted by the sea of blood and fierce cruelty or naked depravity.
8 out of 10
“To embrace heaven you must fight for more than survival.” Spartacus: Gods of the Arena; Blood and Sand; Retribution; War of the Damned
More than two thousand years ago, the gladiators of the Batiatus of Capua, led by Spartacus, Crixus, Gannicus and Enomaus, rebelled. For almost three years, the rebels, having turned into a combat-ready army, instilled fear in Rome, winning one victory after another. However, in 71 BC, the army of Spartacus was defeated, and Spartacus himself died.
All historians from ancient times to the present day agree with these facts. The rest is interpretation. Even Plutarch and Appius, who were separated from the earthly life of Spartacus by some 200 years, differ in the description of many important facts for history.
Let us subtract from the discussion the question of historical authenticity, the incredible bloodliness (there is so much red slurry that you realize it is not blood, so it is not scary), as well as the abundance of naked copulating bodies (although almost all love scenes are unparalleledly beautiful). Let us simply remember that at the end of the Republic Rome was already mired in the debauchery and cruelty which everyone imagines to the best of his imagination. We will not criticize the series for this.
Let’s look at Spartacus as a life story in a remote historical context, where people love and hate, fight for life and primacy, show miracles of courage and devotion along with treachery and meanness.
"The Gods of the Arena" (2011) Prehistory of the house of the Lanista Batiatus and the brotherhood of gladiators. Behind the walls of a rich villa located on a rocky cliff, the drama of the life of its owners develops.
Here is Titus Batiatus, an old lanista, who dreamed that his son would multiply and develop his business, the gladiator school. What about the son? Quintus Batiatus is already under 40, he dreamed of a military career, but did not dare to disobey his father, and now lives in his shadow. He dared to marry a poor and noble girl Lucrezia, whom he loved very much, but the gods did not reward them with children. Each member of this small family has his own sorrows, his unrealized ambitions, his own obvious and secret desires and passions. The sublimation of unattainable needs becomes a network of intrigue and deception, from which one cannot get out, as from the network of the retiary.
In my opinion, the main luck of the whole series is a brilliant acting duo John Hannah (Quint Batiat) and Lucy Lawlless (Lucrezia). Multifaceted dramatic roles, played flawlessly, brightly, piercingly, with many halftones and accents. Indeed, husband and wife are one Satan.
And in the other part of the villa - ludusa - boils a completely different life. Here the stern mentor “carrot and stick” forges from the slaves of gladiators – the elite of the slave world. The Ludus has its own laws and hierarchy, but the passions are no different from the master’s house: the thirst for power and primacy, love and hatred, loyalty and treachery, tenderness and cruelty.
We meet the champion of the house Gannick (Dustin Claire). A happy handsome man with a slightly shy smile. A reckless dimacher without a shield and helmet works wonders in the arena with his two swords. Contempt for death and skill will bring him the freedom he desires, which, in the evil irony of the gods, will lead him back to slavery and eventually to death.
A simple slave Crixus (Manu Bennett) Quintus Batiatus buys from a sworn competitor rashly and expensively. Having become the "invincible gall" Murmillon, Crixus will return investments many times over. How then will the gods laugh at the master?
Crix’s fellow Gall Enomay (Peter Mensa) apparently turned black in favor of the racial tolerance of the creators of the series. I agree that this deepened the multifaceted image, which became one of the most complex and dramatic in the entire series. And the texture is great.
The indisputable find of the creators of the series is the Lebanese slave Ashur, who dreams of a career as a gladiator, but has only one talent - to plot plots. Nick Tarabey brilliantly coped with the role. His hero causes sympathy, pity, disgust, fear. Over the course of two seasons, we see him gradually becoming the owner of all the secrets of the House of Batiatus, turning from a slave into a master.
The shortest (6 episodes) and, so to speak, a carefree season. Those who did not watch the seasons as the release, should start watching with the prequel, that is, with the “Gods of the Arena”.
"Blood and Sand" (2010) A young, passionate, beautiful girl conquered the violent Thracian warrior. Having loved him with all his heart, he became a faithful husband. But the Roman legate Glaber separated the lovers and turned them into slaves. Like many prisoners, the Thracian warrior was awaited by the so-called execution of gladiators in the arena. But he defeated four well-trained, arena-hardened fighters, and the crowd gave him life. That’s how Spartacus appears in the movie (that’s not his name, but that’s how he’s now called).
At the risk of causing the wrath of fans, I will express the opinion that Spartaki (and Andy Whitfield - the earth is down to him, and (jumping forward) Liam McIntyre - give him a lot of good roles) - production-director-actor failure. Spartacus is a titanic personality: an experienced fighter, a brilliant strategist and tactician, a tough leader, a man with an iron will, strict moral principles and a subtle mental organization. Only such Spartacus could become the god of the arena, the leader of perhaps the most combat-ready army of his time and go down in history along with the emperors. The Spartacus offered to us are all good. But... as Nonna Mordyukova said in the movie “A Simple Story”: “You are a good man, but not an eagle.” Of course, this statement is subjective, but for me Kirk Douglas Spartacus is forever. That's charisma!
The virtue of the season "Blood and Sand" - blood on the sand of the arena, gladiator fights. There are a lot of them and they are impressive (and no comparison with the mess in “300 Spartans”, which is mentioned in many reviews!), and slow-motion allows you to enjoy the pattern of movements of trained bodies. Meyerhold biomechanics.
The first season and prequel is a real feast for the eyes and soul!
Retribution (2012). The season made no impression. And growing from series to series pathos pretty tired. Unsuccessful replacement for the actress playing Nevia, Crixus’s lover. The image became completely flat.
"War of the Damned" (2013). Star of the season, of course, becomes Marc Licinius Crass. Simon Merrels already under 50, but what possession of the body (and what body!!!)! What a passion to master the art of hand-to-hand combat during lessons with the gladiator Gilarius, the champion of Rome! Why is this the richest man in the Republic? To learn to think like a gladiator? “Knowledge and patience are the measure of skill.”
Everyone knows how the story of Spartacus will end. But if they did not know, the scene of the last lesson would be the key to the denouement of the film.
Gaius Julius Caesar disappointed me. The expected image did not coincide with the one created by Todd Lasance. The young blonde jackass in my mind did not get involved with the 35-year-old already battered life, cautious and cunning future dictator.
So what's the conclusion? The series “Spartacus” is an unusually bright canvas of an almost fabulous epic, created by bizarrely intertwined historical facts, generously flavored with the imagination of the authors. It captures and touches, makes you empathize with the heroes. So, the filmmakers managed the main thing: to give us a spectacle that causes strong emotions.
I love peplums, I love peplums. But oddly enough, not many films in this genre are included in my top favorite films, very few I can watch. But the most significant film in this genre in the last decade, I consider "300" by Zack Snyder. This film was a local revolution. At a time when filmmakers in this genre were making every similar film with an Oscar in mind, trying to catch up with Ridley Scott’s consummate “Gladiator” by piling up every epic with overblown drama and big ambition, missing the main point: they must sing the heroes, their exploits, their bravery, their sacrifice. No matter what country you come from, no matter what your political views, you empathize with and root with all your heart for a Roman betrayed by the country, put into slavery, or three hundred brave warriors who did not hesitate to oppose a superior army for the sake of protecting and rallying their people against a seemingly invincible enemy. It was the chanting of courage, steadfastness and perseverance that were sung in the Spartans, as in Gladiator. And it is the ideological follower of these greatest films was the series “Spartacus”. The story of a legendary warrior who stood up for the weak and gave his life for freedom.
Many in the early months called the film the gamer term “addon to 300 Spartans”. And the truth. The series was clearly inspired by Snyder’s film, and this was not denied by the creators themselves. Of course, many scenery and battlefields are easier to draw on a computer than to build in life size, and budget savings again, low mo in large quantities, computer blood flooding the screen at the slightest incision. And everything looked, I must say, quite beautiful and spectacular, the violence did not look creepy, it looked beautiful. Yes, there were not the most beautiful effects, but nevertheless, I did not want to pay attention to this, since the rest of what was happening on the screen was exciting. The musical accompaniment is also worth noting. These are not just banal pathos heroic motifs, this is the brutal roar of electric guitars and the thud of percussion mixed with classical instruments strike such an ancient rock that “includes” under particularly dynamic and emotional moments.
The very story of the first season is such an original, the story of how this very Thracian warrior, whose real name will never sound in the series, called by his master Spartak, fell into slavery, what he lost, what he was deprived of. Rising up the hierarchical ladder in the brotherhood of gladiators, from the despised novice to the champion of Capua, celebrated by the crowd, right up to the moment when he took the step that changed history and forever glorified him.
It is also worth remembering that the series fell a lot of criticism in its time. For excessive cruelty, regular nudity, sex scenes and orgies. Exploitation of male and female sexuality, etc. I agree with the latter, but I'm sorry, this is a constant practice in TV series and movies. Sex and nudity? So what's this about? This is an ancient time, with completely different laws, mores, concepts of decency. We are talking about a time when no law was forbidden to have a slave, to keep human life in your hands, to humiliate, beat, rape, stone or even kill him at your own whim. About the time, where one of the brightest entertainment of citizens was public execution or the fatal battles of gladiators in the arena, when a person’s life was worth a few coins. And shameless orgies were arranged almost on the streets, and even not always only people participated in them.
We are used to the fact that historical works, especially those about that time, rolling out in books and old films, are mostly served with ease, and even romanticization, endowing the characters with a completely harmless value system.
But some legends are written in blood and courage and valor meant cruelty and ruthlessness on the battlefield.
The actors and characters deserve praise, the construction of the plot gives many chances to show themselves from the best side to all the main participants of the cast, all sorts of intrigues and tricks perfectly harmonize with the action, which is put on fame. Both elements coexist perfectly in this story. John Hannah and Lucy Lawless, who got the roles of husband and wife, are also the master and mistress, that is, the main villains of history. They play their games perfectly. The saying “husband and wife are one Satan” is more than appropriate for this couple. He is the owner of a gladiator school, a man whose ambitions far exceed his capabilities, she is not very loyal, but still a loving wife, supporting him in everything, his main accomplice. Spartacus, beautifully played by Australian actor Andy Whitfield, is torn from the familiar world and sent to a real hell on earth, surrounded only by enemies who want him dead. He is intelligent, arrogant, and not in vain, because despite the mind in his soul he is a real lion, whose inner beast awakens as soon as the sword is in his hands. And not a small bunch of important interesting characters, each of whom will play an important role in the future not only in future events, but also in the formation of Spartacus.
The first season is a real discovery, which does not try to please saturated critics, and entertain the audience without straining. A great start to the series.
I wanted to watch a historical series and rave reviews about Spartacus, as well as a high rating did their job and I started watching this canvas. Forcing myself to watch one episode, I still can’t understand where the series has such a sky-high rating and what the viewer liked at all. I read in reviews that slowdowns, liters of blood splashing on the screen and frank erotic scenes are the hallmark of the series, they say, get used to it, so it is necessary. It’s like being asked to drink sugary juice and being told it’s a variety where there’s a lot, a lot of sugar, like 5 spoons per glass, but imagine being given the same glass and getting more than half the sugar in there. Maybe an incorrect comparison, but if you take the timing of any episode in 50 minutes and cut out all the effects of slowing down (which well, not to place), cut or shorten the ero scenes, the episode is unlikely to last up to 30 minutes.
The battle scenes are terribly unprofessional, there is not even a drop of realism, blood splashes as if a person is made of skin and stuffed with blood, and at the slightest touch of a sword, it splashes with such a powerful stream that it can disperse demonstrations and pickets. Chips with cutting off two legs at once, cutting the whole body is just annoying.
Erotic scenes are drawn to horror and after 1 minute of the scene, it seems that I am watching porn from Brazzers. The dialogues of the characters are so stupid that it seems that the script was written by a fifth grader, there is no sense of historicity at all. The scenery made on computers is simply terrible and most often you catch yourself thinking that there is a screensaver of some cheap computer game on the screen. I don’t know who would like it, but if I wanted to watch porn, I would turn on an old, good movie from Private with historical scenes.
In short, this is how this film can be described. Bright, dynamic, cruel and beautiful. The main emphasis is not on historical or philosophical moments about power and the right of the people to revolt, but on the personal relationships of the heroes, their friendship and love. Like the "Three Musketeers" and "Gardemarines", where the salvation of the beloved is equal, if not more important than the fate of the homeland, or as here a rebellion.
Spartacus is one of the most legendary personalities of ancient history, and even history in general. Rulers and their entourage, as a rule, are nasty people, mercilessly destroying everything human in themselves, for the sake of power. It's hard to feel sorry for someone. It is different with Spartacus and his company, because they rebel against humiliation and fight for their freedom. And knowing their tragic ending, you sympathize with them with all your heart.
People complaining about the inauthenticity of the series - I urge you to think again! This was two thousand years ago, and everything we know comes from Roman historians who disagreed about rebellion and treated slavery as the norm. Not a single line has reached us from the rebels themselves. Therefore, the thoughts, plans and characters of the heroes can only be assumed. Whether Spartacus was the sole leader, or whether Crixus and Gannicus were equal leaders. Even the nationality and occupation of Spartacus himself, before gladiation, are conjectures. The same partisan Romans write about his death in battle, so he could have been saved. But there is no happy ending to this story. Maybe because a noble hero must die with his army according to the laws of the genre.
The main historical question in this tragedy is: why did such a brilliant adventure go down and not wipe Rome off the face of the earth? This film responds to him, and illustrates very well, despite its incredible pathos and overwhelming romanticism. I personally believe that this is roughly what happened. They were too different: Gauls, Germans. And there are many possible solutions: go to Rome or cross the Alps and disperse, or cross to Sicily, or join a rebellion in Spain (and that could be). At some stage, they could not agree, lost time, or completely separated. It is admirable, however, how Spartacus managed to organize all that they fought so deftly with the professional army. What can you say, he's very cool!
The series is shot with a reinforced visual series, i.e. if the character is pushed, he flies away ten meters, hovering in the air, and if the hand is cut off, then blood floods the entire screen. Ladies always wear makeup and hairstyles; people walk beautifully naked in the snow and do not freeze. This is not the fault of the creators, but the original idea. Some people like it, some don't. And personally, I do not remember a series in which there would be so many beautiful men, and almost always in loincloths. It's just a celebration!! After reading the male reviews, I realized that the main thing in the film is the breast of Lucy Lawless, many have fulfilled a teenage dream. We all have our own party. But for me, even Crix, Gannic and Spartacus combined with their bare torsos cannot be compared with one amazing Marc Crassus! The most successful character, who by charisma and completeness of the image, almost drew all the attention to himself in the last season. Unlike the other characters, Mark is quite well described in historical sources, and in the film his dual nature is perfectly conveyed. As his beloved says, “You’re a good person who has to do the right thing.” And, yes, he will weep for her in the silence of his tent, and openly admire Spartacus, but if it is necessary to kill 6,000 people for intimidation, then it is necessary. A monster with crocodile tears.
I think that the creators of the series their main goal was to make modern viewers feel like spectators of the ancient arena, because of so many bloody fights. How much do you think everyone will appreciate?
Spartacus is the most outstanding series of our time!
Today I will share my delight in watching the American TV series Spartak. This exuberant and bloody franchise is clearly not for family viewing, but otherwise the series is the best I've seen in my life! It is so high quality, interesting and exciting that I can safely call it the most outstanding series of our time!!! Why do I give this series such privileges? For everything that is in this series! It has everything you need to attract the attention of the audience. Namely: history, love, eroticism, intrigue, perfectly staged scenes of gladiatorial fights, colorful characters, beautiful pumped men, slim girls, beautiful and fascinating shots! All in one bottle, for any viewer. So I think the series should appeal to both men and women! But everything in order!
The most important in my opinion advantages of the series are the plot and high emotional component. The plot is able to shake its scope! Multi-layered, full of numerous intrigues and twists, it constantly twists and becomes more complex with each episode. At the same time, the internal tension, the storyline carries a very strong dramatic impact. I confess that I was very emotional about this film, and many of its episodes carried through me. Impressions from viewing remain a lot, and they all remain in the soul for a long time.
Another component of success is an amazing cast. Performers of the main roles are chosen perfectly: Andy Whitfield – Spartacus in season 1 (he was later replaced by another actor, he is also good, but the impression of Andy remains more), John Hannah – Batiat, Lucy Lawless – Lucretia, Manu Bennett – Crix, Peter Mensa – Enomay, Nick Tarabey – Ashur, play at such a stunningly high level that they unconditionally made me fall in love with myself. About the other heroes, I will only say that all are fully disclosed, all perfectly complement the plot, leave a long memory of themselves, and do not fall out of the overall picture of what is happening.
About the soundtrack I want to say a few words separately. The music of Joseph Loduk is a wonderful accompaniment to the series. It contrasts well with the storyline, with a feeling conveys the state of the characters, and perfectly fits into the tension of the film, helping many scenes remain in memory.
What else can this series give us? Of course, the spectacle and scale! And check it out, they're all over the show. Beautiful costumes and scenery, grandiose landscapes of arenas and cities, a magnificent staging of gladiatorial battles, all this is present in every episode.
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The series is often scolded because of the presence of realistic scenes of violence, scenes of an erotic nature and obscene vocabulary. All of this is present in the film in large numbers. But my opinion is that all these elements are necessary to show how bloody and merciless the gladiator fights in the arena were, and most importantly, to understand and learn how difficult the so-called “games” were for gladiators. Intimate scenes are inserted also not for a tick, they have a place to be here, as they do not go beyond softcore and are made to fit. Moreover, they are shown here as a common thing, like eating or sleeping. Lustful to know, just does what they consider necessary and no one is even able to think about the feelings of the slave. And it is the scenes of erotic character and bloodshed that convey the atmosphere of lust and violence of that era, allowing you to speak as frankly as possible about the feelings of the gladiator and slave, forced to entertain their masters and living on the verge of life and death. Obscene vocabulary also adds credibility of the image of people of that era. Which is also a good thing for this movie.
Many people criticize this series for a number of historical inaccuracies, I am not one of them. First, the script was written by two historical consultants, who in turn relied on the research of the famous biographer Plutarch. Therefore, the plot of the series is presented very realistically, in accordance with the dates and actual events. Secondly, the authors relied on historical data and also on creative fiction. So, some things in this tape were embellished for the sake of cinematography, for more passion and drama. But for a feature film, this technique is quite a common thing. For example, many do not suspect how far from the historical authenticity of the film “300 Spartans”. The great historian Herodotus, “the father of all history,” writes that up to 20,000 Persians and 4,000 Greeks fell under Thermopylae. There were only 300 hoplites from Sparta. You see how merciless history is, we remember only 300 Spartans, and there are another 4,000 Greeks who died. So if you want complete historical authenticity, watch documentaries.
Bottom line: this is the rare case where the maximum score seems unworthy. I'd like to put it this way:
The cast is amazing! The main character Spartacus fell in love with the audience thanks to the magnificent game Andy Whitfield, he best embodied the image of Spartacus on the screen for which we can only praise him. Unfortunately, Andy played only in the first season, after which he contracted cancer and passed away, it was a real tragedy for the channel and for us, the audience.
After that, it was decided to hire another actor to continue the series, it became Liam McIntyre, of course, at first to watch the performance of another actor as Spartacus was at least unusual and many could not accept him and I including, but Liam did not kill this image, at least he played decently! It's after Andy Whitfield's game that nobody can outshine.
What concerns other works of the actors, in the series there are also many interesting and colorful characters among them: invincible Gannic (Dustin Claire), powerful gal Crix (Manu Bennett), mentor Onomay (Peter Mensa), ambitious Batiatiat (John Hanna), cunning Ashur (Nick Tarabay), snake Lucrezia (Luccia) and (Lucia). Each of them will be interesting to the viewer with its unique thinking, so that the characters are worked out properly. In general, everyone will find someone to be attached to, personally I did it to Spartacus and Gannicus, since they are completely different from each other, they have different characters, views and interests - but they will have one, they are both "brothers" who must pay a debt to their dear loved ones who fell into slavery.
The script is matchless, it intrigues, surprises and sometimes even stuns as there are surprises - in general, the script is rich in everything a little, this does not mean that everything they want was shoved into it, everything in moderation.
The visual side of the series is pleasing to the eyes! The series is shot on a blue background but everything is thought out to the smallest detail, the clarity and brightness are off the scale! Conclusion: be sure to watch in HD.
Result: Masterpiece
In general, thank you Stephen DeKnight for the triumphant series
Dedicated to Andy Whitfield
10 out of 10
And a place in "my favorite movies" on the Movie Search
Last week I had no idea about the show. I was forced to look at it, a short excerpt found in Vkontakte - that bed scene of Spartacus and Ilitia in Greek masks. She's amazing. This is the most beautiful erotic that has ever been in cinema. There are many bed scenes in this series, but this one is the best. And this is not porn, you can immediately see that it is not porn, but erotica. I want to say it again, it was the best bed scene I’ve ever seen.
Then the plot. The story is the same - the Thracian is enslaved and becomes the most powerful gladiator. How it all ends is known from the very first minute. However, the banal at first glance, the plot is teeming with intrigues, machinations, deception, conspiracies, sex, thousands of love lines and a lot of all sorts of delicious things. It is impossible to escape from this.
Shooting, which everyone praises, by the way, I do not like. At all. It was a cross between Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Sin City. The comparison is strange, but I mean that you had to do either a very realistic “meat” or a fully drawn fight. But that's certainly IMHO.
Heroes. That's pretty good. I remember every character – that’s a big indicator for me.
Spartacus played by Andy Whitfield. The transition from a slave with a sword in his hand to a powerful gladiator, I saw very clearly. It's like he's awake. He has changed his gaze, tilt of his head and, it seems, even his gait. Before that, he fought simply to die, and then he had a goal that is very common in historical cinema – revenge. And here begins the real story of the legendary Spartacus.
And in general, colorful and bright all the heroes to one. Especially girls. Men are bright, it is undeniable, but among them were beautiful and not very. But the girls are all like a selection, completely different, but just stunning.
Most of all, I liked watching Ilithia, which is a real beast. To be honest, Roman women from wealthy families I always imagined that they were not afraid of the sight of blood, cunning and sexy. Cruelty... well, that’s the role it plays.
As for the final, if it were any less powerful, it would ruin everything. This is ancient Rome, where there is no place for the weak, where women are no less dangerous than men, where there is real cruelty, as well as real passion, love.
I applaud everyone involved in making this film, which I will hardly forget.
9 out of 10
But despite all the above, mostly for that bed scene.
“There is no greater honor than to die free.”
These are the words of the main character of the series “Spartacus”. Season 1 of Blood and Sand was released in 2010. This was followed by two sequels: “Revenge” and “War of the Damned”, as well as a prequel – “Gods of the Arena”.
And throughout the story of the uprising of the slave Spartacus, the creators delighted us with new and new bright, memorable images: the lying Batiatus and the treacherous Lucretia, the just Enomaeus and the unbridled Gannicus, the fierce Crixus and the ferocious Agron, the cruel Glabre and the evil Ilythia. And, of course, Spartacus. The hero is exceptionally positive, showing by his example the struggle of two sides in a person – dark and light.
As you know, the series has repeatedly been accused of excessive cruelty and scenes of a trivial nature. But despite all this, the series was very strong. It was created by people experienced and knowledgeable (it is worth mentioning the name of the producer of the series - Sam Raimi (creator of the original trilogies about the Evil Dead and Spider-Man)).
In addition to the script, it is worth mentioning the amazing work of designers who created a picturesque picture of ancient Rome. Everything was worked out – from the costumes and weapons of the main characters to the architecture of buildings. The work of the directors of the battle scenes deserves applause (in addition, do not forget that almost all the tricks the actors performed themselves).
Of course, it is worth mentioning the excellent musical accompaniment from Joseph LoDuk. As well as the strong work of the operator (which was especially manifested during the battle scenes in the arena).
And, of course, the cast. The creator of the series, Stephen S. DeKnight, put a lot on the line, taking in the series little-known actors. Perhaps the most familiar of the troupe was John Hanna (yes, the one from mumitrilogy). Okay. But the actors played great! All images have been fully exposed. Sad, except that Andy Whitfield’s replacement for Liam McIntyre (despite my respect for Liam, Andy is the best Spartacus for me) and Leslie-Anne Brandt for Cynthia Addai-Robinson (who doesn’t know is Nevia, Crixa’s beloved).
After watching the last season, I was both happy and saddened at the same time. I’m glad because the creators did not stretch the story for many seasons, and fit into three + prequel. And I was upset because I was still sorry to part with the beloved heroes. So I hope there will be new prequels or spin-offs. Very, very.
The most important thing about this story is that it is real. Yes, much, most likely, invented, but even the names of such personalities as Crix, Enamai, Batiate, Crass and many others are the same as in the story about this event. I really like American TV shows. This series is a bright representative, mandatory to watch. And someone wrote that this series of “male” type and against the background of a bunch of soap operas will be a pleasant surprise, well, it is not only for men, but rather it seemed to me more feminine in meaning: intrigue, men are strong and half-naked. In general, if you are not afraid of the sea of blood and flying heads, do not disdain a rather large abundance of sexual scenes, then watch necessarily!
There is a lot to write about the cast. I'll point out the most notable. A terrible loss for the series was the death of Andy Whitfield. Unfortunately for his replacement, Liam McIntyre, I didn't look like Spartacus anymore. The image Andy was better applied to Spartacus. It's a different look. The second disappointment was Nevia's replacement. The actress of the first season Lesley-Anne Brandt was replaced by Cynthia Addai-Robinson and in my opinion, too, not quite successful. Lucy Lawless Just magically embodied in life Batiata's wife Lucrezia, a lady who so wanted to be in high society, she was all in her, gait, views, speech in general just at the highest level. I also want to mention the actress, in my opinion, of tender beauty Viva Bianca, although she is a negative character, but her beauty, cunning and grace do not cease to be admired. At the end, I would like to mention Andy Whitfield and Simon Merrells (Mark Crassus). Andy Whitfield's mental pain, it was everything. His look, his movement, his voice, his tears, his love were all filled with languishing sadness. The sadness of a great man who has taken on so much that not everyone is able to carry. Simon played an impeccable strategist a real equal to Spartacus. If anyone could somehow unravel the subtle strategies of Spartacus, it was Crassus.
The final battle of Spartacus and Crassus was a bright culmination, sometimes goosebumps ran with delight. And both in history and in the series, the body of Spartacus was never found and this is actually very happy, because there is hope that the Romans still turned around fearing the attack of the rebel. In general, the review is very dry, the series is worth seeing and assessing this work yourself. It is worth seeing these staged battles, battles, these customs, dirt and beauty of the great Rome.
Good to see you!
I wanted to watch something ancient and rich in action, my choice fell on this series. The first 2 episodes did not impress me, but I often have this with TV series - you have to get into the plot with your head. I did it and I will tell you honestly - I do not regret a minute spent watching.
Until I got into the story, I noticed some flaws. Here, for example, the visuals were very limp, especially the blood splashes. This was very striking, but after a couple of episodes everything falls into place and you will not notice any shortcomings in terms of effects. You will notice, but don’t pay attention to it. The plot - that's what hooked me! I sympathized strongly with Spartacus and "prayed to Jupiter" that everything would work out. Andy Whitfield played a great role, it is a pity that such an actor has gone to another world. Manu Bennett in the role of Crixus, a mighty gall, played brilliantly. Sometimes I liked him better than Spartacus, but they are both good. John Hanna - as head of the Batiatus family, also, played a great role. As it became clear from my words, one of the most important advantages of this film is the actors and characters. Thank you for this work.
There are a lot of erotic scenes in this film, but that’s not a drawback. The creators of this film tried to show the spirit, way of life and customs of that time, and I think they managed perfectly.
A good start for a series like this.
It took me a long time to watch this series. Not impressed by the stories of friends, there was no time, interest, etc. What had to happen one day, I started watching the show. Each season was seen in the same breath, no idea that the film historically does not carry useful information (although accuracy is present), and that there is a lot of nudity in the series. What did you want? The film is not about vanilla vampires, but about the times of barbarians, gladiators, senators of ancient Rome! Include logic - after all, then the norm was considered relations M + M, F + J, and M + J + J + J + J, as clearly demonstrated by everyone's favorite Gannik< / b> .
When it came time to watch the third season, at first I wondered where Spartacus was. It all began with the battle of some unknown man with the Roman horsemen. The reason for my ignorance is that the series was watched only recently, which is said ' volley' and about the sad death of a still young ' that Spartacus' did not know. Overpowered, I decided to watch the series once I started. I got used to a new actor for a long time. Almost the entire 3rd season. But, the 4th, final season watched already fully adapted to the new actor.
Conclusion: Yes, the series has many questions, many reasons not to watch it squeamish people who are used to watching ' all tenderness ' and which the world sees through rose-colored glasses. Lots of sex, violence, blood, cruelty and swearing. Well, you don't have to watch it!
By the way, swearing is a separate topic for conversation. Especially ' ingested' in memory of the song ' From the sky pours a bloody rain ...' Anyone who remembers will understand.
Result:
You rarely have to give such a high rating. Contrary to some opinions, I can say that making TV series and films based on already ready-made stories, legends, fairy tales and works of art is the best thing you can do. Thinking out only small details of life, minor events, and the result will be a known end. This format, in my opinion, is the most profitable at the moment. Since. from the last “invented” only a few managed to really worth the attention of the viewer.
A special pleasure was caused by the display of Roman society without beauty. Blood, intrigue, lust - only a small part. A crowd that demands bread and spectacle; a nobility that does not spare the lives of people for the sake of its pacification. The superiority of gladiators was displayed from all sides, even the most intimate. As usual, female deceit and cunning cause affection. It seemed that the series was intended for a highly mature audience of early Xena, Hercules and Conan, both male and female. But no doubt, they added not a small part of the new fans.
I'm really happy with the props. Rusty iron swords, leather armor and rags, rags and again dirty rags. No ironed suits, no modern cut. Two stitches, dilapidated loincloth. I am glad that there are no typical costume mistakes. The only drawback is that you can call a neat platform at Crixus and a half-box of Spartacus obtained as a result of cutting hair with an ordinary knife, as well as snow-white teeth of both nobles and slaves. But in comparison with everything, these are pathetic little things that are rather designed to dull the feeling of disgust from the abundance of blood, sweat, dirt and fecal matter.
In the big picture, the series is promising. I think he will find a new audience for a long time.
A confident step on the sand of the arena is a new contender for the title of champion of Capua - Thracian Spartacus, named so by his master in honor of the famous king of antiquity. This gladiator was skillful, strong, does not know fear, but the main thing he has a mission - to punish the legate Glaber, who shackled him and separated him from his beloved wife, along the way having managed to burn the native village of the hero.
Fortunately, the first two seasons of Spartacus are not about a boring story of revenge, which turned into a slave revolt. In the seasons of Blood and Sand and Gods of the Arena, we are introduced to the realities of the gladiatorial business in the Roman province, and Spartacus is perceived here rather as a guide to a new world of bloody battles for him and for the viewer. Much time is spent in the first season and revealing the image of the average gladiator not as a slave, let to slaughter, but as a skillful warrior, thinking his life in submission to the iron code of gladiatorial brotherhood and the dream of title. However, the repeated pathetic speeches of the muscular inhabitants of the Ludus (gladiator school) of Batiatus soon begin to tire no less than the serial promises of Spartacus to blood the abusers of his family. But don't get upset! If you turn your attention to the owners of the Ludus, their guests, as well as other representatives of the provincial and Roman nobility, the history of the future uprising will start to play with new colors. Roman citizens, mired in decadence, greed and debauchery, weaving intrigues against friends and enemies, instantly become the main characters of the series. Look at them and they will not be just cartoon villains. Almost every character who does not bear the stigma of the school of Batiatus has a second bottom and can pass for an ordinary person with all his weaknesses and fears. Such heroes, trying to survive in an aquarium with piranhas in Roman togas without losing their dignity, seem much more alive than gladiators, as if carved out of marble and having an unhealthy tendency to high syllables. In one episode, Batiatus and his wife can cause pity and sympathy, in another - the viewer is horrified by the evil they are capable of for the sake of fame and success. Definitely, such heroes (or rather, antiheroes) are interesting to watch. Especially successful in this regard was the season “Gods of the Arena”, where Spartacus, which is remarkable, is not at all. Unfortunately, in the subsequent seasons of Revenge and War of the Damned, the focus shifts to Spartacus and his doomed army. And the action is more like an average military drama. However, in the new series there was a place for interesting villains with Roman residence.
As you know, the series “Spartacus” is not least known for scenes of bloody fights and very frank sex. There's a catch here, though. Yes, the fights are spectacular, rapids in the style of “300 Spartans”, artistic blood splashes and limbs flying to the sides create a unique graphic image of the arena in the style of Frank Miller comics. However, after a few episodes, the impression of contractions may lose its initial effect due to their excessive abundance. Although, of course, this is a series about gladiators, and many fights are really important for the plot and disclosure of characters, and not only the gladiators themselves. Another thing is the bed scenes. Of course, the women in the series are dazzling, and the Roman dresses, as well as the laconic dresses of slaves, perfectly emphasize the exciting forms, but all the pornography created on the screen, has almost nothing to do with the story being told. At best, the sophisticated delights of the Roman nobility serve to debunk the depth of their depravity. The problem is that the “treasures” and “nudes” are supplied by the authors on an industrial scale and with conveyor regularity. It is haunted by the feeling that the abundance of blood and sex is necessary solely to attract an immature male audience, which has already grown out of the fascination with hentai, but has not grown to serious cinema. On the other hand, if the authors shorten these moments, all four seasons could be easily squeezed to one or two, which would hardly appeal to the producers, and certainly would not cause enthusiasm among a significant part of the audience.
I watched the prequel Gods Arena, the first season of Blood and Sand, as well as half of the second season of Revenge (Revenge) and decided to also express his opinion. Sadly, I've watched most of the series and I think I can make a complete impression of it. There are still at least 15 episodes ahead.
I'll join the cheering holos about the show. 10 out of 10 balls, in my opinion. I haven’t seen such a high-quality show in a long time. Yes, as everywhere there are their flaws and shortcomings, they more than overlap with the merits of the series. In general, the series is very juicy, burning and dynamic. In short, catchy.
The most important in my opinion advantages are the plot and emotions excited by viewing. From the screen, human passions splash from all crevices and all this is placed in the historical entourage of ancient Rome and its mores: sex, circuses and a sea of blood. You never know what will happen next, although the end of the story is known to everyone, but each episode, like a good thriller, is twisted so that you want to know what is next.
It would seem that another series, almost unknown actors, one pavilion shooting, a specific comic book-retouched picture as in “300 Spartans”, shaved “slouching” and “convex” gladiators, sexy slaves and heroines. You expect cardboard heroes, soap bubbles and snot all over the screen, idiotic reactions and stupidity of the characters’ behavior, annoying weaving of unnatural intrigues, shorter than another soap, but suddenly you get such a genuine charge of adrenaline and emotions from the screen that sometimes you yourself want to grab something and shred left and right.
Characters are natural in reactions, their motives and their actions are clear, they are close in feelings and emotions, basically, there is nothing far-fetched or invented, and this is pleasing. Heroes are not simple and not one-dimensional, everything is like life: purity is mixed with shit in different proportions. Periodically cause sympathy and compassion even such characters - scoundrels like Quintus Batiatus, Lucretia, Claudius Glabr.
All human vices and passions are shown. They beat over the edge, not in the eyebrow, but in the eye. This is all drawn so accurately and subtly that you begin to believe everything that happens on the screen. It refines and crystallizes the entire human essence with its emotions, passions, vices, heroism, etc.
Viewing is inexorably addictive with such force that it is difficult to break away from the screen. Involuntarily, episodes of today’s life pop up in your head, the same passions and vices, only without severed heads, and in some places with them, you just need to leave your entrance or watch TV. How different is real life today from what is shown on the screen?
Yes, of course, someone will only see boobs, dicks, a spire, severed heads, falling out intestines, a fountaining sea of blood and a mat full screen. Well, that's the aesthetic of this series, but that doesn't take away his talent. To swear, cut heads and have sex can also be talented and it does not depend on the correctness or wrongness of such an act. As far as this is possible and should be done, this is another question and I will not argue about this here. As they say, not to like – do not look.
Some people think that there is too much sex or blood, but we must admit that in those days there was no television, movies, the Internet, audio and video equipment, football and other entertainment of modern civilization. Moreover, there were not even so many books, newspapers, magazines, and not everyone could read and write, let alone play a musical instrument. And then what was the Roman nobility doing all day when there was no current entertainment industry? That’s exactly what they show us in the series. Sex and bloody games. All day long. Some slaves plowed round the clock in the field or mines, others served their masters, and the masters all day entertained by virtue of their strength and capabilities. Yes, another part of the Roman nobility was engaged in another ancient fun called war and the seizure of foreign territories, the crown of which was power.
Yes, sometimes emotions, blood, and sex are given in a somewhat exaggerated form, but this is done on the verge, beyond which it would all be perceived differently. However, the creators manage to pass on a delicate balance and do not overstep it, do not slide to all the "charms" of standard sitcoms.
Someone points to the book and historical inaccuracies, well, there is probably some truth to this, but in this case it is not the main thing. By the way, Giovanjoli’s book, when I read it, seemed to me quite “nothing” and “nothing” (it was necessary to read for the literature curriculum at school, which I did, for a tick). How much more interesting it was to read at the same time Plutarch “Famous Greeks”, Belyaev, Dumas, Haggard or Main Reed and I definitely think that with great interest I would read a book written about Spartacus on the script of this series.
I read somewhere that the filmmakers used ancient historical sources, such as Plutarch, in order to bring the film closer to historical realities. And I think they were able to do that brilliantly. Otherwise, the perception of the whole film, with its flaws, would be very different. All that life, its attributes and mores look very natural on the screen, everything is very “real”, which is lacking in most other historical films. It would hardly have been possible to convey the atmosphere of the ancient world so well if all the details had been poorly worked out and inaccurately reproduced. Accuracy in detail creates that naturalness and organicity on the screen, and you begin to believe in it, and imbue with the spirit of that time. I think it was precisely the accuracy in reproducing the details and atmosphere of ancient Rome that helped the actors themselves to open up and play so well.
I don’t think it’s a historical series, in my opinion it’s a movie about human relationships and feelings in a historical way. By the way, it is also unknown how true, from a historical point of view, Giovannoli’s book is. As time shows, all historical science is a collection of other people's errors. Now no one can say in detail how all this really was, so this view has the right to be. The general outline of historical events is observed, and there we will wait for the invention of a time machine to accurately tell how it really was.
I don’t really like TV shows or watch them. Of the last thing that struck me as well as Spartak was, oddly enough, our domestic TV series “Zone”, 50 episodes of which I watched for several May holidays, a few years ago, which I wish you.
This series was recommended by a friend. I thought: another nonsense about rejected heroes, the salvation of the ladies, empty intrigues and half-naked men. But it turned out to be wrong... partially.
Spartacus captured me from the first series. The atmosphere of the film is special. Yes, there is a lot of blood and debauchery in the series, but tell me, are all such slobs that they can’t watch it? All these scenes give even a certain piquancy, somewhere you see love, somewhere hatred, somewhere despair. There are scenes where there are orgies in the background, so do not look, you want to show not that!
The series revolves around the story of Spartacus, a Thracian. Wait, what's his real name? I don't remember him. They didn’t want to mention him anymore, because Spartacus had changed and was no longer what he was. This was the idea - to show how for a certain purpose and under the influence of circumstances beyond your control, a person can change, begin to live not for love, but for revenge and a high goal.
The plot is interesting, a little complicated, but it makes you worry about the main characters, tremble before each new series. The stories are told not only of Spartacus, but also of other gladiators, masters, slaves. Each character is individual and his image is carefully worked out. Every character is interesting, and this is a huge plus of the series.
The end made me think, sad, but full of meaning. I’m not going to tell you the story, look for yourself. It's worth it.
Who is Spartacus knows perhaps everyone who studied at school, read Giovannoli, studied the works of historians. This man is a symbol of the struggle against slavery, a symbol of freedom and disobedience, who became an idol of Marx, Engels and Che Guevara.
But what do we really know about him? Personally, I was acquainted with his biography only thanks to the book of the aforementioned Giovanjoli, which does not claim full historicality. And so, three years ago, I decided to look at the version of the American TV channel. To be clear, the series is not historically reliable. In principle, if this does not imply a brazen change in the course of history, then it is nothing terrible.
The first season surprised that there is no such thing as an uprising. The whole first season is devoted to the formation of Spartacus as a leader and the birth of his motivation. Despite the fact that there is almost no information about this period of his life, this season the most series. Here reveals the main advantage of the series. And it is a pity if they do not notice him, preferring to see only beautiful fights (really beautiful) and scenes of copulation in the series. And dignity is scripts. In my opinion, this is just a reference work - unexpected turns, guns on the wall, as Chekhov bequeathed. By the way, here is the version that Spartacus is not his real name.
The second season took on even greater proportions. The actor who played Spartacus, Andy Whitfield, has died. And in his role took a complete stranger, probably not only me, but many more McIntyre. Well, it sort of fit in. Interest in the series was only warmed up by a promising finale.
The third season was the last. They say, "The end is the crown." And they say it. Initially boring season, from series to series is gaining momentum. The script gets even more twisted. The scale is increasing enormously. But the best that the series can boast of is in the final episode. This is the quintessence of everything that was in the series. Except copulation. He wasn't there (almost). Emotions are starting to boil. And it's hard to describe the whole storm when the credits went on the screen. It was only at that moment that I realized how difficult and long Spartacus had come. That's what made him a legend.
In general, this series can be described for a long time. Each series has references to previous episodes, which lends integrity to the narrative. There are, in addition to Spartacus, a huge number of interesting and worked-out characters. There is symbolism and philosophy. A lot of witty dialogues (we went overboard with the mention of the genitals of gods, and not only gods).
There are downsides. For example, an overabundance of bed (although the word "bedroom" is often inapplicable) scenes, too frequent use of time dilation (make you admire every tooth flying out) and too much pathos, starting from the second season.
But all this pales in comparison with the idea of the series. Every art has to have meaning. The show is free. Equality. And most importantly, humanity. Is it possible to remain a person in the conditions in which Spartacus found himself? The show tells us, "Yes." And I love that answer, that idea. Spartacus isn't just a legend. He is a man, a legend.
I recommend watching this series. And I hope it gives you the same positive emotions that I have. And you, like me, will understand that it is still great to be free.
Well, I really liked the version of the American TV channel.
One day, ten writers and six directors decided to make money, and created a completely soulless project designed for mass consumption.
Let’s take a historical fact. And we need a famous hero, the existence of which even the student knows. Bingo!! More specifically, Spartacus! And then the most interesting, in order to interest as many modern viewers as possible, add sex, fights, and blood. Okay, that would be fine, but something is wrong... we need more boobs, more violence and a lot of blood! That's it now! The show is ready. Plot? Whatever, we'll figure it out.
For some reason, I have such an idea about the process of creating this series. Terrible scenery and cheap graphics, that's half the trouble. In the first series, in general, there is a feeling that the editors only yesterday installed a plugin that allows you to slow down time, and still can not play with it. Time slows down every minute, with every stroke and stroke of the sword. Blood is a separate conversation. I haven’t seen such horror in a long time, the last time of the year in two thousandth, in cheap computer games. The only thing that is not disgusting is the actors. They just don’t seem to have the power to ruin this movie. There are practically no dialogues there, and those that are written by some schoolgirl, well, or for schoolgirls.
I bet 4/10 for costumes and commercial success.
4 out of 10
A lot of blood, a little flesh and a lot of beautiful phrases.
There's a bit of history. In fact, here is well conveyed the life and customs of that time. But the story of the rebel Spartacus is pretty much eradicated. But that's a plus. You see the series not as historical, but as exciting with reference to history.
There are not many really good actors. Talent correction. The most talented actor looks, playing batiat, his wife and Spartacus himself are not bad, Gall is interesting. The rest are still playing weakly. But it's nothing for the movie. All the actors are beautiful, all the women are beautiful and look desirable. So we are not watching the film for Oscar, but rather the Globe, for the sake of it.
There's a lot of pompous speeches. Every second speech of the character is full of some pathos and philosophy. But that very phrase is remembered. Plus again!
A lot of blood. A little ridiculous and smelly paint. But everything looks quite spectacular and spectacular. Much more realistic looks in the film sex, which is also enough. The film is spectacular due to both components.
Spectacular and beautiful. With blood and sand, as promised.
8 out of 10
You should not be surprised by the success of this series. The creators realized very well what should be included in each series in order to force the viewer to return to watching the next series. The main thing here is:
1. Massacre (bloody fights, cutting off limbs, squeezing eyes and everything else you can think of);
2. Stable feeding of the audience with scenes of sex, sometimes turning into pornography (in all these scenes only women with ideal figures participate, which is designed for the eyes of male spectators, and, of course, participation in orgies of male athletes, which will not allow the series to miss the female part of the audience by itself).
All. That's enough. Viewers of the series, not realizing that they are fed bread and spectacle, in fact equated with those viewers who once came to the amphitheaters of ancient Rome, were there in a state of highest ecstasy, where women bared their breasts, dreaming of sleeping with the victorious gladiator, and men were delighted with blood and dismemberment. Together they made up the herd of hungry beasts that allowed politicians who arranged gladiatorial fights to have a great status in society, which allowed them to gain votes in elections to the authorities, etc.
Thus, the creators of the series also became successful. Here you do not even need to talk about the plot itself, interesting storylines, about the same hero Spartacus.
Speaking of Spartacus. Of course, the personality of Spartacus is of interest. If the viewer knows the story that in reality Spartacus was the organizer of the slave uprising in Rome, then he should once again ask himself when watching the series why it is such individuals as Spartacus, calm and reasonable, fair and kind, who are able to kindle fire in the hearts of people, overflow their cup of patience and begin to fight against a system where there are only powerful and slaves with whom you can do anything. In any case, the actor who played the role of Spartacus, who is now dead, was well selected for this role.
Of the significant disadvantages of the series, I can name only one - graphics. Here the creators did not work hard, deciding that it would work. This is especially evident in the frames showing the amphitheater and houses located next to it from a bird's eye view.
Summary: a series with a huge amount of blood and hard sex, designed for many people whose desires and whims, in general, remained unchanged from the time of the ancient Roman Empire, but endowed with a rather interesting plot, the main character Spartacus, and also showing very precisely the life of the Roman Empire and the mores that reigned in it.
6 out of 10
Spartacus gets worse every season. The first season of the series (not according to the release date but according to the plot) Spartacus Gods Arena I will not discuss here is everything: intrigue, beautifully staged fights, sex, everything is filmed perfectly on a solid 5 cu. Next in the plot is Spartacus Blood and Sand, everything got worse here, many fights are too ' computer', ' unreal' looks too fantastic. Throughout the season, Spartacus is driven by only one goal - his wife, it seems that the Spartacus rose up solely for the sake of his wife, it is the disease of all American films the whole plot revolves around some woman, it is still a historical series and not a melodrama. In general, the season of Spartacus Blood and Sand is quite watchable, although not without drawbacks. Next comes the seasons of Spartacus Revenge and Spartacus Wars of the Damned.
This is ' the last two nails in the coffin'. The intrigue of the series completely disappears all action is reduced to meaningless 'meat' and 'melodrama' the characters of the series run after their women and randomly copulate, in the series the number of openly erotic scenes has increased several times. The series in these last seasons.
It's extremely historically inauthentic, it's becoming like a children's comic book rather than a historical series. There is no mass in battles at all, fights with ' legions of Romans' - these are fights of the same 5-7 characters, against 20 - 30 Romans, incredible culbites of jumping and other acrobatic tricks are little like serious fights against Roman legions, eternally screaming Spartacus, frankly poor scenery or frankly ' computer'
People fly away from the blows almost 5 meters up, Roman segmented lats (iron thickness from 1 mm weight more than 13 kg) women punch through, exterminating Roman soldiers as if they were boys to beat, and not professional soldiers who conquered half the world and are famous for their martial art. Where are the Roman cavalry, the archers? Once again, the series is absolutely historically inauthentic Mark Crassus could not be emperor as shown in the series, the title of emperor was introduced. Much later, Julius Caesar, who, according to the series, was raped by Mark's son. Crassus is an abomination and lies, some inflamed fantasies of the director. I would like to say a few words about the presence of gay porn in the series - this is unacceptable if in the first seasons. It worked on the atmosphere, gladiators slaves, slaves featured 'animal' an aspect of life at the time, then in subsequent seasons it is completely out of place more like a propaganda video than a historical series. I do not understand such high ratings of the last seasons of the series, apparently this is due to the general decline in the level of culture and intelligence of the population of the planet. The series, especially its last seasons in my deep conviction shot ' moral freak', mentally retarded man and designed for the same audience. What kind of chaos must be in the brain of the director to so pervert the historical truth? he had to familiarize himself before filming with the causes of the course and end of the uprising, who was Spartacus.
Mark Crass, what kind of people they were, not turning the show into a porn video of a hundred episodes.
Spartacus is an epochal figure, it is not surprising that it is he who repeatedly becomes the main character of numerous films.
The film "300 Spartans" with deliberately emphasized brutality, a huge amount of blood, countless nudity gave impetus to the creation of one of the most successful television series of 2010, shown on the cable channel Starz.
"Spartacus: Blood and Sand" gathered a huge audience at the screens and brought Starz to a new level. The television series has won a huge love of the viewer, and the lead actor Andy Whitfield overnight became a favorite of America and gained fame far beyond its borders. Each time, the writers managed to keep the viewer in suspense, holding their breath while waiting for the next series.
"Spartacus: ... " incredibly beautiful, aggressive and sexual product of mass media, while holistic in terms of content, all characters are charismatic, understandable to the viewer and cause genuine interest. Spartacus is the central figure around which events unfold, but absolutely all the characters that somehow meet in the course of the narrative found a response from the viewer and allowed to expand the scope of the story shown.
The news of the suddenly discovered disease Whitfield prompted the producers to think about creating a prequel. Without using the person of Spartacus, 10 episodes were shot about the events that took place in the ludus (in the house of Batiatus) before his appearance in it, presenting to the audience the story of another brave gladiator Gannicus, he was played by Dustin Claire, who instantly fell into a large number of tops of the sexiest men of the country and the World.
Throughout the seasons, Crixus goes from the most formidable rival Spartacus to one of the most loyal allies. Manu Bennet, who played one of the gladiators of the house of Batiatus, the champion of Capua, one of the most recognizable actors involved in the series, he previously could be seen in the television series "Xena - Queen of Warriors", and later in the film "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey".
In the last two seasons, Spartacus will play Liam McIntyre, he will be responsible for the future fate of the series and I must say, his shoulders were very strong. Despite the replacement of the actor, the television series not only did not lose rating, but also continued to gather more and more viewers at the screens.
The story of Spartacus, shown to the viewer by the cable channel Starz, gave many actors great popularity, both by opening new faces to the viewer and reminding them of those who once flashed on the screens.
"Spartacus: ..." is a harsh and expressive story about the most famous of the Roman gladiators. One of the most spectacular and modern versions, of course, due to aggressiveness and somewhere excessive provocation, the story will appeal not to everyone, but very many.
8.5 out of 10
That’s all, that’s the end of the 3rd season of the series, which for me, as presumably for many, became the standard of cinema, namely cinema, a full-fledged feature film, only with a very long duration. Calling it a "serial" somehow doesn't quite turn the tongue, and the hand doesn't rise. What movie? Action, drama, thriller...? I don’t know, seriously, so much is mixed up that now I still do not understand what in everything I saw hooked so, caught capital ... probably all together.
Let's start with the first season - "Spartacus". Blood and Sand (13 episodes, 2010) + Spartacus Revenge (10 episodes, 2012)
Andy Whitfield - Spartacus Sadly, Andy left us in September 2011, and it was cancer. No one knew then that everything would turn out like this, other seasons were planned, and the news of Whitfield’s illness then put a big? Andy, that was his main role, he didn't play Spartacus, he really got into the role so much that he was. Slightly slanted eyes, tightly clenched lips, unshavenness, yes, there was no other such thing, there is and will not be. A bright memory...
John Hanna - Batiatus. The main villain of the first season, a man who in the literal sense of the word "goes on heads" according to the plot. An actor with stunning facial expressions, for example, watch the excerpt of the fight of Spartacus and Crixus with Theocles “A Estimated Shadow” in the middle of the first season, Batiatus sits on the podium, but how much is written on his face.
Lucrezia, actress Lucy Lawless, played the wife of Batiata Lucrezia. Do you remember Xena, the queen of wars? Tell me more? At the time of filming, she was barely 40, but her age did not become an obstacle for her, and Lucy, being in excellent physical shape (I do not remember that anyone was out of shape there at all), starred in a number of erotic scenes, and sometimes quite frank. She is the pearl of the series, and with the “departure” of her character, the picture lost a lot, alas, it did not work out to make up for it, even in the “Cursed War”, which in no way conceded to its predecessors... the “female line” was lost, alas, but about this later.
Ilithia, performed by Viva Bianchi (Skubizhevski), to be honest, my favorite character in the history of the film. Not only is the girl bright, but also made her the personification of universal evil, of course, this is the merit of the writers, but the main merit of the actress herself. Beautiful, with her charm, serpentine gaze... more than sure that the “huge army” of the male audience understands what her feminine qualities I am talking about. What is worth just a look in the finale of Blood and Sand as the doors on Batiata's Ludas close. As for me, the apogee of her being on the screen is the scene with Lucretia at the end of Revenge.
Craig Parker played Claudius Glabra, the main opponent of Spartacus in the second part of the series. In the first, his role is insignificant, but it was he who took Surah (Spartacus’ wife) from the main character, and became the cause of all the troubles. The actor revealed much later than the others, but how. I remember the reincarnation of the actor during a few episodes in the middle of Revenge, like he was broken, but no, Glabr shrugged his shoulders, and we see a completely different character, cruel, imperious.
Crixus - Manu Bennett One of the few who was present in all 4 (3 seasons + sequel) parts of “Spartacus”, an actor with a strong male charisma, an actor who has all the emotions on his face that could not be hidden even under a heavy beard in “War of the Damned”. I readily believe that in life he is as impulsive and hot-tempered as in the movie.
Liam McIntyre played Spartacus in Season 2 of Revenge and in the final War of the Damned. McIntyre was the hardest on the set, he didn’t know how he would be received, and he needed to not only play Spartacus, but replace him, bring something new to the image. Did it work or not? Opinions differ, I know that many stopped watching the series after the release of “Revenge”, could not get used to it. For me, everything happened, watch the finale of the 2nd series of “Revenge”, the last few seconds, shooting shooting, but you can not hide the talent.
"Revenge" was released in January 2012, I do not want to describe the events of the season, perhaps someone else did not watch, but separately I will note the enchanting finale of the story "Ilithia - Lucretia", and as I have already said, the transformation of Claudius Glaber.
The final, final season of "Spartacus" - "War of the Damned" (2013, 10 episodes) ended quite recently, ended on a high note, it was such a finale and predicted, and probably in another way and could not be, fans of the series would not forgive amateurishness and deviation from the main historical facts.
That's where the real personification of evil, so it's in the character Mark Crassus. Strong negative charisma, diabolical, almost demonic look, the actor hit the type 100%. Simon Merrells was not familiar at all, but played more than magnificently. I believe that his fate, including, we will watch in the series about Caesar, if the producers of Spartacus decide on him.
Tod Lasance... Caesar. A controversial character, like an actor, I don’t understand him yet, and I don’t even know how he feels. At first, he is sympathetic, later not quite, closer to the final is more “no” than “yes”. And if we take into account what was done to him on the plot, in particular, Tiberius, the son of Crassus, had a hand in this, then for many fans of the series, a “similar development” of events and such a person as Guy Julius Caesar may become more of a rejection than an incentive to watch the new creation of the channel Starz.
As a result, we got a bloodthirsty spectacle, in every sense, the times and manners of ancient Rome are really cruel, and very many scenes made most of the viewer shudder, however, it smelled of seeing something so fascinating that forced us to watch series after series, until the finale.
You know, long before the end of Spartacus, I was scrolling through the ending of the series in my head, I didn’t watch the spoilers, I didn’t read the forums, people’s thoughts and their assumptions, and what was my surprise when “my ending” in my head and what I saw coincided, and with 90% probability. I wanted it to end this way, and it did. Isn't that an indicator? For me, yes, definitely, this is in my understanding of a real, high-quality cinema. Yes, somewhere with graphics "excess", with violence, blood and sex, but this is all secondary, all this interrupts the production, the plot and the actors, their gestures, views, music, played everything, to the smallest detail.
Bravo, everyone and everyone, without exception, who had a hand in creating this picture, which has become for me the most memorable spectacle of recent years.
10 out of 10