The greatest movie ever made..!

Some things I liked some I did not.

Lack of good storyline.

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

I recently came across this magnificent miniseries. Forget about big budgets, forget about spectacular effects and lavish action scenes, this is a simple production yet at the same time a masterclass in how TV can be done. Despite its simplicity, the acting and writing blew me away, combined with a captivating story, how much more is there to say? Not often does one encounter a masterpiece such as this, this truly is one of the finest TV productions!

This is a television great that has aged extremely well considering it was made nearly forty years ago.The story is cleverly told as an autobiography of the emperor Claudius neatly covering the social, family and political comings and goings of the five emperor Julio-Claudian dynasty in which our storyteller's life spans: from the late reign of first Roman emperor Augustus to the imminent succession of the corrupt Nero.Many used to modern productions may be disappointed in the lack of outside scenes, great cinematography or lavish production quality that modern movies give us, but the fact that I soon forgot about this was a testament to the pure theatre this whole series is an excellent example of. Sian Phillips portrayal of Livia Drusilis is chillingly perfect (and sowed the seed for the name of Livia being used for the wife of character Tony Soprano in a television series in later years) It is a great introduction to the social, family and political history of the dynasty. This is obviously from the perspective and bias of the title character, which in the point. Only the profoundly obtuse would see as a criticism.For historical pedants, there might be some slightly annoying things and in one episode we are insultingly (or comically depending on your mood) treated to modern German accents being used by soldiers from Germanic Tribes. That and the generally weaker performances in the later episodes prevented me giving it a 10.

I would like to make this clear: I did NOT like the series. I am well aware that it is much praised as it is awarded, but I simply cannot see this. I could start by pointing out that the series was filmed in a limited space area, giving the impression of claustrophobic but this not my primary concern. The main objection I have is about the characters. While watching the first seven episodes, there was one and only one thing in my mind: When is this person going to die (or at least stop doing what she is doing); And, of course I am talking about Livia. This character is portrayed in such an evil, manipulative, poisonous way that I found it difficult to concentrate on anything else. We were seeing such a malicious person that makes Hannibal Lecter look like an altar boy. Now, looking up the historical figure of Augustus' wife, I found that there are many suspicions that she may indeed have been involved in several "accidents" of imperial family members. However, I think there is a great distance between this and the series' affirmation that she single-handedly orchestrated the annihilation of dozens of prestigious royalties. And on top of that she murdered Augustus himself!!! Unfortunately, this does not end with Livia's death. Later, on the series, we see the same thing pretty much going on with Caligula... Overall, I would like to make a comment concerning the so called historical accuracy of it: I am well aware of the fact that there was a lot of plotting and conspiring within the Roman Empire's court. However, I can't help wondering: Was that Roman Empire all about? I frequently recall a great film, Cleopatra (1963) by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, where we could actually enjoy grandeur as well as more than satisfying accuracy of historical facts. I really wish it would take a few ideas from that one.

I'll try to add to the other reviews that sum up I Claudius so brilliantly, but my feeling is that what needs to be said about it has been said. Superlative is the best way to sum up how phenomenal I Claudius is, it is one of those rarities where everything works and there is nothing whatsoever about it.The settings, photography and costumes are superb and very authentic, the mini-series is directed absolutely beautifully and the story is compelling. And I almost to say that I feel I Claudius is one of the best written mini-series out there, both in dialogue and characterisation, or that Derek Jacobi, John Hurt and Sian Phillips give some of their very best work here.Overall, superlative. 10/10 Bethany Cox