Dreadfully Boring

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

Just intense enough to provide a much-needed diversion, just lightweight enough to make you forget about it soon after it’s over. It’s not exactly “good,” per se, but it does what it sets out to do in terms of putting us on edge, which makes it … successful?

... if a bit of sex and violence doesnt offend that is! Some great cross-series plot lines also and far more sophisticated than initially meets the eye. Leagues ahead of forerunners like Rome in every sense.

The acting stinks, the scenery looks like a bad set from the 1960s, and i don't even want to think about the historical 'accuracy' of this whole mind-in-the-gutter, sensationalised pile of you know what. Every single blow struck by every single actor is done is low-rent slowmotion regardless of whether it has any significance whatsoever. The special effects are mediocre. The budget was obviously shoestring. If you ask me, the only reason why this god-awful series has high ratings is because there are plenty of people out there who like their porn clicks to have a slightly more highbrow storyline than what you get on YouPorn. Give it a miss if you want storyline, historical accuracy or depth though, you'll be disappointed.

I rate this series 5 though I have only watched the first season, which is such a wild triumph I cannot help but rate the whole thing as outstanding in every way. The drama in that first season is visceral, heart-wrenching, romantic, humorous and so wildly entertaining I believe it shall endure for many years to come. The stories of these gladiators and this ludus are stories of passionate love, unbridled determination, tear-jerking romance, personal transcendence, metaphysical visions, hubristic arrogance, Mercutian camaraderie and choreographic physical feats. And all this is delivered flawlessly; visually orgasmic, a dramaturgical tour-de-force and with writing that makes one reminisce of Shakespeare. What more can I say.

Ahhhhh, good old ancient Rome, where even the lowliest prostitute looked like a Hollywood model. Roman decadence, Orgies, intrigue, violence and awesome battle scenes with blood spatter in slow motion. This is very good stuff indeed. Throw in lots of naked breasts, (all perfect of course), and we have a winner. (Well, it works very well in Game of Thrones, so why not here ?). So 1st season is great, and 2nd season, (which is a prequel to season 1), is at least as good. Season 3 however is another matter. Uh oh, new Spartacus, (sadly the 1st one died). He is unfortunately replaced by a less talented actor. Same thing goes for Naevia and her replacement is even worse. Indeed it seems like the overall quality has taken a serious dive. The dialogue is stiff and pompous. Probably meant to sound like something out of Homer, but merely coming out as terribly bad grammar. They try to compensate by giving us even more outrageous battles, but it soon gets kinda old. Warriors flying through the air shouting "AAAAAARRRRRRHHHHH", more blood and gore in slow motion, (I can't even begin to imagine how many gallons of fake blood were used), and no really good villain since season 2. It becomes clear how much John Hannah (Batiatus) carried season 1 and 2. OK, we knew he was a bad guy and had it coming, but he's sorely missed. The downward quality trend continues in season 4. Well, to be fair it is still very entertaining and I give it 10 for season 1 and 2 and withdraw 2 stars for each of the following seasons.