Jul 15, 2007 08:51 PM
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(Updated Jul 15, 2007 11:09 PM)
There were 3 reasons for me to watch the film. The first and foremost reason was that Aiswarya Rai was there in the movie. The second reason was that the movie released in an otherwise bollywood movie releasing theatre near to my stay. The third and final reason is that I have watched the film Cleopatra earlier and liked it. Since the movie The Last Legion had a Roman background, I decided to check it out. So, read out my first Hollywood movie review.
What is a prophecy? "It is the Trust and Faith", tells the movie The Last Legion. A question is asked, when we do the prophecy, how we know the things will happen on time? Answer from the visionary is that "...after us what happens is not in our hands. We keep the light in the lamp and what happens to the lamp after we left will depend on the destiny of the lamp". The Colin Firth, Ben Kingsley, Aishwarya Rai starrerThe Last Legion is a movie of one of such prophecies which come true.
Before and after Christ, there had many prophets whose duty is to observe, judge and predict things in advance. The prophecy by them is much valued and they were treated well by Kingdoms. In fact the long vision of these prophets was the base for the success of many empires existed then. The Last Legion takes place around AD460 to AD490, by the end of the Roman Empire. Roman Empire is under threat and there had 5 rulers been killed in 5 years. Romulus Augustus (Master Thomas Sangster) is been appointed as the new Ceasor. Ambrosinus (Ben Kingsley) is a Shaman who was the tutor of Romulus been expelled and he predicted danger. Romulus's father, appoint Aurelius (Colin Firth) for the safety of the little Ceaser. Prophecies do come true and the barbarian general Odoacer (Peter Mullan) and the army of Goths killed Romulus's father and mother and captured the kingdom. All the Legions are broken and the little Ceaser is a captive. Ambrosinus who try to save him too is captive. Aurelius try to save the two from the island where they serve prison. Aiswarya plays the role of a Bizantines warrior for the help of them. Together they move to save the ceaser and Amrosinus. In the island the little ceaser find the sword of the ceaser, which carry a prophecy, "‘One edge to defend, one to defeat..…to fit the hand of he who is destined to rule’. Watch the movie to see the turnings and proceedings of the movie.
The performances by the cast were excellent, including Aishwarya Rai. I think it is not fare from my part not to give little more detail about the character played by her. Aishwarya plays the role of a lady warrior, who turns to be lover of Aurelius. Her name is Mira, she belongs to Kerala (Yes, my place) and she has learned the old martial art "Kalarippayattu" and she can fight 10 men with weapons herself. (Wondering why the writers fail to recognize that kerala has been famous for not only "Kalarippayattu", but "Valpayattu" too, which was done by Mira brilliantly.) Anyway, Aishwarya Rai gives a fine performance, though not exceptional. However, Aishwarya's dress code could have been better taken care of and a little extra smile in the face would have definitely helped. Ben Kingsley played the calm, powerful person of multi talents and wisdom at ease. It is however Colin Firth who leads the proceedings with his well fitted performance. Peter Mullan and Kevin McKidd give the raw look required for their characters. Master Thomas Sangster is a treat to watch. When the duty of a ceaser is assigned to a little boy, it looked odd. However, once the movie rolled on, the boy shows a lot of maturity in his acting and he delivered an equally powerful performance. I could not find much fault with any of the performers at all.
Cinematography is one department where the film excelled other than the performance. Whether it is the scenes in the set, building or in landscape the frames are very clear and the light and shades mix in the required proportions. Only by the last few scenes I felt they could have tried some time more to make it a perfect endurance.
Background music was sufficient. Editing is good. Costumers are fine, but the armory for the Roman soldiers were not sufficient as they are supposed to be supplied with the best preventive wear when fighting, but in the film they were somewhat helpless most of the time as they were ill fitted.
The movie done all well in most of the departments, except in two. One, the soul which carries the film was not sufficient to affix an emotion in the hearts of the audience which compelled them to attach to the characters and situations. I will say the writers succeeded some 60% in this department. I am not sure this is sufficient to keep interest of the Hollywood audience. Two, the fight scenes could be little more brilliant. Of course, for bollywood standard it is superb, but when it comes to Hollywood the expectation are tenfold and standards are higher. Don't ask me why the double standards. Otherwise, the movie is shot in a vast canvas, to the joy of the viewers.
At the end, the little lamp was thrown out with the flame, but to make fire a big old tree to become the burial ground of the evil. Prophecy prevails.
In short, the movie is very good but don't expect a classic like Benher or Cleopatra, but surely brilliant than most of the bollywood movies released in 2007. A good movie worth a watch!
