Centurion

Centurion is definitely not a realistic historical drama from the ancient history of building the Roman Empire, but a historicizing fantasy, which takes from real history only what it deems suitable as a starting point for an adventure story. The whole film stays afloat with raw action, albeit being sometimes straightforward and cheaply bloody. There are definitely more blood spatters than would be possible in reality, and the director utilizes contemporary digital technology, so severed limbs fly in all directions and the viewer can also enjoy disgustingly bloody details. The story itself is not complicated, but in terms of action films, the cast is highly above standard, because everyone involved can act and, speaking about the male part of the ensemble, they also have charisma. The female participation in the war campaign somewhat resembles a caricatured Xena, because a barbarian warrior with half a kilogram of makeup, whose eyes drown under such a dose of eyeshadow that even Queen Cleopatra would surely envy her, does not exactly inspire trust in historical fantasy. Not to mention the fact that the participating girls, despite their diligent battle cries and fierce grimaces, come across more like they just stepped out of a fashion show. Overall impression: 55%. (23/10/2010)

I'd like to give it four stars, I really would. For how exciting Centurion is, for how something is (almost) always going on, for how it's (almost) never boring and full of likeable characters, for how uncompromisingly it chops, stabs, cuts, slices, and God knows what else, for Marshall's ferocious direction, for Eshkeri's music, for the (to me) surprising Olga Kurylenko.... But I can't, because of the final confrontation, the witch and the more or less stupid ending. That’s too bad. Really too bad. So I give it a better three stars, knowing that I won't have a problem watching Centurion again sometime, which is definitely also a plus point. (04/03/2011)

I can't help it, but I was incredibly bothered by the fact that most of the bloody wounds here were digital. It's a shame that traditional tricks and masks weren't used. It would have suited the movie much better because "Centurion" is action-packed and gritty, and in that aspect, it definitely won't disappoint the viewer. However, it doesn't impress in terms of plot. (14/07/2017)

The digital blood bothered me quite a bit. The saying that less is sometimes more applies here, but it’s not missing Marshall’s typical trademarks are not missing. The raw, dirty, harsh environment is excellent. Michael Fassbender is becoming more and more likeable to me, and the plot has a devilish pace. Considering the budget and the script, it could have never been an epic blockbuster full of monumental battles, but it can still be survived. It is rather a modern action film set in a rough medieval era. Apart from the details, it comes together fairly solidly. (05/09/2010)

If only “Bran Mak Morn" were a little like this. Raw, warrior cut and thrust. Marshall has some shortcomings and mainly he should learn how to edit, and the scene changes aren’t always completely kosher, but nevertheless paint a wonderful atmosphere full of war and blood. The cast is remarkable. Excellent, fair Michael Fassbender is balanced by the dumb savage with the devilish face of Olga Kurylenko. And I liked Dominic West, even though he wasn’t given much time to warm up. And not forgetting Eskheri’s music, which was A-grade. (14/08/2010)