🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Neil Marshall
- Genre: Action, Drama, History, War
- Release year: 2010
- Runtime (length): 1h 37min
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10 (88K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 61%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Romans go to Scotland, get lost, and a mute lady with face paint tries to return them to sender.
🍿 Centurion: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Ambush
In 117 AD, Roman forces struggle to control the Picts in Northern Britain. Centurion Quintus Dias, a Roman officer, survives a Pictish raid. General Virilus and the Ninth Legion march north to eliminate the Picts and their leader, Gorlacon. They are guided by Etain, a mute Pictish scout.
Betrayal and Escape
Etain betrays the Ninth Legion, leading them into a deadly ambush. Most of the legion is killed, and General Virilus is captured. Quintus Dias and a small group of survivors escape into the wilderness. They resolve to rescue their general and avenge their fallen comrades. However, their situation is dire, pursued by Etain and Pictish warriors.
The Chase
The surviving Roman soldiers are relentlessly hunted by Etain and the Picts. They face harsh terrain, dwindling supplies, and constant threat of attack. The group suffers losses as they attempt to evade their pursuers. Dias struggles to keep the remaining men alive and maintain their resolve in the face of overwhelming odds.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Centurion Quintus Dias (Michael Fassbender): The resourceful Roman centurion who must lead his surviving men to safety after their legion is decimated.
- General Titus Virilus (Dominic West): The respected but ultimately doomed general of the Ninth Legion who is captured by the Picts.
- Etain (Olga Kurylenko): A mute, vengeful Pictish tracker who relentlessly pursues the Roman soldiers after being betrayed by them.
- Gorlacon (Ulrich Thomsen): The fierce leader of the Picts, determined to defend his people and land from the Roman invaders.
- Bothos (David Morrissey): A loyal and experienced Roman soldier among the survivors who provides support to Dias.
- Arianne (Axelle Carolyn): A solitary woman living in the forest who offers refuge and companionship to Quintus Dias.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Centurion Quintus Dias: “In the chaos of battle, when the ground beneath your feet is a slurry of blood, puke, piss and the entrails of friends and enemies alike, it’s easy to turn to the gods for salvation. But it’s soldiers who do the fighting, and soldiers who do the dying, and the gods never get their feet wet.” – Dias’s narration early in the film, reflecting on the brutal reality of war and questioning divine intervention.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $12,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $123,570
- Worldwide Gross: $6,890,432
💥 Centurion Reviews
Personal Review
As a fan of historical action, Centurion hit the spot. The chase sequences kept me on the edge of my seat, and the gore felt surprisingly realistic. I especially enjoyed Olga Kurylenko’s performance as Etain – a powerful, silent force of nature. The ending was bittersweet, but it fit the tone of the film perfectly. I was immersed from start to finish.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of historical action films”
- “Viewers interested in Roman history and legends”
- “Those who appreciate gritty and violent war movies”
- “Fans of Michael Fassbender”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence and gore”
- “Strong language”
- “Brief nudity”
- “War themes”
Professional Reviews
- ScreenRant: “Centurion offers a gritty and realistic depiction of Roman warfare, highlighting the brutality and challenges faced by soldiers on the fringes of the empire. It’s one of the better historical Roman depictions with compelling action and intense performances.
- Bloody-Disgusting.com: “This movie delivers violent action. It’s not about historical accuracy as much as it’s about visceral thrills and the raw intensity of a fight for survival in a harsh, unforgiving environment.
- IMDb: “A grubby, gory delight. The movie becomes much more thanks to the efficacious work from all the cast and crew. Marshall himself executes a few impressive sequences, showing once again he knows how to stretch a small budget with minimalistic techniques and a passionate approach.
Audience Reactions
Viewers were impressed by the gritty realism and intense action sequences.: The film is praised for its portrayal of Roman soldiers in a brutal and unforgiving environment.
Olga Kurylenko’s performance as the mute tracker Etain was a standout for many.: Many viewers liked the compelling performance, particularly the physicality of the role
Overall Consensus: Centurion is generally viewed as a solid, action-packed historical film with strong performances, though it might not appeal to everyone due to its graphic violence.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Director Neil Marshall and cinematographer Sam McCurdy spent two years discussing the film’s look, aiming for a realistic, location-based shoot, avoiding green screens.”
- “The film is loosely based on the legend of the Ninth Legion’s disappearance in Roman Britain, a historical mystery that continues to intrigue historians.”
- “Olga Kurylenko’s character, Etain, is mute, which added a layer of challenge to her performance, requiring her to convey emotion and intent purely through physicality.”
🖥️ How to Watch Centurion?
Centurion is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local streaming services for availability as it may vary by region. DVD and Blu-ray copies can also be found at most major retailers.
🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Centurion, you might like these similar films:
- The Eagle (2011): Another film dealing with the mystery of the Ninth Legion, though with a focus on recovering a lost Roman standard.
- Valhalla Rising (2009): Shares the brutal, visceral tone and focus on survival in a hostile, ancient setting.
- Apocalypto (2006): Similar chase film with a focus on survival of the fittest in the Ancient Times, the chased becoming the chaser
🛒 Centurion Related Products
- Centurion [Blu-ray]: Own the intense action and gritty visuals of Centurion on Blu-ray. Experience the film in high definition with stunning clarity and immersive sound.
- Rome: The Complete Series [DVD]: Delve deeper into the world of ancient Rome with this complete series. This critically acclaimed show offers a rich and detailed portrayal of Roman history and politics.
- The Eagle of the Ninth: Read the novel that inspired the storyline. This classic tale explores the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Ninth Legion.
- Ancient Roman Gladiator Action Figures: Highly detailed action figures of Roman gladiators. Recreate scenes from the movie or create your own historical battles.
🎧 Soundtrack
Centurion features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The disappearance of the Roman Ninth Legion is a historical mystery. While the film depicts their destruction in Scotland, historical evidence suggests they may have been reassigned or disbanded. No definitive answer exists.
Centurion is a fictionalized account of events in Roman Britain. While it incorporates some historical elements, it takes creative liberties with the plot and characters. It is important to note that the specific events in the film are not verifiable historical facts.
Centurion was primarily filmed on location in the Scottish Highlands. The rugged terrain and snowy landscapes contributed to the film’s harsh and realistic atmosphere. Some scenes were also shot in studio environments.
🔥 Bonus Content
Roman Army Tribute | Warrior
Check out this incredible music video that pays homage to the Roman army, featuring scenes from ‘Centurion’ and other epic films. It’s a visually stunning and historically fascinating tribute that will leave you in awe!
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