The Eagle (DVD, 2011)

I bought this DVD for the Historical appeal, as I like all aspects of Roman Empire history, and this film was an intimate story from that era,about son, whose father's legion that went out on patrol 20 years earlier, had never returned.

This is not a big "spectacle" production like some earlier Roman-themed films, but a more intimate-focused view of a typical small military outpost in Roman-occupied Britain.

It seemed to me that great technical care was made to show both in the rural Roman Architecture of Roman Forts and civilian Roman villas and the daily procedures of the lives of a Roman soldier was very accurately depicted.

These elements could bore some tastes, but a history-lover like myself really appreciated the mood and flow of the film that shows how non-military politics of any era always has a controlling influence on what military decisions are made.

( It sounds alot like the recent events of our present-day politics, or perhaps politicians never seem to learn from past history, do they ? )

The son, now a minor Roman Fort Commander himself, wants to find out what happened to the missing legion,his father,and also wants to recover the lost and sacred "Eagle Standard" that every Roman Legion held as the most valuable symbol of themselves, and of Rome itself.

But all of the answers to these questions lie beyond the safe Roman boundaries of Hadrian's Wall ( Which is also well-depicted intact ) as no one has ever returned from an excursion beyond the wall, where unknown warrior tribes are known to dwell.

The young commander takes only a British slave with him to guide the way to his quests, and the adventure takes off from there. I liked the story,and alot was really well done on a small budget to create a memorable view of the difficult life and politics of the Roman frontier politics, and slavery in early Britain. The film's cast did a very good job also.

At last --- a solid adventure flik without the phony romance or PC add-ons. This is a story with values --honor, fidelity to one's word, friendship -- all set in early Roman Britain, north of Hadrian's wall. If you are looking for an entertaining, exciting film without the usual Hollywood nonsense, this is one for you. This is not a sand-and-sandals type of historical epic, but one which will easily capture and retain your interest. Perfect for the history - minded, but entertaining enough for a wider audience. I enjoyed it.

I bought this movie because I'm a Rome fanatic. I enjoy the visuals of places and actions I've only imagined. I particularly enjoyed scenes of the fortress on the outskirts of the Roman empire.

I felt like all the character portrayals were realistic.

The plot line was interesting - if just a bit implausible.

What struck me most was the Roman concept of honor. A father defeated in battle - and ensuing loss of The Eagle - disgraced the whole family line.

Spoiler alert - in this case, the son was able to restore his family's honor, with the help of his also honorable slave.

I also have new things to research. Did the Roman upper classes REALLY think prayers and offerings to the gods would help ensure their success? Or were they just going through the motions?

10 Jan: 2012: Tues: An excellent historical movie of Roman Britian!! This showns the life & death struggles of the Celtic tribes who the Romans tried to conquer, but after 2 centuries+/- the Legions sailed back to France & left the Island forever. The movie tells the real story of garrison duty @ Forts that later became major city centers after the with-drawal of the troops. The story is based on the True story of the 3 Lost Eagles recovered in Germany. These 3 Roman Legions were destroyed, survivers captured, officers sacrificed, & later the remaining Roman Army captives rasomed & freed from German tribal slavery. Go ahead & purchase this great Dvd you will not be disappointed. Bs/Ws Chas.

I first saw this movie a few months ago when it debuted in theatres. It was spectacularly filmed and so authentic in its look and feel. Beautiful job by Channing Tatum as Marcus Aurelius' son in search of his father and the disappeared 9th Legion of the Roman Army. Extremely realistic and period armor, clothing, utensils, and the daily life of a Roman soldier. Highly advise you to see it if you are even remotely interested in this period of history. Grand entertainment!