Centurion

Based on an old legend about a Roman legion that supposedly disappeared in northern Britain early in the second century, director Neil Marshall's sword-and-toga saga focuses on a ragtag collection of soldiers who escape the slaughter of their comrades, only to be pursued by axe-wielding Picts as they make their way back to Roman lines. Michael Fassbender stars as the titular sensitive centurion, who is among the few survivors left after the soldiers are led into an ambush by a mute Pict woman (Olga Kurylenko), and then relentlessly pursued by the Pict chieftain. The remainder of Centurion details how most of the Romans were stabbed to death, impaled, decapitated, or otherwise killed by either the enemy or ravenous wolves. Marshall likes gore, and he stages the death scenes with plenty of blood and thunder; but there are also some quiet interludes, including conversations among the men and a bucolic sequence when the band is sheltered by a Pict woman (Imogen Poots) exiled by her people for witchcraft. The comparison to modern imperialist fiascoes is apparent throughout, especially near the end when one of the survivors is cut down by what would today be called friendly fire and a cover-up ensues for political reasons. Ultimately, Centurion isn't much more than a pale version of Gladiator, too gruesome to be dumb fun and too silly to be taken for a serious historical epic, but action fans may still enjoy. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary (with director Neil Marshall, cinematographer Sam McCurdy, production designer Simon Bowles, and special makeup effects designer Paul Hyett), a “Blood, Fire & Fury” behind-the-scenes featurette (27 min.), cast and crew interviews (26 min.), behind-the-scenes footage (11 min.), deleted scenes (8 min.), outtakes (6 min.), an HDNet segment on the film (5 min.), photo galleries, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for an uneven film.] (F. Swietek)