Two mega budget films dealing with the true story of the Roman Ninth Legion which disappeared into thin air………..
Roman history, in all its swash buckling pomp and glamour, is returning to the big screens. The legendary true story of the Roman Ninth Legion, which simply vanished into thin air, is coming in the form of two, yes two mega budget films. The Ninth legion were battled hardened and combat ready veterans who numbered roughly 5000 strong. According to legend, in AD117, they marched into Caledonia (Scotland) to confront the northern tribes (Picts) and were never seen again. As no one truly knows what happened to this infamous legion, the films are purely fictional but are guaranteed to be entertaining if not historically accurate.
“THE EAGLE”
Starring Jamie Bell and Channing Tatum
The first, “The Eagle” stars Jamie Bell and Channing Tatum and features Tatum as a young centurion in ancient Britain trying to solve the mystery of the Ninth Legion which was lead by his father. Haunted by the uncertainty and hoping to redeem his fathers name, he journeys into the northern territories (known as “The edge of the world”) to confront his own fears and his past. Jamie Bell stars as his slave / guide to lead him on his quest. Cue betrayal and chaos as Tatum attempts to recapture “The Eagle”, the emblem of the Ninth Legion.
“CENTURION”
Starring Dominic West and Michael Fassbender
Starring Dominic West, Michael Fassbender and Olga Kurylenko, this version deals with the actual fate of the Ninth legion and from all accounts is an ultra violent action packed revenge and chase film. Fassbender’s role is of Centurion Quintus Dias, the sole survivor of a Pict assault; he is installed to lead the ninth legion back up north to destroy the northern tribes. They are lead by a mute guide, whom shock! Horror! is secretly a Pict warrior who, unsurprisingly, betrays them and is seeking revenge as, again unsurprisingly, those nasty Romans killed her entire family. Cue chaos and a frenetic chase sequence as survivors from the carnage try to reach the safety of Hadrian’s Wall.
Probably best not to expect historical accuracy on both accounts…..!
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