Iffy for 13+
Mr. Darcy trades Austen for Excalibur. Only OK.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this ancient Rome-set action movie includes lots of bloody fighting and several instances in which a child (the film's 12-year-old hero) is threatened. Battle scenes are loud and chaotic, with stabbing, kicking, pushing, and spearing (the boy sees his parents speared and axed). The rough melees use lots of handheld and close-up camerawork to convey turmoil. Other fights include martial arts-style fighting, with kicking, chopping, and apparent bone-breaking. There are a few brief allusions to sexual attraction and desire: Mira and Aurelius gaze at each other's bodies (hers is partly revealed when she rises from a lake in a wet tunic), and they lie in bed together. No real language (one "damn," one "hell") or drinking.
- Families can talk about why stories about Arthur, Merlin, and Excalibur hold such fascination. What is it about legends and myths that continues to appeal to -- and inspire us -- for so many hundreds of years? Do you think filmmakers try to make movies like this one as accurate as possible, or do they care more about how the movie looks and the reaction it gets from an audience? Families can also discuss leadership and loyalty; how are both portrayed in this film?
What to watch for
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Violence: Lots of fighting with swords, axes, knives, catapults, flaming arrows, and spears, as well as some martial arts-style fighting (especially by Mira, who frequently spins, kicks, stabs, and flips opponents). Characters fall, catch on fire, and die on screen. The one-on-one fight scenes feature athletic skills and some loud grunting and thudding; battle scenes show blood, especially on faces and mouths. A 12-year-old boy is repeatedly threatened (chained, held over a cliff, thrown hard onto floors); he later stabs an opponent to death. One figure falls off a cliff. Ambrosinus pulls a mask off of a bloody-faced adversary, then vengefully sets him on fire.
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Sex: Some cleavage, especially on warrior maiden Mira; her introduction consists of rising from a lake in a wet tunic, catching the eye of her male traveling partner. Mira and Aurelius are thrown into a sort of embrace, and they both catch their breath. Mira slips into Aurelius' tent and bed at night: They look into each other's eyes, and the scene cuts to the next morning, implying that they had sex.
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Language: One "damn," one "hell" (Kingsley tells his longtime enemy to burn there as he sets him on fire).
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Two men arm wrestle for a jug of wine.
Fan Reviews provided by
3
How can you rate a movie that JUST came out TODAY.. and you havent even see?? by tigerdave1970
I was reading reviews on this movie, and I realized.. that some of you people have posted your opinions on the movie, and you havent even seen it! Of course not all movies can live up to the likes of TROY, GLADIATOR, and 300..... doesnt mean that its not a good movie. I have gone to see movies that had "bad" reviews from "film critics"... and actuallythought it was an enjoyable movie! That just goes to show you that everyone one has their own opinion, and is entitled to it obviously. But geeez.. can you at least go see the movie before you start tearing it apart! I'm going to see it this afternoon, AND THEN... I will post my review and rating!
UPDATE!!!!!!!!
OK, so I went and saw the movie... No, it was not up to the standards of TROY, GLADIATOR, or 300... the acting was shady at times. You could tell this was a flim made on a budget. But overall.. if your into that type of movie, and the whole "Excalibur" ... story, then you may want to go see it. DVD!!!!
4
History with a twist by spotty41
If you are into historical films, this is an awesome movie with constant reminders that this movie is somewhat plausible. On the other hand if you failed history in high school you might get a little confused with some of the names, places and societies mentioned in the movie.
Lots of action and plenty kick-*** fight scenes. Once you know the plot, it's pretty predictable, but that doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the film.
If you liked "300", then you will like "The Last Legion", just don't expect th same level of cinematography.
4
Last Legion by fcmejias
This was a very entertaining cross between "Braveheart" and "Spartacus"!
I was glad that this film didn't rely on too many special effects to get the story across, and I enjoyed both Colin Firth's and Ben Kingsley's performances. while Miss Rai wasn't oscar calibre, she was good in her role and quite believable...who says women can't be beautiful and battle-worthy? Most critics haven't been kind to this film and I pity them because they're simply comparing this film to 300; I enjoyed the fact that a family could see this film together without being embarrassed.or too grossed out from the violence that is constantly thrown out...the only "love scene' while being suggestive was very tender and there is some delightful humor throughtout the film. This was a great way to spend $20 and 2 hours.
3
British Romans Again by pieterrabbit7
Unfortunately, once again we are viewing a movie about Roman soldiers who speak in perfect King's English and wear costumes fresh from the dry cleaners. When will Mel Gibson make a movie about Romans with Italian actors? The musical score was out of kilter with the battle scenes enough to wonder why there was an orchestra on the battlefield instead of watching the action. Aishwarya Rai is enough reason to watch this movie! Ben Kingsley is fantastic as usual! The Goths are great villains but the main revenger appears to be more of a Viking. This movie weaves a cute slant upon the origins of King Arthur but is missing any magical feelings. It's a B-movie, enjoy it!
5
Refreshing look at the Aurthur Legend by shawnck
Although the story of King Aurthur and his legendary sword have been told countless times, The Last Legion brought a fresh telling. This prequel creatively combined history with fantasy on a canvas to form a colorful movie. The Last Legion had every element a good movie should: comedy, action, adventure, a love story, and a greater cause. The ending especially tied the movie in directly with the Aurthur Legend. At times the movie was a little slower than I would have liked, but it is one I will still add to my DVD collection as soon as it's available.
5
Before Arthur by lavndrdragon
This is the only movie I've ever seen that gives an account of pre-Arthur history. I'm a literature teacher and am well versed in Arthurian literature, and while there is considerable literary licence taken with the historical accounting of Arthur, it was superbly contrived, beautifully choreographed and exceedingly entertaining. I would see it again.
1
Horrible by LordOfTheRings1990
This movie is a horrible mess, it has an uninteresting story, horrible acting, horrible action, and should be avoided at all costs.
4
THE LAST LEGION by donranahan
My son, josh, and I enjoyed the movie very much. It was well acted and the action was all that we expected. It also gave me chance to tell him about the story of King Arthur and to interest him in reading 'The Once and Future
King" by T.H. White.
4
Entertaining by jerecullen
This story will be enjoyed by those that know the history of King Arthur and like history. It had believable characters and a fun storyline.
5
Awesome! by opifex
I loved this movie. It had great action and I love swordfighting movies!