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Awix (3310 KP) rated Spartacus (1960) in Movies

May 19, 2019 (Updated May 19, 2019)  
Spartacus (1960)
Spartacus (1960)
1960 | Adventure, History, War
8
8.3 (23 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
Kubrick famously disowned the historical epic he took on as work-for-hire, but almost any other director would and should have been proud of the result. Based on a true story (albeit very loosely), Spartacus the slave (Douglas) is sold to a gladiator trainer, leads his fellow inmates in a revolt, and resolves to free every slave in Italy; ruthless autocrat Crassus (Olivier) scents the chance to exploit the crisis for his own political ends.

Slightly disjointed in its structure: the opening act in the gladiator school barely puts a foot wrong (the fight between Douglas and Woody Strode is exceptional), but then the story splits between the story of the growing slave army, which is hokey and sentimental, and that of the political games in Rome, which features a bunch of great actors giving terrific performances. Usual epic spectacle, but a very atypical downbeat ending: the film works very hard to give Spartacus a moral victory, but it's hard not to see this as a conclusion as bleak as that of any of the films that Kubrick actually admitted to. Stirring entertainment anyway; they don't make 'em like this any more.
  
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ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Gladiator's Temptation (Champions of Rome #2) in Books

Jan 18, 2018  
TG
The Gladiator's Temptation (Champions of Rome #2)
Jennifer D. Bokal
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

I had no idea what I was getting into starting this novel. I have read a handful of Ancient Rome romances, and they all seem to be lacking. There seems to be one element missing, whether it be historical accuracy, a tangible storyline, or realistic romance. This novel had everything and more. The author really knew her history, using jargon that gave the story a more authentic feel.

What really got me was the story line. Most of the romance I have read begin with the couple either meeting, or coming together again after a separation, then their progression to falling in love. This story differed in that, you get to read their story, but itÂ’s more about them fighting the fates to be together instead of learning about each other. It was a nice change of pace but every challenge they faced broke my heart. I feel that the ending made up for all the torment the author put me through, however.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional read to go with their steamy scenes and historically correct jargon.