The movie opens with a gratuitous (some might say obligatory) sex scene that seems out of step with the rest of the film. Once it gets going though the film is a good watch. This is not a movie for action enthusiasts, as the real action is in the politicking of high stakes, winner-take-all diplomatic drama. Acting was believable from almost all quarters with Brian Blessed as Piccolomini being my favorite. I was waiting for some major plot twist, but before I knew it the credits were rolling.
In the end, the movie was a straightforward account that I enjoyed for the history more than the storytelling.
In the end, the movie was a straightforward account that I enjoyed for the history more than the storytelling.