The production values quite betray its nature as a TV movie, as do instances in which the title character gently breaks the fourth wall. Whatever else is true of this feature, it seems a tad simplified in its presentation, and the pacing of the course of events seems to reduce history to a handful of broad strokes to communicate the thrust of the project's intention. Some moments are presented with such curt directness that they almost inspire laughter. Still, though not without its faults or weaknesses, more than not 'Boudica,' also known as 'Warrior queen,' is an engrossing if grim and ugly portraiture of a small slice of the past.
It's not lost on me that the picture posits Britons as underdog rebels against the monstrous cruelty of Imperial Rome, as though the scenario hasn't been reversed for generations across the globe in the face of the British Empire - as though local tribes like the Iceni didn't also do battle with England in the same manner. So it goes, though. Thusly blithe though this may be, however, still it tells its story well, a saga worth remembering. Screenwriter Andrew Davies ably captures the dynamics of power, painting Rome in the bloodiest of villainous hues and Boudica and the Iceni in the most heroic. While Bill Anderson's direction feels a bit on the nose at any given point, broadly speaking this is well made despite the seeming limitations of the medium (and the proportionate budget). The production design and art direction are splendid, along with costume design, hair, and makeup; this is looks and sounds pretty swell, including any effects that are employed.
Some of the acting feels a little off to me, either a smidgen underwhelming, too precise and almost unfeeling for its own good, or possibly overzealous. I assume such instances are owing to Anderson's direction, but one way or another, mostly the cast performs well to bring the narrative to life. Michael Feast quite stands out in his supporting role as cynical, practically minded Suetonius; Emily Blunt, in her screen debut, demonstrates the nuanced skill for which she has since become so beloved. Alex Kingston commands the lead role well, tempering Boudica's viciousness with heart and intelligence; Gary Lewis (always a pleasure) and Jack Shepherd make the most of what time they have on-screen. Furthermore, battle sequences and smaller instances of violence are executed well, providing earnest excitement of varying flavors. I'm less keen on the aching exactness of the ending, inspiring more skepticism than Anderson's direction generally, and I could do without the slight fantastical element. Even at that though, this is reasonably enjoyable such as it is.
Nothing about 'Boudica' is so special as to demand viewership. It's not wholly captivating or absorbing as one tends to hope for in pictures, and while it's serviceable as a peek at history, it traces the topic to the spirit and not the letter; anyone earnestly interested in the subject had better just look for books instead. Yet all this feature wanted was to offer a glimpse at a part of the past and entertain in the process, and though it does so imperfectly, I think it meets that goal with modest success. Pick it apart if you like, for it's easy enough to do so; just kick back, relax, and enjoy the show, if you'd rather just pass a quiet evening. There's no wrong answer here. I can only say that I expected suitable enjoyment for ninety-odd minutes, and that's just what I got - and sometimes that's all a movie needs to be.
It's not lost on me that the picture posits Britons as underdog rebels against the monstrous cruelty of Imperial Rome, as though the scenario hasn't been reversed for generations across the globe in the face of the British Empire - as though local tribes like the Iceni didn't also do battle with England in the same manner. So it goes, though. Thusly blithe though this may be, however, still it tells its story well, a saga worth remembering. Screenwriter Andrew Davies ably captures the dynamics of power, painting Rome in the bloodiest of villainous hues and Boudica and the Iceni in the most heroic. While Bill Anderson's direction feels a bit on the nose at any given point, broadly speaking this is well made despite the seeming limitations of the medium (and the proportionate budget). The production design and art direction are splendid, along with costume design, hair, and makeup; this is looks and sounds pretty swell, including any effects that are employed.
Some of the acting feels a little off to me, either a smidgen underwhelming, too precise and almost unfeeling for its own good, or possibly overzealous. I assume such instances are owing to Anderson's direction, but one way or another, mostly the cast performs well to bring the narrative to life. Michael Feast quite stands out in his supporting role as cynical, practically minded Suetonius; Emily Blunt, in her screen debut, demonstrates the nuanced skill for which she has since become so beloved. Alex Kingston commands the lead role well, tempering Boudica's viciousness with heart and intelligence; Gary Lewis (always a pleasure) and Jack Shepherd make the most of what time they have on-screen. Furthermore, battle sequences and smaller instances of violence are executed well, providing earnest excitement of varying flavors. I'm less keen on the aching exactness of the ending, inspiring more skepticism than Anderson's direction generally, and I could do without the slight fantastical element. Even at that though, this is reasonably enjoyable such as it is.
Nothing about 'Boudica' is so special as to demand viewership. It's not wholly captivating or absorbing as one tends to hope for in pictures, and while it's serviceable as a peek at history, it traces the topic to the spirit and not the letter; anyone earnestly interested in the subject had better just look for books instead. Yet all this feature wanted was to offer a glimpse at a part of the past and entertain in the process, and though it does so imperfectly, I think it meets that goal with modest success. Pick it apart if you like, for it's easy enough to do so; just kick back, relax, and enjoy the show, if you'd rather just pass a quiet evening. There's no wrong answer here. I can only say that I expected suitable enjoyment for ninety-odd minutes, and that's just what I got - and sometimes that's all a movie needs to be.