Fall of an Empire [DVD] [2014]

I really enjoyed this film. The quality of diction was far superior to any film I've seen on DVD and the acting was unsurpassed. I was a bit surprisedthat the title did not reflect the content of the film. The film is the story of Katherine of Alexandria but from the title you would think it's a war film which it is not. The fighting that is in the film is justified and is tempered with subtle humour which I appreciated. I have watched it twice now and different things came to the fore each time I saw it. Excellent.

I almost didn't buy this film because of the few bad reviews but I'm now really glad I Ignored them. After three viewings the only issue I have is with the misleading title. It should have been called the story of St Katherine but I blame the distributors for placing what is essentially a very good, intelligent and moving story into the less intelligent swords and blood genre, which, incidentally, might also explain the few bad, or should I say disappointed, reviews.The acting is excellent but how could it be otherwise with such a cast. In the trial scene the newcomer Nicolle Keniheart gives the subtlest, most powerful piece of studied underacting I have seen for a very long time. She dominates every scene but the real electricity is when she and Peter O'toole come face to face. Over-all an image of the Roman empire I have never seen before as the last corrupted remnants in Britain vainly attempt to hold together a crumbling empire. As with most low-budget British films this is one we should be proud of.

Generally good (Acting/Cast/filming & sets/locations), but the film jumps between different locations & time periods with some flashbacks & flashforwards which left me frequently confused as to what was going on. I felt it was missing those little titles or captions telling you where you are / when / which Caesar or camp or army. Filming locations are inconsistent with where they say they are. (Early on they show a coastal scene filmed in Cyprus, with snow-capped Mountains clearly visible & talk about how they're just outside Alexandria in Egypt. Or, that all of the action which is supposedly around Hadrian's Wall in Britain just shows trees or tents in a forest - you don't actually see any Wall or Forts at all.)I also found the portrayal of the Britons or Celts to be fairly bizarre - An Asterix style Tribe of Eastern European women (& an Egyptian) who seem to slaughter hardy Roman Soldiers with hardly any effort....Saying that, most of the St Katherine stuff was pretty interesting & leaves me wanting to read/find out more about her......

Fall of an Empire, also known as Katherine of Alexandria, is a beautifully made docufilm telling the story of Katherine of Alexandria.Nicole Keniheart in her first major film is wonderful as the suffering Katherine and is fantastically supported by a cast of well known and seasoned actors including Samantha Beckinsale, Jean Marlow, Jack Goddard, Edward Fox, Steven Berkoff, Joss Ackland and the late, great Peter O'Toole who unfortunately passed away before the film was released. Beautifully directed by Michael Redwood.

This is more about St Katherine than the fall of the Roman Empire, although the disintegration of Roman rule is fairly well portrayed. Somewhat disjointed but never the less it does portray how Rome came to recognize early Christianity. The monastery of St Katherine in the Sinai Peninsula actually exists, and having been there you do get a feel of reality, sadly the film does not actually extend that far in time. Just about 7.4 out of 10.

RIVETING TO WATCH

Please do not waste a second of your time. This is the poorest historic depiction of the fall of the roman empire ever. The subject matter could have been really interesting but this production fails it at every level. O'Toole must be desperate for work... Gave it 1 star because I couldn't give it zero.

lacking authenticity or historical perspective. Boring and kitsch

The item arrived today. Will not play in DVD player. Back of package indicates it is PAL, which is European format. North American machines play NTSC format. WAS NOT DECLARED in the description of item for sale.