Masada

(1981)

RATING:	100%
FORMAT:	DVD

(http://www.leninimports.com)

[Antagonists]

Superbly well-written and compulsive historical-drama set in Judea in 70 AD; featuring superb acting talent. As usual with these Roman Empire dramas the Romans are played by British actors and the heroines & heroes by (Jewish-)Americans; making the distinction between the antagonists at least vocally, if not visually, obvious; given the differing acting styles.

The writer has clearly done his research and historians will love it as well as those looking for sheer entertainment. The wealth of period detail is fantastic and is well-integrated into the plotting; without making it feel like a dry-as-dust history lesson. There is even a good deal of subtle humor at the expense of both sides in this military campaign as their odd religious beliefs are gently ridiculed.

Where this mini-series really scores is in its astute political sense that has much to say about similar, present-day (2011) situations Afghanistan, Iraq & Somalia.

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Copyright © 2011 Frank TALKER. Permission granted to reproduce and distribute it in any format; provided that mention of the author’s Weblog (http://franktalker5.blogspot.com) is included: E-mail notification requested. All other rights reserved.