Chichester Cinema at New Park
Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire
Part of the A Roman Weekend
Celebrating 1600 Years of Independence from the Roman Empire
Click on the image to see all the films in the season.
Two episodes from an ambitious 13 part documentary chronicling the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire.
Told from the point of view of the Roman people under violent attack, we are taken inside the fiery battles of a civilization crumbling in the face of brutal invasions. Vivid re-creations offer a first-hand look at the chaotic state of an empire in flames, while compelling characters on both sides fight for victory. Teeming streets, horseback battles, warring armies, and gladiatorial contests coexist with magnificent tales of Roman debauchery and excess to its eventual fall. The film selection will include:
‘The Invasion of Britain’: It is 47 AD. The new emperor Claudius, considered by many to be the village idiot, can only hang onto his throne by waging a spectacular conquest. He chooses Britannia, a legendary land which fascinates and inspires fear in the Romans. The Britons are led by magic wielding Druid priests and a charismatic warrior named Caratacus and resist in the face of the greatest military machine the world has ever known.
‘Rebellion and Betrayal’: It is 162 AD. Marcus Aurelius inherits the empire at its peak. Peace and prosperity have reigned for a hundred years, and the imperial boundaries stretch from the Irish Sea to the sands of Syria. But the greater Rome grows, the bigger a target she becomes. As war breaks out on two fronts and a terrible plague seizes the population, the future of the Empire is at terrible risk.
Part of the A Roman Weekend
Celebrating 1600 Years of Independence from the Roman Empire
Click on the image to see all the films in the season.
USA · 2008 · Rex Piano · 100min
