THE EAGLE is based on quasi-historic events written by Rosemary Sutcliff in her novel 'The Eagle of the Ninth' and adapted for the screen by Jeremy Brock. In the hands of director Kevin Macdonald the re-enactment of the Roman wars in Britain become more a study of relationships and moral duty and that is probably the reason the film comes across as a rather quiet, contemplative piece rather than an epic. That is not a bad decision and were it not for the lack of a strong actor in the lead role, it likely would have been a theatrical success.
The story begins in 140 AD in Rome where young Marcus Aquila (Channing Tatum), the son of the soldier who allowed the Eagle symbol of Roman victory to be lost in a battle in Britain in 120 AD, becomes a centurion: he asks to be stationed in Britain where he promises his father's departed spirit that he will restore honor to his family by regaining the eagle. Though advised against such a futile mission (the Roman legion south of Hadrian's wall has been unsuccessful in conquering the Britons), Marcus is determined. He is more a devoted son and humanist: he prevents the killing of a young Briton, Esca (Jamie Bell), in the gladiator arena and to repay the debt of saving his life Esca agrees to be Marcus' slave despite the fact that he loathes Rome and Marcus for the damages Romans inflicted on his people. The two men set out to Britain where Marcus assumes command of the tired and disenchanted Roman legion, but with the support of Lutorius (Denis O'Hare) and because of wise decisions about strategy his legionnaires grow to respect him. Marcus' courage results in his being injured in a confrontation with the rogue warriors and he is transported to a hospital with Esca at his side. At the hospital he is tended by his uncle Aquila (Donald Sutherland) who assures his return to health and informs him that Rome has honored his bravery in battle and has rewarded him with an honorable discharge. But Marcus is determined to restore his father's good name and sets off to the north with Esca to gain the eagle. On the way Marcus and Esca become close and Esca provides leadership abilities when the two confront the Seal People lead by the Seal Prince (Tahar Rahim). In a turn of events the Seals capture Marcus and Esca and to save Marcus' life, Esca tells the Seals that Marcus is his slave - a reversal of roles that indicates the relationship between these two men. Once the eagle is discovered and recovered Marcus and Esca flee, Marcus gives Esca his freedom but Esca stays with his new friend, encountering the last of the lost Ninth including Guern (Mark Strong) and Marcus is reassured of his father's bravery and valor and the story speeds along to the expected end.
The film is shot in Scotland and Hungary and the scenery is the star as captured by Anthony Dod Mantle. The original musical score is by Atli Örvarsson and adds considerably to the atmosphere of this rather dark film. Jamie Bell is excellent as Esca, finessing the transition from hateful slave to respectful freed friend. Channing Tatum is rather monotoned and monotonous as Marcus, a role that would have been better suited in the hands of a well- schooled actor rather than an Abercrombie & Fitch model. But the director makes the most of Tatum's presence and the story is not impaired by his presence: it is just not enhanced by it. THE EAGLE fares well on DVD with subtitles provided for the Gaelic conversations with the Seals. It may not be a great movie, but it is fairly solid entertainment.
Grady Harp
The story begins in 140 AD in Rome where young Marcus Aquila (Channing Tatum), the son of the soldier who allowed the Eagle symbol of Roman victory to be lost in a battle in Britain in 120 AD, becomes a centurion: he asks to be stationed in Britain where he promises his father's departed spirit that he will restore honor to his family by regaining the eagle. Though advised against such a futile mission (the Roman legion south of Hadrian's wall has been unsuccessful in conquering the Britons), Marcus is determined. He is more a devoted son and humanist: he prevents the killing of a young Briton, Esca (Jamie Bell), in the gladiator arena and to repay the debt of saving his life Esca agrees to be Marcus' slave despite the fact that he loathes Rome and Marcus for the damages Romans inflicted on his people. The two men set out to Britain where Marcus assumes command of the tired and disenchanted Roman legion, but with the support of Lutorius (Denis O'Hare) and because of wise decisions about strategy his legionnaires grow to respect him. Marcus' courage results in his being injured in a confrontation with the rogue warriors and he is transported to a hospital with Esca at his side. At the hospital he is tended by his uncle Aquila (Donald Sutherland) who assures his return to health and informs him that Rome has honored his bravery in battle and has rewarded him with an honorable discharge. But Marcus is determined to restore his father's good name and sets off to the north with Esca to gain the eagle. On the way Marcus and Esca become close and Esca provides leadership abilities when the two confront the Seal People lead by the Seal Prince (Tahar Rahim). In a turn of events the Seals capture Marcus and Esca and to save Marcus' life, Esca tells the Seals that Marcus is his slave - a reversal of roles that indicates the relationship between these two men. Once the eagle is discovered and recovered Marcus and Esca flee, Marcus gives Esca his freedom but Esca stays with his new friend, encountering the last of the lost Ninth including Guern (Mark Strong) and Marcus is reassured of his father's bravery and valor and the story speeds along to the expected end.
The film is shot in Scotland and Hungary and the scenery is the star as captured by Anthony Dod Mantle. The original musical score is by Atli Örvarsson and adds considerably to the atmosphere of this rather dark film. Jamie Bell is excellent as Esca, finessing the transition from hateful slave to respectful freed friend. Channing Tatum is rather monotoned and monotonous as Marcus, a role that would have been better suited in the hands of a well- schooled actor rather than an Abercrombie & Fitch model. But the director makes the most of Tatum's presence and the story is not impaired by his presence: it is just not enhanced by it. THE EAGLE fares well on DVD with subtitles provided for the Gaelic conversations with the Seals. It may not be a great movie, but it is fairly solid entertainment.
Grady Harp