Actuakers
One of my all time favorites.
UnowPriceless
hyped garbage
Logan
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
gilligan1965
Although appearing as a series of acts in a play, "I, Claudius" is a masterpiece on every level!The acting is superb; the characters are believable; the costumes are authentic-looking; the make-up department is impeccable; and, every scene is well-done and ranges in mood from very interesting to outright shocking. Yet...less graphic, some of the horrifying events in this during Caligula's reign even puts "Caligula"(1979) to shame.I mentioned the make-up department because they really uglified the beautiful Siân Phillips to portray the conniving, nasty, and, vindictive "Livia" (just like what was done with beautiful Charlize Theron in "Monster.").Unfortunately, I missed "I, Claudius" back in the 1970s when PBS used to show wonderfully-made classics that I did watch such as "The World At War;" "Edward The King;" and, "Masterpiece Theatre," just to name a few."I, Claudius" ("I, Clavdivs") is a classic novel made for television. It's a televised-historical-play that's really second-to-none. On their budget, probably, this mini-series may come across to people nowadays as cheap and theatrically enclosed as there are no real 'outdoorsy' scenes...everything is played-out on what seems a stage. However, the story itself and the dialog, and, the manner in which it's presented, along with the acting and surroundings, is a true classic that only people-of-good-taste can appreciate.I love this masterpiece! :)
DrDFox
This is a television great that has aged extremely well considering it was made nearly forty years ago.The story is cleverly told as an autobiography of the emperor Claudius neatly covering the social, family and political comings and goings of the five emperor Julio-Claudian dynasty in which our storyteller's life spans: from the late reign of first Roman emperor Augustus to the imminent succession of the corrupt Nero.Many used to modern productions may be disappointed in the lack of outside scenes, great cinematography or lavish production quality that modern movies give us, but the fact that I soon forgot about this was a testament to the pure theatre this whole series is an excellent example of. Sian Phillips portrayal of Livia Drusilis is chillingly perfect (and sowed the seed for the name of Livia being used for the wife of character Tony Soprano in a television series in later years) It is a great introduction to the social, family and political history of the dynasty. This is obviously from the perspective and bias of the title character, which in the point. Only the profoundly obtuse would see as a criticism.For historical pedants, there might be some slightly annoying things and in one episode we are insultingly (or comically depending on your mood) treated to modern German accents being used by soldiers from Germanic Tribes. That and the generally weaker performances in the later episodes prevented me giving it a 10.
thanasis577
I would like to make this clear: I did NOT like the series. I am well aware that it is much praised as it is awarded, but I simply cannot see this. I could start by pointing out that the series was filmed in a limited space area, giving the impression of claustrophobic but this not my primary concern. The main objection I have is about the characters. While watching the first seven episodes, there was one and only one thing in my mind: When is this person going to die (or at least stop doing what she is doing); And, of course I am talking about Livia. This character is portrayed in such an evil, manipulative, poisonous way that I found it difficult to concentrate on anything else. We were seeing such a malicious person that makes Hannibal Lecter look like an altar boy. Now, looking up the historical figure of Augustus' wife, I found that there are many suspicions that she may indeed have been involved in several "accidents" of imperial family members. However, I think there is a great distance between this and the series' affirmation that she single-handedly orchestrated the annihilation of dozens of prestigious royalties. And on top of that she murdered Augustus himself!!! Unfortunately, this does not end with Livia's death. Later, on the series, we see the same thing pretty much going on with Caligula... Overall, I would like to make a comment concerning the so called historical accuracy of it: I am well aware of the fact that there was a lot of plotting and conspiring within the Roman Empire's court. However, I can't help wondering: Was that Roman Empire all about? I frequently recall a great film, Cleopatra (1963) by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, where we could actually enjoy grandeur as well as more than satisfying accuracy of historical facts. I really wish it would take a few ideas from that one.
Gunn
I can't agree more with all those who rated this 10 stars. I'd add an extra one for Classic. The subject matter is so engrossing and well directed and paced. The cast is superb from Derek Jacobi as the lead down to smaller supporting roles by Patrick Stewart, James Faulkner, John Rhys-Davies, Sheila White, Kevin McNally and so many others. Brian Blessed is perfection as Augustus, Sian Phillips beautifully evil as Livia, George Baker so sympathetic as Tiberius and John Hurt awesome as Caligula. This is truly a great Roman epic and without a single battle scene with a cast of thousands. I have watched the entire series at least 4 times and that may total a whole day or more of my life, but well worth it. I recommend it to friends but few have the time to bother watching it. They don't know what a treat they're missing!
