In an attempt to prevent an invasion, Caesar summons his bravest soldiers. A group of men set out to achieve his endeavor of locating the weapon that the enemy intends to use against him. Despite captivity and the deaths of teammates, the small army perseveres, going up against some of Rome’s most treacherous enemies. Originally released in Europe in 1964, Giants of Rome shows its age. While the plot provides a clear ending, the beginning is hard to locate, making it very difficult to understand right from the start. That, coupled with dated cinematography, can leave viewers confused. In many ways, it is hard to see the connections between characters and to know who is good and who is bad. It is also clear that the film was not initially filmed in English—the audio is layered on top of the visuals.
Giants of Rome can be an excellent catalyst for historical and Biblical education —while it may not be based on a true story, it does emphasize the ways that a situation like this may have been handled. It features camaraderie, themes of ancient battle, and Bible verses that correspond with the plot. Viewers should be prepared to concentrate while watching Giants of Rome, but should they take the time to really understand the movie, it is an entertaining way to start conversations and learn more about ancient Rome.
Giants of Rome is Dove-Approved for Ages 12+.
The Dove Take:
Giants of Rome depicts a battle of the strongest soldiers as they work toward completing Caesar’s mission.
