The new movie, Ovid and the Art of Love, gives us indeed what the world needs now: Love, Sweet Love. Ovid's voice resonates powerfully with us. Even though he lived in an ancient world filled with despair and trauma, Ovid speaks to us from 3,000 years ago as if he somehow knew we'd be listening. Through tour de force performances by Corbin Bleu, John Savage, and Tara Summers, we learn of an ancient Rome--brilliantly set in the abandoned buildings of modern Detroit--where an anguished and frightened population--wearing togas and basketball sneakers-- is trying to live amidst poverty and violence. They are ruled by a cynical family, led by Emperor Augustus Caesar (John Savage) that imposes "family values" and honesty on its people, while themselves flouting those very principles. If anyone dares to dissent from government policy or question the use of public funds for illegal wars, instead of feeding people, they are punished with banishment (sound familiar?) and even death.
Into this world of chaos and despair comes Ovid (the engaging Corbin Bleu), calling himself a "practical poet", who becomes history's first advice columnist, writing poems filled with practical, amusing, and even racy instructions about finding and keeping lovers while enjoying the sensuality of romance. Much of his wisdom would, in fact, would be useful today! His irreverence to authority by flouting the strict laws of ancient Rome enrages Emperor Augustus, and the movie tells the story of the Emperor's attacks on Ovid, who has not only become one of ancient Rome's most popular poets, but who also befriended Augustus's granddaughter. The romantic and political intrigues are not only beautifully acted, but also given more depth and insight by a multi-racial, multi-cultural cast, reflective of the modern city of Detroit, that rivals that of the hit Broadway play, Hamilton. Whether you enjoy the writings of ancient Roman poets or have never heard of Ovid, you will come away from this movie eager to read his fascinating writings.
