476 A.D. Chapter One: The Last Light of Aries

The movie sort of feels like a 1970's/80's TV film, and with the type of the shots and theatrical acting, reminds me a little of a low budget version of the 1970's BBC series "I'Claudius". I am a big fan of the old European TV series, and especially cinema from the former Yugoslavia. As my favorite films from former Yugoslavia were in fact with Igor Galo, it was definitively refreshing to see the old Croatian/Yugoslavian star Igor Galo, as the Caesar Valentinian.

Possibly my favorite Croatian film from my youth, is the 1968 comedy classic "I Have Two Moms and Two Dads", where Igor Galo was still a teenager, as well as other of his classics, such as Most (The Bridge), and Walter Defends Sarajevo. Even today, I still think that one of the best performances by Igor Galo was as Lt. Meyer, in the 1977 Sam Peckinpah's classic "Cross of Iron" with James Coburn and James Mason. Possibly, one of the most underrated of his films, and other then the 1969 "The Wild Bunch", possibly the best of director Sam Peckinpah.

Although the quality of 476 A.D. The Last Light of Aries might have been compromised by the very low budget production, its realistic acting and original mystique dynamic, definitively makes up for its misses as the low budget indi, which it is.

Overall, the story is compelling, and the experience is worth it. If you are a fan of big budget Hollywood blockbusters, then perhaps this might not be for you, but if you are a fan the European low budget art house films, then this is definitively a movie for you.

You just have to check this film out, because it is just very different! This is one of those bizarre low budget indi films that somehow grows on you. The more you see it, the more you like it. I bought it on Amazon a month ago, and didn't really care much for it then, but I decided to watch the whole thing again, and the second time I actually really liked it, and simply got hooked on it.

Perhaps this time I wasn't expecting Russel Crowe in Gladiator, or Gerard Butler in 300, and just watched it for what it is, without the whole rossi glasses. There is just something about this film that talks to you in its own hypnotic bizarre language, to the point that it made me open my Italian Red Malvasia wine.

The film is obviously low budget, as it is lacking in cinematographic quality, when it comes to the special effects, and computer graphics, but that is exactly what makes it interesting. Even though it starts really slow, at moments even corny, and just simply bizarre, if you watch it with an open mind, I promise you will love it by the end.

In an unorthodox way, it get to its own by the second act, as it catches up in its richness and novel like dynamic. It sort of feels like listening to those audio books, only instead of the voice, the atmosphere is expressed through the collage of plentiful rich and colorful images, almost like looking at classic paintings, and somehow you just can't take your eyes and ears of it.

The film manages to take you to the Mediterranean life it self, to the point that you feel you are actually there. This is something I caught right away, because I lived in Italy, which I try to visit at least once a year, and if anything, one thing this indi film caught very well, was the true Roman Mediterranean vibe. From the very beginning of the film, from that specific Mediterranean sun, the specific grape wines you see, the apples, the olives, the plums, and even the cicadas singing in the background, the filmmakers caught every detail of what Mediterranean truly is.

Therefore, when in Rome...Saluti!

476 A.D. is a fantastic flick. I had a great opportunity to see this film at it's premier. A lot of people showed up to the premier, along with the local news. Everyone enjoyed it and had a great time. You can see the blood, sweat and tears that was put into this film. He had a huge amount of passion for this project. The story meant a lot to him and think that passion was projected quite well in the finished product. Ivan is an inspiration to all aspiring filmmakers. Great movie. Great story. Great director. Great actor. Great guy. I'll definitely be there for Chapter Two! I can't wait until I'm able to buy both chapters on DVD!

I decided to give 476 A.D. a shot at the recommendation of a buddy of mine, and from the look of the trailer I was expecting to sit through 75 minutes of repetitive imagery, sub-par scores and stiff acting. After an initially slow pickup, the movie really came into its own around the halfway mark. Acting that I expected to be stiff was quite the opposite, and the music, which could be overpowering at times, was for the most part a welcome accompaniment to the storyline. So while the film isn't necessarily devoid of all low budget clichés, its directorial direction is astoundingly clear, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone with an evening to spare.

If you like this kind of period piece and similar big stories like 'Spartacus', 'Rome', '300', 'The Immortals' etc...then you'll love this film. By Ivan Pavletic, a great up and coming Denver based Actor who comes off more like a chameleon and less like a human. Support Independent Film Making and rent '476 A.D. Chapter One: The Last Light of Aries' today!! Featuring a terrific and talented cast, this feature film is set in the first century with great costume and production design. Produced, Directed by, and Starring Ivan Pavletic (Wildflower) and featuring Matt Block (The Gospel According to Stevenson). This film is the first to come in a saga of two. The sequel is now in post production.