ashikaga

To be honest, I disliked the first series blood and sand because of the orgies and the wrong portrayal of Roman civilisation. The second part was better, especially the breakout. Sadly Andy Whitfield left us for the Elysian fields because the Gods somehow struck him down. Or maybe they wanted his presence.

Now, by Jupiter, the series Vengeance is much and much better. Less useless sex, and more story. More depth also and character development. The politics of Rome are better portrayed as is the Roman equipment, though there still are occasional flaws like the use of Boeotian helmets for cavalrymen and stirrups, which the Romans did not use since they were invented much later. I like the intrigue between the two leading ladies on the Roman side, and you start somehow to feel a little for the character Lucy Lawless portrays. However I miss Marcus Licinius Crassus. It is of course a fact that he only comes into the equasion when the praetorians under Glaber fail miserably, but still.

There are a few plot lines (the Syrian ones) which are very predictable.

On the whole a much more enjoyable series and recommended !

As a guy who is 39, turning on 40 this year, I am happy i never really grew up. This film moves me every time i see it, brings about melancholy to the time i was still 8, carefree, no worries, mum and dad still alive..

Seeing some of my colleagues even younger than me at the school i teach history at, who act and sometimes even look 50 up, i fight and fight and fight to keep my kid inside, and never lose touch with it. That also is a benefit for my pupils, as well as myself.

This film is a must see for everyone, it is skilfully made, honest, caring, and Bruce Willis shows he is more than an action film actor.

Highly recommended for everyone who just wants to float away on memories past, as well as people who are willing to see the message contained within.

ASHIKAGA.

I must say as an avid Samurai historian this series thrilled me from beginning to end. It shows exactly how the Shinsengumi were formed, betrayed, new ideals in a changing society, and also which is most important, shows how the Meiji restoration came about politically, and how much impact it had on Japanese society. Though the makers did change some of the history (Sutesuke in all likelihood did not die until 1915)

the series is the best i have seen so far. Without judgment passed on either the Shinsengumi, bakufu, meiji emperor, and other political figures, the drama is intense, and you really get an in depth view of the characters which grow as the series develops.

a must see!

and a small remark for the guy taking a Japanese course and not liking it: you will never understans Japan, its culture, and bushido if you do not get this. Drop out of the course, and do it now. Aho!

H.J.Vrielink

ASHIKAGA PRODUCTION DESIGN