I don't know much about Cleopatra... well, to tell you the truth, before watching this, I didn't know anything at all. The name ringed a bell, and that's about it. I bought this along with the 1997 TV version of The Odyssey partly because my father expressed interest in seeing them, and partly out of my own interest in the epics. While, according to my father, this film gets many details right, it still throws some stuff in that makes little to no sense and which is hardly historically accurate; some parts were obviously doctored to make for more drama or Hollywood-like scenes(at one point, Cleopatra picks up a sword to fight several Roman legionnaires with ease). The sets and costumes are gorgeous, no argument there. Most of the effects were see-through, but that's no wonder for a TV-movie with a TV-movie budget. The costume people are all in my cool book, though, if for nothing else, putting Leonor Varela in so many sheer, thin and/or tight dresses throughout the film. The plot is mostly accurate. The pacing is fair. Much of the film was clearly based on the real events, the real clothes worn and the real places. They must have done extensive research, and it definitely shows. Bit of a pity they throw away some credibility with aforementioned Hollywood scenes. The acting is fairly good; Zane, as usual, does not disappoint. Dalton proved to me that he had talent, something I never would have believed about him before. Varela is decent. The visual side of the film is fine, but nothing innovative or impressive is to be found here. Same goes for the depth of the film. I enjoyed the somewhat erotic, though at times nearly soap-opera-like relationships Cleopatra had, but I can see why some wouldn't. All in all, it tells the story(most of it) and looks 'real' enough. Nothing mighty impressive, but most of us have come to expect much, much less of the typical TV-movie. I recommend this to people who want a retelling of the story and want drama more than accuracy. 7/10
Review of Cleopatra
