The Legion is a 2020 epic historical drama film that tells the story of a Roman army unit that was hunted by vicious tribes and forced to seek refuge in a deserted city. The movie features an ensemble cast that includes Lee Partridge, Mickey Rourke, and Joaquim de Almeida in lead roles. The film is directed by Jose Magan, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Carmen Ballesteros.
The film takes place in the year 400 AD, when the Roman Empire is on the brink of collapse after being besieged by barbarian tribes from all sides. Amidst this turmoil, a group of Roman soldiers, led by Noreno (Lee Partridge), is tasked with transporting a critical message to a distant stronghold. However, things take a dire turn when their convoy is ambushed by a group of Goths, who kill most of the soldiers and destroy their supplies.
Left with no option, Noreno and his fellow soldiers James (David Sanz), Tristan (Yerai Alonso), and Marco (Rafael Mateo) embark on a perilous journey through enemy territory in a bid to reach their destination. Their only hope is to make it to a deserted city on the other side of a vast desert, where they can find water and wait for reinforcements.
However, the city proves to be far from deserted, as they discover that it is home to a tribe of vicious warriors led by the fearsome Vara (Mickey Rourke). The Romans find themselves trapped in the city, surrounded by enemies on all sides, with no hope of escape. With their morale at an all-time low, Noreno must rally his troops and come up with a plan to fend off their attackers and survive against all odds.
The movie is a visually stunning portrayal of ancient warfare, with intricate costume designs that accurately depict the attire of the time. The cinematography is breathtaking, with wide-angle shots of vast deserts and sprawling landscapes that serve to heighten the film's sense of scale and grandeur. The action sequences are intense and brutal, with hand-to-hand combat scenes that showcase the raw power and skill of the soldiers in battle.
The cast, led by Lee Partridge, gives a solid performance throughout the film, with each actor bringing a unique flavor to their respective characters. Lee Partridge is the standout performer, bringing both physicality and emotional depth to the role of Noreno. He portrays the character as a stoic and dedicated soldier, who struggles to maintain his composure under the crushing weight of his responsibilities.
Mickey Rourke, as the film's main antagonist, brings an intensity and ferocity to his role as Vara. He portrays the character as a brutal and ruthless leader, who stops at nothing to eliminate the Roman threat. His scenes with Partridge are some of the film's most engaging, as the two actors play off each other with palpable tension and animosity.
Joaquim de Almeida, though not a main character, leaves a lasting impression as the Roman General Tiberio. He brings a gravitas to the role, portraying Tiberio as a wise and experienced leader who understands the dire situation facing his troops. His scenes with Noreno are some of the film's most poignant, as the two characters share a mutual respect and admiration for each other's skills.
Overall, The Legion is a well-crafted historical epic that balances action and drama in equal measure. It's a movie that takes viewers on a thrilling journey through a tumultuous time in history, showcasing some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes and battles of the era. The film is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the resilience of the human soul, in the face of impossible adversity.
The Legion is a 2020 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.2.
