The Eagle

2011 • 114 minutes

About this movie

Now Available On Demand & Digital Download

Haunted by the disappearance of his father, who vanished with the Roman Ninth Legion on an expedition into the north of Britain, centurion Marcus Aquila (Channing Tatum) sets out to unravel the mystery and recover the legion's eagle standard.

Ratings and reviews

"The Eagle" directed by Kevin Macdonald is an amazing historical adventure bringing the viewer into an unknown world in Northern Scotland as it depicts accurately the relation between the conquering Romans and their subjugated Britons and Celts. The movie is based on Rosemary Sutcliff's book, "The Eagle of the Ninth." The movie takes place in Roman occupied Britain in 140 AD after the mysterious disappearance of the whole Ninth Legion in the glens and mountains of Scotland for 20 years. A Roman officer named Marcus Flavius Aquila is trying to regain his family's honor by reclaiming Rome's lost cherished emblem, a golden eagle. Marcus Flavius Aquila also rescues a Briton slave named Esca MacCunoval from being killed by a gladiator in the arena. Being thankful for his life being saved, Esca pledges to repay his debt by becoming Marcus' slave and to help Marcus on his quest to recover The Eagle of the Ninth. The friendship that builds between two men from opposite sides of the conflict and the bonds that build despite their differences in culture is brilliantly portrayed in this movie. The cinematography by Anthony Dod Mantle is stunning. The fight scenes for very well done. The costumes, weapons and the movie props are very well made. The master-servant, father-son, and soldier-nation relationships are very well emphasized. The cast is very good in the roles for their characters. Channing Tatum has the physique of a Roman warrior required for his role as Marcus Aquila. Channing Tatum did a very decent job of depicting an honor driven Roman centurion stricken with overwhelming pain and gut-wrenching hatred. Jamie Bell was perfect in his role as Esca, a Briton slave who hates everything that the Roman Empire stands for, and yet he ends up having a growing respect and loyalty to his Roman master, Marcus Aquila. Jamie Bell's performance as Esca is very convincing and impressive, and he sounds like a different actor by providing a distinctive voice for his character. Mark Strong gives a very good performance as Gern with a very commanding voice. It is really a spectacular touch that Esca and the Celtic tribes speak their native Gaelic language. Tahar Rahim is excellent as the determined and ruthless prince of the Seal people. The filming locations in Scotland and Hungary are stunningly beautiful. The music score by Atli Orvarsson captures the beauty, brutality and haunting atmosphere of the landscapes and human moments of this movie. "The Eagle" is another fine movie of the sword-and-sandal genre. It is an enjoyable throwback to the swords and shields movies of old.

The rotten tomato is misleading on this one. It's worth much more than 39%. While the storytelling has room for improvement, it is solid and complete. Great Roman visuals, fight scenes, not over gory nor focus on violence. Worth watching.

I read many of the reviews posted about this movie before I purchased it. I decided to try it in spite of the critical reviews. Coming from a person who isn't a history expert, I thought it was a great movie. The story line was sad but realistic, and the acting was very good. I enjoyed the movie very much. I usually know how much I like a movie by whether I would watch it again; I am watching it again!!