Attila (2001/I) (TV)

Director:

Dick Lowry

Writer (WGA):

Robert Cochran (written by)

Release Date:

30 January 2001 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Adventure | Drama | History | War

Plot:

A romanced story of Attila the Hun, since his childhood, when he lost his parents until his death. Attila is disclosed as a great leader...

Plot Keywords:

General | Alliance | Visigoth | Roman Empire | King

Awards:

1 win & 2 nominations

Cast

Gerard Butler	...	Attila the Hun
Powers Boothe	...	Flavius Aetius
Simmone Mackinnon	...	N'Kara / Ildico (as Simmone Jade Mackinnon)
Reg Rogers	...	Valentinian
Alice Krige	...	Placida
Pauline Lynch	...	Galen
Steven Berkoff	...	King Rua
Andrew Pleavin	...	Orestes
Tommy Flanagan	...	Bleda
Kirsty Mitchell	...	Honoria
Jonathan Hyde	...	Felix
Tim Curry	...	Theodosius
Janet Henfrey	...	Palcharia
Liam Cunningham	...	King Theodoric
Rollo Weeks	...	Young Attila

Also Known As:

Attila the Hun (UK) (video title)

Runtime:

177 min | 60 min (3 episodes) | Finland:184 min (TV) (4 parts) | Finland:171 min (DVD)

Country:

USA | Lithuania

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Finland:K-15 | Singapore:M18 | Germany:12 (DVD rating) | Spain:13 | UK:15 | USA:Unrated

Filming Locations:

Lithuania

Company:

Alphaville Films

Goofs:

Factual errors: Theodosius II, the Byzantine (Eastern Roman Empire) emperor was not alive when Attila was shown to be poisoned. He died in 450.

Quotes:

Flavius Aetius: Civilized men are easy to conquer, but civilization still belongs to the civilized, not the barbarians.
Attila the Hun: It belongs to whoever is strong enough to take it.

"The Romans have done great things but their time is past. What they have done, we can do. We should rule the world!" - Attila

After witnessing the destruction of his village and the death of his father, Attila successfully escapes with his life and is picked up by his uncle, who is king of a group of Huns. Attila grows up to be a strong warrior who has his mind set on invading and, consequently, taking over Rome. The deceitful Roman General Flavius Aetius goes to Attila's village to seek help from the Huns and suggests to Attila's uncle that Attila is to be taken to Rome with Aetius when the battle is over. Aetius is impressed with Attila and takes him under his wing. But when Bleda, Attila's brother, murders their uncle, Attila returns to his village and fights his brother for the throne, and then sets his sights on Rome.

This movie was really enjoyable, although some of the acting was rather stilted. The top actors were Powers Boothe as Flavius Aetius, the excellent Scotsman Gerard Butler in the role of Attila the Hun and, although not having very much to do in the film, only in it for 2 scenes, was Tim Curry who is, as always, terrific and amusing.

This is not a film full of gore, but it survives without it. The action scenes are good and liven the film up a bit but it does not have an excess of gore like other historical battle films.

Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended. 8/10 from me! As always, your faithful Scotsman, Cat §quire