gjlewis10 Anyone who gets a film made should be commended, this, unfortunately, is where the compliments end.The main fault in the film lies in the script. There is no narrative, the writer/director has essentially cobbled together a bunch of scenes in the hope that they will connect with each other with no real threat or drive for the characters. It is understandable why actors such as the late Peter O'Toole and Edward Fox would be attracted to such a piece, if they were given free reign they'd be munching at the scenery like a rabbit on a lettuce leaf. Yet, they're not. These actors are restrained and make for a dull viewing experience. Seeing actors of this calibre being given the opportunity letting rip is always a pleasure, the fact that they are not is a wasted opportunity.Nicole Keniheart may look the part, but as a unifying presence for the whole story, she fails. There is nothing of interest to her, and the fate that falls on her doesn't have the emotional wallop that the Director was hoping for as we simply don't care for her. She has no character and as such we never truly connect with her. More could have been made of Katherine's affect on Rome and how she changed the lives of others as such it just feels as if her "followers" blindly accept that she is the second coming and go along with her. On the whole the film is flat and the greatest crime of all: dull. Ridley Scott's latest film "Exodus" suffered from a similar problem, yet at least it had spectacle. Granted this is on a lower budget, but there was potential to do so much with the material but fails miserably. We don't care for the characters, we aren't drawn into the story and the script is risible. There is a great story to be told about this woman and the last days of the Roman Empire, but this is not that film.On the plus side, it's in focus.

tc90731 Like too many recent 'epics,' the film is a good choice for most viewers. This could work in some cases, like this one for example seeing scenes where a dozen or so men constitute a major Roman battle is genius. This can also be said of scenes involving cities like Rome and Alexandria– places consisting of thriving metropolises. There is a golden epic about this film i loved it.You must take the family to see this film. O'Toole great performance as well as the other fine older actors Edward Fox and Joss Ackland–so there's a lot to see in this movie. Their presence was very enjoyable and they often seemed a like Oscar winning performances in the film. And, even for nostalgia value, it was very enjoyable.

christiank7 If we are to make a comment about this film it will certainly help if we compare it to a similar one, namely "Agora" Hypatia of Alexandria which was a fantastic epic and extremely well crafted which I can not say for this DECLINE in English cinema. What were the producers thinking when they gave the go-ahead for this over acted and under-scripted sprawling and incoherent diatribe? It is astonishing how low a quality of acting this film contained and that includes the late O'Toole. Sorry pal, it was not your finest hour but I do not blame you for this because the director must accept full responsibility for allowing daily rushes like this to be regarded as "IN THE CAN". Absolutely amateurish and low quality. As to the theme and plot of this tired film. If we take another comparison and this time of a writer named Garry Jennings who wrote a giant of a novel about this same period we see what serious research brings against the off the cuff thinking used by these scriptwriters. It almost made me feel like a sorry excuse for the actions of the lowly Wall Street morons under the banner of being the 99 percent people. PATHETIC! The only redeeming aspect of this film was that due to its scope we actually got a feeling for the decline. OK Great to see something actually worked and that was why I gave it 3 points but really I am being seriously generous.

JoshBillings DECLINE OF AN EMPIRE The rise of movie standardsAt last, a movie that has scuppered the know-alls, and one that is so different it has the bedroom cynics stumped, and what do they do? flick through Google, see which gods were Roman and which were Greek, but then pause, think for a moment, and choose to stay safe by issuing profound statements such as: the main actors were good (really?) but wait: that others were not (the mind boggles at such knowledge) Criticise the costumes, yep, that's a great idea…..Oh, and have a go at the accents of some of the barbarians. Isn't it great when some of these critics appear so un-learned that they can't choose even a single line to attack from the superbly worded trial scene for example, where Katherine (Nicole Keniheart) comes head-to- head with other superb performers like Joss Ackland.CAN WE DEAL WITH THE SUBJECT MATTER NOW. One critic stated "I watch a lot of movies". Yep, I've seen a lot of motorways, but I don't know how they are constructed, I just drive on them, but I promise I'll stop doing that today…honest. Decline of an Empire was indeed misleading in it's advertising, and portrays the story of Saint Katherine who by the way was in fact around at the time of Constantine the great. Proof of such is the Roman coin/s encased in London which depict Katherine and her wheel on one side and constantine on the other. I haven't noticed any British coins with Saddam Hussain on one side and the Queen on the other, so I guess Constantine might possibly have been aware of Katherine duh. I like the bravado of the British producers in tackling subjects that no-one dares mention, like the listing of gods, Greek and Roman, (absolutely correct) The hitherto unknown happenings at that trial in Alexandria, which I understand can be referenced from a 12th century book containing 4th century publications, which allegedly accurately relate to what was said at Katherine's trial. The dialogue used (unique to say the least) and the " Don't let the wheels show" acting by Keniheart made the situation very real indeed. COSTUMES The 4th century references on the lack of supplies would certainly be correct because those latter armies got nothing for years from dried up Roman suppliers. It was grab anything and everything during those desperate years before going back to their respective countries. Look at any modern war, and it always turns out the same. WW2, where do you think Jerry-cans came from?, Zeiss, Arriflex, etc. All nicked from the enemy. I like the comedic scenes, in that comedy is very much part of war, being a survival mechanism. There are so many topics covered in this film (albeit too briefly at times) that it will require more viewing with a notepad, but then I have to remember, it's just a film, for entertainment, and I don't want to ever become a bedroom critic, but I do want to see this film impact upon those people who do not look at their banks for spiritual leadership. Well done the Brits.