Watch Decline of an Empire

Decline of an Empire is a historical epic set in Ancient Rome during the reign of Emperor Constantine. The film depicts the political and religious upheavals of the time, including the rise of Christianity and its impact on traditional Roman values. The story follows the journey of Empress Fausta (Nicole Cernat), wife of Constantine (Edward Fox), who must navigate the treacherous waters of court politics as she tries to hold onto her power and keep her family safe. Her love for Constantine is tested as she begins to question his methods and alliances, and she becomes drawn into the conflict between the pagans and the Christians.

Fausta's story is interwoven with that of Orestes (Jack Goddard), a Christian soldier who is torn between his duty to his faith and his loyalty to his fellow soldiers. His struggles mirror those of the wider society, as the Romans grapple with the changes wrought by the spread of Christianity and the decline of their traditional religion.

Central to the film's narrative is the character of Augustus (Peter O'Toole), an old and respected senator who is one of the few remaining pagans in Rome. Augustus represents the values and ideals of the traditional Roman order, and his interactions with Fausta and Constantine highlight the conflicts between the old and the new.

Joss Ackland also stars as Maximian, the former emperor who ruled alongside Constantine's father and who now seeks to regain his power. His scheming and manipulation add an extra layer of tension to the already complex political landscape.

The film is visually stunning, with lavish sets and costumes that transport the viewer back to Ancient Rome. The attention to detail is impressive, with every aspect of the film carefully researched and designed to create an authentic atmosphere.

However, it is the performances of the cast that truly make the film come alive. Cernat is particularly impressive as Fausta, portraying her as a strong and intelligent woman who must navigate a world dominated by men. O'Toole's Augustus is a commanding presence on screen, and his scenes with Cernat are some of the most powerful in the film.

Overall, Decline of an Empire is a captivating and immersive historical epic that explores the fascinating period of Roman history during the reign of Constantine. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of this era, and an engaging and thought-provoking depiction of the complex realities of life in Ancient Rome.

Decline of an Empire is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.3.