Watch The Colossus of Rhodes

The Colossus of Rhodes is a 1961 epic adventure film directed by Sergio Leone, starring Rory Calhoun, Lea Massari, and Georges Marchal. The movie tells the story of the siege and eventual destruction of the ancient Greek city of Rhodes, under the leadership of a tyrannical ruler. The film opens with the arrival of the Greek warrior Darios (Rory Calhoun) at the island of Rhodes, where he intends to take up a job as a military leader. He quickly becomes involved in the politics of the city, as the ruler of Rhodes, Xerxes, has imposed oppressive measures on the city's inhabitants. Darios becomes part of a plot to overthrow Xerxes, along with the beautiful Diala (Lea Massari) and her loyal followers.

As the plot unfolds, we see the characters engage in various battles and confrontations, both of the physical and political kind. We see the tyranny of Xerxes and his cruel treatment of the people of Rhodes, as well as the bravery and ingenuity of Darios and his companions as they fight back against him.

The film's most famous scene is undoubtedly the depiction of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. This massive statue of the god Helios, standing over 100 feet tall, is brought to life in the film as a symbol of the city's power and might. The statue is depicted in all its glory, towering over the harbor and serving as a imposing visual reminder of the city's greatness.

However, as the siege of Rhodes intensifies, we see the statue come to represent something else entirely. As the invading army approaches the city, the inhabitants are forced to take desperate measures to defend themselves. The Colossus itself becomes a tool in their defense, used to repel the enemy ships and defend the city's walls.

The Colossus of Rhodes is notable for its stunning visuals, particularly its use of color and spectacle. The film's director, Sergio Leone, would later become famous for his work on the spaghetti Western genre, and we can see in this film the early signs of his particular style. The use of color and lighting is particularly striking, particularly in the scenes depicting the Colossus and the various military campaigns.

The film is also notable for its portrayal of ancient Greek culture and society. While some liberties are taken with the historical accuracy of certain details, the film does a generally good job of creating a believable world within the ancient Mediterranean. We see the various factions of the city vying for power, as well as the struggle of the city's inhabitants to maintain their way of life amidst the chaos of war and oppression.

Overall, The Colossus of Rhodes is a classic adventure epic that will appeal to fans of the genre. With its stunning visuals, engaging characters, and exciting storyline, it is a prime example of the golden age of Hollywood spectacle. While it may not be the most historically accurate film ever made, it is a thrilling ride from start to finish.

The Colossus of Rhodes is a 1961 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.