The Legion is a 2020 Spanish-American action adventure film directed by Jose Magan, and featuring Mickey Rourke and Bai Ling. It is based on the war between Rome and Parthian Empire in Armenia from 58 to 63 AD. The Legion blends historical drama with action-adventure, capturing a small but intense moment of ancient warfare. However, the film has received mixed reviews for its pacing, character development, and overall execution.
The plot centers on Noreno, a half-Roman soldier, who is tasked with a perilous mission to save his besieged comrades. Two Roman legions are trapped in the snowy mountains of Armenia, surrounded by Parthian patrols, slowly perishing from cold and starvation. The main Roman army, stationed in Syria, is still two weeks away by foot, but the mountains are infested with enemy forces.
Despite his profound resentment of Rome, Noreno is chosen to traverse the treacherous, snowy mountains to seek reinforcements and rescue his fellow soldiers. His journey is fraught with dangers, including hostile patrols, harsh weather, and internal conflicts. Along the way, Noreno saves a distressed woman and gains assistance from an early Christian.
Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter gave the film a negative review and wrote, "Director Magán displays no flair for action sequences, although the budgetary limitations obviously didn't help. Nor does he successfully pull off the dramatic scenes, including one in which Rourke delivers an anguished, tearful monologue that plays like a decades-old Actors Studio audition piece and nearly erases all memories of his sensitive work in such films as Diner and The Wrestler."[4]
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