At long last the BBC famed series has been released on DVD!
For our contemporary tastes, the writing may take some time to enter the heart of the matter, but it's true to the pace and charm of the original novel to the last bit of dialogue.The first part let us into the minds of the characters, feeling, experiencing and growing with each of them.
Stellar acting carries the tale in the first three episodes (short budget is obvious, but the filming is very skilfully done), before "the hunt begins". Every character should be named, but a young Anthony Higgins is a truly perfect Marcus (Rosemary Sutcliff herself thought so!) and Christian Rodska, a very touching and fierce Esca. Patrick Holt shines as an astute Aquila, as does Gillian Bailey, a feisty and beautiful Cottia. They add a lot to their short screen appearances, and so does Victor Carin: he is a truly magnificent Guern (he nearly steals every scene.)
Highly recommended.
Review of The Eagle of the Ninth
