The Last Legion

With the Western Roman Empire collapsing, a young Romulus Augustus slips away from the capital and tries to rally loyal forces. His aim is to reach Britain and assemble a remnant legion strong enough to hold the line against invading powers. Along the road he gathers a wary crew that includes a battle hardened general named Aurelius, a cryptic adviser called Ambrosinus, and a capable ally named Mira. They dodge hostile routes, avoid raiders, and contend with rival factions who would keep the empire divided. The mission is urgent, and old loyalties are tested as new alliances form while they push toward a northern stronghold where hope still glimmers for a fading realm.

Directed by Doug Lefler, The Last Legion adapts a mythic frame with a big screen epic feel. The screenplay credits go to Jez Butterworth and Tom Butterworth, building on ideas by Valerio Massimo Manfredi. The film was released in 2007 with a substantial budget of 67 million. Colin Firth leads as Aurelius, with Ben Kingsley as Ambrosinus and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Mira.

Box office results were modest for a project of this scale, with a worldwide gross of 25,303,038 against a 67 million budget. The film did not become a breakout international hit, finishing well behind expectations and highlighting the difficulty of attracting large audiences to a period piece that blends myth and military drama. It remains a curious example of a mid budget fantasy action drama that aimed for epic spectacle on a hinge of history.

Audiences responded with a mixed tone, reflected in a 5.607 out of 10 average from 836 votes. The film blends big scale combat with mythic overtones and political maneuvering, inviting viewers to consider loyalty in a crumbling empire and what it takes to rebuild authority when traditional power structures fail.