Now is the perfect time for Ukrainian and French actress Olga Kurylenko to lead a resistance against an invading empire.
In Jesse V. Johnson’s Boudica: Queen of War, Olga has the titular role as Boudica.
Boudica (or Boadicea) was a queen of the historic Iceni tribe in Britain who spearheaded an insurgency against the conquering power of the Roman Empire in AD 60 or 61. She is considered a British symbol of the struggle for justice and independence.
Boudica was born into an elite family in Camulodunum (now Colchester) around AD 30. At 18, she married Prasutagus, king of the Iceni tribe of modern-day East Anglia. Prasutagus was a wealthy and powerful king, and the Iceni were a relatively independent tribe under Roman rule.
However, when Prasutagus died in AD 60, the Romans seized his kingdom and treated his family and subjects contemptuously. Boudica was flogged, and her daughters were assaulted. In response, Boudica led a rebellion of the Iceni and members of other tribes resentful of Roman rule.
Boudica’s forces were initially successful, destroying the Roman Ninth Legion and sacking the Roman settlements of Camulodunum, Londinium (London), and Verulamium (St Albans). However, the Romans eventually rallied and defeated Boudica’s army in a decisive battle.
She is also notable for being one of the few female warriors recorded in history. She is often depicted as a fierce and fearless leader, riding her chariot into battle with her long red hair flying behind her.
Clive Standen plays Prasutagus, and Harry Kirton, from Peaky Blinders, as Emperor Nero. Writer and director Jesse V. Johnson is a former stuntman.
You know the drill: few films get to all theatres, but you can check cinema listings at sites like Fandango or Cineworld, regional rights allowing, or see if it’ll come to a commitment-free streaming service like Now TV to watch it later.
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