The Eagle

Do you have a memento, a souvenir from a special day, which reminds you every time you look at it of everything involved in making that day unique? Well take that idea and multiple it by hundreds of years of history and accomplishment. That’s what the eagle means to Rome. It is a symbol of the ideals, principles, might, and power of an entire empire. When that symbol is disrespected, than a people are disrespected. That is why a young man named Marcus Aquila is haunted. His father led 5,000 men into the northern regions of Britannia never to be heard of again. The Eagle, the symbol of Rome, was lost with them and this is a huge disgrace for Rome and his father. Wanting to remove the stigma from his family and restore it’s honor, Marcus, Channing Tatum, has requested a command in the region of his father’s defeat. He hopes to learn what happened to the 9th, reclaim the eagle, and restore the honor of his father.
 
In his very first command, Marcus Aquila wins the heart of his men by being a sound leader, a cunning tactician, and a brave soldier. Marcus is disciplined, focused and driven to be a good leader. In an effort to save the lives of his men, he bravely attacks a tribe of painted people who have captured a patrol that he had ordered to find a missing supply of food. These fierce bands of Celtic warriors who have never been contained or thwarted are the key to his father’s mystery, but Marcus has been severely wounded in the attack and has been given a honorable discharge by Rome. But even though he has gained fame for himself he still wants to reclaim the honor of his father. So with the help of a captured slave, Jamie Bell, he sets off on his own, with a man he can barely trust to solve the mystery of the 9th.
 
Once beyond the protection of Rome Marcus and Esca endure many hardships. Marcus must submit to the expertise of his guide and follow his lead which is difficult for any man of action. When Marcus begins to mistrust his guide and blows their cover, he now has to place his life into his slave’s hands. To protect his life Esca has told the seal people that Marcus is his slave. If not for that lie, Marcus would have been killed immediately and Esca would have been considered a traitor.

Esca and Marcus respect each other and have formed a bond during Marcus’ rehabilitation. Esca admires the stoic determination of his master and Marcus trusts in the vow of servitude that Esca has made to the man who spared his life. Marcus, going against the popular vote stood up for Esca and claimed his life during a defeat in a gladiatorial battle. If not for Marcus, Esca would have died in the gladiator ring. Esca has repaid Marcus with his fidelity.
 
History contains many stories of honor, accomplishment and bravery. Based on a novel, I don’t know how much of The Eagle is true, but it is a compelling story based on actual events. Rome never did conquer the people of the north; neither have any invaders who have followed. The Celtic region now known as Scotland contains an inhospitable land full of a stout, loyal and proud people. The Eagle is an adventure story about honor and integrity on both sides. In the Celts Rome found a worthy opponent.

Rating: Bargain Matinee Plays too much like a Marine Corp recruiting ad, but watchable. I like Channing Tatum more each time I see him.