Attila

I didn't realize this was a made-for-tv mini series until after I rented it. I seemed pretty entertaining, but it was 3 hours long. It reminded me of a cheezy show that one would see on lifetime network; lots of over-dramatization ,and a story to be told. After the movie I looked up the history of Attila and wasn't surprised at all that much of the story in the movie was fabricated.

I watched "Attila" quite by accident and I was so glad that I did because I didn't know Gerard Butler existed. His performance as Attila was captivating. The entire production was immensely entertaining and I watched it as many times as it was on the USA network. I had heard of Attila, the Hun, but was not very interested to learn about him, but this movie changed that because he became alive for me. Needless to say, we want more of Gerard Butler!! I wanted to find out more about him on the web, but there was next to nothing. I would love to see a bio. ....And those eyes!!!!!

You can like this film a lot but you have to be either a woman because only they can spend four hours watching clothes and men or you have to be 15 years old who think anything big is good. This movie has no connection with the historical character Attila. After half an hour I realized my mistake and started fast forwarding the film. I think I finished this film in 1:45 minutes and read about the real character on wikipedia. Its funny that people found this movie great, epic drama etc etc. Its a cheap entertainment for people who cant even see historical foreigners as foreigners, they would rather have their own people act like Mongolians. I am waiting for the day when Hollywood make a film on martin Luther king with Tom cruise as Martin Luther king and peter 'O tool as Bayard Rustin. I'm sure Americans will love it. Its funny to read the reviews. People wrote how sexy and good looking Gerry is. How mindlessly can people watch TV? Still I will ask all history freaks to watch it because this film has so many mistakes that you end up reading the whole profile of Attila. The man was simply a barbarian. watch this film as his cartoon caricature and read about him. Barbarian bastard. 2/10

After witnessing the destruction of his village and the death of his father, Attila successfully escapes with his life and is picked up by his uncle, who is king of a group of Huns. Attila grows up to be a strong warrior who has his mind set on invading and, consequently, taking over Rome. The deceitful Roman General Flavius Aetius goes to Attila's village to seek help from the Huns and suggests to Attila's uncle that Attila is to be taken to Rome with Aetius when the battle is over. Aetius is impressed with Attila and takes him under his wing. But when Bleda, Attila's brother, murders their uncle, Attila returns to his village and fights his brother for the throne, and then sets his sights on Rome. This movie was really enjoyable, although some of the acting was rather stilted. The top actors were Powers Boothe as Flavius Aetius, the excellent Scotsman Gerard Butler in the role of Attila the Hun and, although not having very much to do in the film, only in it for 2 scenes, was Tim Curry who is, as always, terrific and amusing. This is not a film full of gore, but it survives without it. The action scenes are good and liven the film up a bit but it does not have an excess of gore like other historical battle films. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended. 8/10 from me! As always, your faithful Scotsman, Cat §quire

While this movie may not have been historically accurate, for me it gave me an introduction to a character I have always found fascinating. And what else is the internet good for but looking up a history to find out the facts that the movie was based on. Because it was a made-for-TV film, and USA at best, you could expect a watered-down version of the main character. I was impressed with all the acting in this movie. Surprised to find Tim Curry but happy to see Powers Boothe, who I respect as an powerful actor. He didn't really have the chance to live up to his potential in this film. I am taking offense to some of the comments made about Gerard Butler. Yes he is a hunk. But what first drew me to him was his ACTING PRESENCE in other films like Reign of Fire and Timeline. Atilla may not be the springboard for greatness but I believe his talents will soon be showcased in more powerful films. I viewed Atilla because I wanted to see more of Gerard Butler THE ACTOR and I was not disappointed. I also got to learn more about an historical figure who always intrigued me. Do not peg me as a star struck, fanatical female. I learned long ago that just because someone has looks does not necessarily mean they have talent. Gerard Butler belongs in a class with Jude Law and Russell Crowe. I would recommend this film for the entertainment value it is and if you want to learn more about Atilla, go to the internet historical sites and get your fill.

Admittedly, this movie may not be accurate, however it did encourage me to look up the actual history..Meanwhile, it was my first introduction to the actor Gerry Butler, for which I am very thankful..I look forward to watching other movies he makes..This movie as well as the subsequent ones, ie Phantom of the Opera, Timeline, Dear Frankie, even Dracula 2000, I think show how much this guy puts into his roles.. I feel he shows real depth to whatever character he portrays- heh- he made me sympathetic to Attila the Hun! Actually I read somewhere that they still celebrate Attila's Birthday in Hungary.. If one puts the story in a historical perspective I believe one could make an argument that our History might have been different if he had prevailed.. The Roman Catholic influence was not all roses..

Why make a biopic that is so far from recorded fact that it could easier be part of Conan that barbarian series !! Its depressing to see that such production actually get financial backing. I would love to see some movies based around this period by theatrical license only goes so far.