Despite having to vacillate between descriptions of her subject as a politician, a seductress and a warrior, James manages to excel in each. She brings intelligence and nuance to a performance that is strikingly better than what surrounds her.
TV Review: "Queen Cleopatra" - A Captivating Docu-Series
"Queen Cleopatra" is a mesmerizing docu-series that brings the legendary Egyptian queen to life with a remarkable performance by Adele James in the titular role. With a stunning portrayal and a deep connection with the character, James captivates audiences from the very first scene, making Cleopatra's story relatable and engaging.
One of the strongest aspects of the series is the attention to historical accuracy, supported by the presence of established and well-known scholars such as Dr. Sally Ann Ashton. Their expertise adds credibility to the narrative, ensuring that viewers are presented with a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Cleopatra's life and reign. Dr. Ashton's contributions provide a valuable context and deepen our understanding of the historical events depicted.
The production values of "Queen Cleopatra" are top-notch, reflecting a high level of professionalism. The show effortlessly transports viewers to ancient Egypt with its detailed set designs, elaborate costumes, and immersive cinematography. The visual appeal of the series is complemented by a richly orchestrated soundtrack that enhances the drama and heightens the emotional impact of the story.
However, one minor drawback of "Queen Cleopatra" is the brevity of its episodes. While the concise format keeps the pacing brisk and ensures that each episode delivers its key points effectively, it also leaves viewers yearning for more. With such a fascinating subject matter and an exceptional cast, longer episodes could have allowed for a deeper exploration of Cleopatra's complex character and the political intrigue of her time.
In conclusion, "Queen Cleopatra" earns high praise for its enthralling portrayal of the iconic queen, Adele James' captivating performance, and the inclusion of renowned scholars like Dr. Sally Ann Ashton. The production values are exceptional, showcasing the dedication and skill of the creative team. Although the short episode length is a minor drawback, it does little to diminish the overall enjoyment and appreciation of this remarkable docu-series. With its compelling drama and impressive production, "Queen Cleopatra" scores an impressive 8 out of 10.
Obviously it can’t be serious historians (although it has serious historians in it) because they don’t need key moments acted out by thespians hamming it up like an episode of Tracy Beaker. Then again it has too many clever talking heads to please those who like history served up like Carry On Cleo.
Though we liked the experts that were interviewed for Queen Cleopatra, as well as Adele James’ performance as the famous queen, the dramatic sequences leave too much to be desired to keep us from just reading about Cleopatra online to get the information we want.
Narratively it flows well, and does a halfway decent job of explaining why she was such a significant figure. But it’s too soapy for serious history fans, and not enough of a soap for viewers who like juicy historical dramas.
My wife wanted to watch this show. We made it about 25 minutes and the acting, the whole re-writing of history was disgusting. I see now how the Egyptians have reacted and it makes me glad we decided not to waste anymore of our time. Absolute trash. Don’t waste your time if you don’t watch fiction.