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8. Ben-Hur (2016)
50:35||Season 3, Ep. 8In this final episode of season 3 of The Reading Party Podcast, Megan and Lexie are discussing the 2016 film “Ben-Hur”. They share their thoughts on the film’s historical accuracy, the anachronisms in costume and set design, and the unexpected presence of Jesus in the narrative. From the dramatic chariot race to the film's ultimate message of forgiveness and redemption, they analyze what worked and what didn't in this modern retelling of a classic tale.The film "Ben-Hur" (2016) attempts to weave together historical and biblical narratives, creating a complex tapestry that can both engage and frustrate viewers. The story centers on Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish man living in Roman-occupied Judea, and his adoptive brother Masala, who becomes a Roman officer. This setup inherently invites a blend of historical context and biblical themes, particularly with the inclusion of Jesus as a character.Join Megan and Lexie as they navigate their way through historical inaccuracies, a confusing and frustrating amount of biblical tropes, and a welcome appearance of the wonderful Morgan Freeman.
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7. Pompeii (2014)
01:06:26||Season 3, Ep. 7In this episode of The Reading Party, Megan and Lexie are joined by Dr. Victoria Austen to dive into the 2014 action-adventure film "Pompeii," starring Kit Harington. Join them as they explore the film's unique blend of romance, action, and historical disaster, all set against the backdrop of the infamous volcanic eruption.Dr. Victoria Austen, an expert in the classics, shares her insights on Roman gardens, social history, and the reception of the ancient world in modern media. We discuss everything from the film's portrayal of Roman identity to the accuracy of its volcanic eruption depiction. Expect a lively discussion filled with humor, critical analysis, and plenty of questions about the social dynamics at play in the film. Whether you're a fan of ancient history or just curious about how Hollywood interprets it, this episode is sure to entertain and inform!6. The Eagle of the Ninth
52:50||Season 3, Ep. 6In this episode of the Reading Party Podcast, hosts Megan and Lexie dive into the rich narrative of "Eagle of the Ninth" by Rosemary Sutcliffe. Released in 1954, this children's novel explores the journey of Marcus, a Roman soldier, as he navigates life in Britain after being injured and discharged from the army. The hosts discuss their experience of reading it after watching the film adaptation, "The Eagle," starring Channing Tatum, and share their initial impressions of the book, highlighting its engaging plot and historical context. Tune in for a lively discussion filled with insights, reflections, and of course, plenty of tea!5. The Eagle (2011)
44:30||Season 3, Ep. 5In this episode of the Reading Party podcast, Megan and Lexie dive into the 2011 film "The Eagle," adapted from Rosemary Sutcliffe's 1954 novel "The Eagle of the Ninth." Joining us is special guest Lindsay Allason-Jones, the historical consultant for the movie. Lindsay shares her extensive background in Roman Britain, having previously served as the Director of Archaeological Museums for Newcastle University, where she focused on Hadrian's Wall. She recounts how the filmmakers sought her expertise and the unique circumstances of their initial meeting. The episode highlights the filmmakers' long-standing passion for the source material and their collaboration with experts to bring authenticity to the cinematic portrayal of Roman Britain. Join us for an engaging conversation that blends history, literature, and film!4. Asterix Versus Caesar (1985)
56:22||Season 3, Ep. 4On this episode of The Reading Party Podcast, Megan and Lexie offer an in-depth exploration of the animated film "Asterix versus Caesar," originally titled "Astérix et la Surprise de César," which was released in 1985. This film is an adaptation of the beloved French comic series created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, a significant part of French culture since its inception. Megan and Lexie provide an insightful exploration of "Asterix versus Caesar," emphasizing the differences between the French and English versions, particularly in character names and cultural references. The discussion highlights the challenges of translating humor and wordplay while also acknowledging the film's lighthearted approach to storytelling, despite the presence of outdated stereotypes. This analysis enriches the understanding of the film and invites viewers to appreciate the nuances of language and culture in adaptations.3. The Last Legion (2007)
57:52||Season 3, Ep. 3In this episode of the Reading Party podcast, Megan and Lexie dive into the 2007 fantasy historical adventure film, The Last Legion. Set against the backdrop of the fall of the Roman Empire, the movie intertwines legendary elements such as the last Roman Emperor, Excalibur, Merlin, and King Arthur, creating a captivating narrative that blends historical fantasy with medieval Britain. "The Last Legion" ultimately serves as a unique cinematic experience that combines the fall of the Roman Empire with the enchanting world of Arthurian legend. While it is rife with historical inaccuracies, the film's charm lies in its ability to entertain and engage viewers with its fantastical elements. The blending of these two distinct narratives creates a story that, while not true to history, captures the imagination and invites audiences to explore the myths that have shaped our understanding of the past.2. Gladiator (2000)
01:17:34||Season 3, Ep. 2In this episode of The Reading Party, hosts Megan and Lexie dive into the world of Roman history with esteemed guests Dr. Peta Greenfield and Dr. Fiona Radford, co-hosts of The Partial Historians podcast. With their expertise in Classics and Ancient History, they explore the iconic 2000 film Gladiator, discussing its impact and cultural significance. Dr. Radford shares her specialization in reception studies, particularly Roman film, as they reflect on how Gladiator shaped their generation. Tune in for an insightful conversation that bridges cinema and history, and get insights from seasoned podcasters who have been engaging audiences with ancient Rome for over a decade.