Last Legion, The

History and myth join forces in director Doug Lefler’s period epic based on Valerio Massimo Manfredi’s 2003 adventure novel. “The Last Legion” takes place circa 470 A.D., just prior to the fall of the Roman Empire, as young Romulus Augustulus (Thomas Sangster) is crowned Emperor. On the night of the coronation, Rome is attacked by its former allies, the Goths, during which Romulus’ parents are brutally murdered. With the Western Empire now under the command of Goth general Odoacer (Peter Mullan), Romulus and his trusty tutor (and possible magician), Ambrosinus (Ben Kingsley), are exiled to the island of Capri, where they come across a certain fabled sword once wielded by Julius Caesar; they’re later rescued by loyal military commander Aurelius (Colin Firth) and end up in Britain, where they meet up with the legendary Ninth Legion to plan an attack on the barbarian invaders of their homeland. “The Last Legion” serves as a prelude to the story of King Arthur and Excalibur, portraying him as a descendant of the last Roman imperial line. – IFC Staff