"Masada"
"It will be a war to the finish."
"Masada" 1981

Peter O'Toole, Peter Strauss, Barbara Carrera

The historic clash of extraordinary men, with the future of a proud nation, and the pride of a mighty empire at stake, becomes a passionate epic film in Masada.



Peter O'Toole and Peter Strauss star as the unlikely antagonists, one driven by a soldier's loyalty, the other by a patriot's zeal, in an encounter that would come to stand through the ages as a symbol of freedom's undying challenge to tyranny.

70 A.D. - The Destruction of Jerusalem  - The Roman General Titus Destroys the Jewish Temple

In the year 70 A.D., Jerusalem is devastated by the Roman Army, killing a million citizens and sending thousands into slavery.  Eleazar ben Yair (Strauss) leads a band of resistance fighters to a fortress atop Mount Masada in the Judean desert., a fortress blessed by nature and a king's careful planning with water, food supplies, and seemingly impregnable defenses.  From this fortress, the unforgiving rebels swoop down on their Roman conquerors, harassing and humiliating the powerful army.



By the year 73 A.D., the Roman court can no longer tolerate the public embarrassment caused by the band of ragged warriors, and the army's finest general--Flavius Silva (O'Toole)--is ordered to return to the desert and destroy the fortress.

 The Zealots Will Not be an Easy Military Target

From the distance of Rome, this sounds simple.  The worldly-wise and battle-weary Silva knows better; the Zealots will not be an easy military target, and he sends for Eleazar in an effort to arrange an agreement for a mutually honorable peace.

Silva's trip is futile.  Politics decree that the rebels must be crushed and their leaders delivered in chains.  To make matters worse, Roman atrocities increase during Silva's absence, and the Zealots' determination becomes hardened steel.  It will be a war to the finish. 

http://www.prayerfoundation.org/movies/movie_review_masada.htm

IMDB message board for "Masada"
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081900/board
MASADA Region 2 DVD Review
2/8/2009 by Niall Browne

Masada is a 1981 television mini-series starring acting legend Peter O'Toole and helmed by directing stalwart Boris Sagal (The Omega Man). The series is an entertaining and well made production that charts the siege of the Jewish fortress at Masada by the Romans in 1st Century A.D. and the political and emotional shenanigans that ensued. 

O'Toole heads up the cast as Flavius Silvalavius, the leader of the Romans who are attempting to destroy a small pocket of zealots who have fenced themselves into the titular fortress. O'Toole is powerful in the role of Flavius, treating the script as if it were Shakespeare and the Palestinian locations as if they were a stage.  Peter Strauss who was then best known for Rich Man, Poor Man (also directed by Sagal) plays Eleazar ben Yair, the Jewish leader who infuriates Flavius and causes all sorts of problems for Rome.

Based on Earnest K. Gann's book The Antagonists, Masada is a long piece of television (about 6 ½ hours). In the 1970's and early 1980's the mini-series was a huge tradition in the world of television. Big budgets and big stars led to big ratings for the networks and it wasn't until the rise in satellite and cable that the institution lost its lustre. This two disc set means that you can watch Masada without any interruptions, and while this does maximise the viewer's pleasure because they don't have to wait for the next instalment it is almost like sitting down to read a giant Gore Vidal novel in one sitting. 

The series looks like there was no expense spared and considering that it was made well before the digital age, the vistas and sets are very impressive. On the whole the performances are also of a high standard with the odd exception (Barbara Carrera  - I'm looking at you) while Denis Quilley, David Warner and Nigel Davenport give able support. Jerry Goldsmith's score is also exceptional and it helps to lend gravitas to the proceedings. 

When watching Masada one can honestly say that they don't make them like that anymore. Grand performances, beautiful locations, a thoughtful script and attentive pacing give the series a certain amount of class. It's a shame that director Boris Sagal died shortly after making this series as he could have gone on to have had an impressive second wind during the 80's mini-series boom.

When one thinks of Peter O'Toole you tend to think of Lawrence of Arabia or Caligula. Well, Masada is a happy medium Epic, Political and Roman, but with none of the hanky panky.

http://www.collider.com/dvd/reviews/article.asp?aid=10828&tcid=3

Where to purchase Masada on DVD:

http://www.amazon.com/Masada-Complete-Mini-Peter-OToole/dp/B000S0KYTE