The read
Critics rate it 24 points higher than audiences do. It runs a compact 1h 26m.
Synopsis
Rome, AD 303. Emperor Diocletian demotes his favourite, Sebastian, from captain of the palace guard to the rank of common soldier and banishes him to a remote coastal outpost where his fellow soldiers, weakened by their desires, turn to homosexual activities to satisfy their needs. Sebastian becomes the target of lust for the officer Severus, but repeatedly rejects the man's advances. Castigated for his Christian faith, he is tortured, humiliated and ultimately killed.
Ratings
IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes86%
Critics rate it 24 points higher than audiences do.
87 audience votes
Key crew
- Derek JarmanDirector
- Paul HumfressDirector
- Andrew Thomas WilsonOriginal Music Composer
- Brian EnoOriginal Music Composer
- James WhaleyWriter
- Paul HumfressWriter
- Derek JarmanWriter
Cast
- Leonardo TreviglioSebastian
- Barney JamesSeverus
- Neil KennedyMax
- Richard WarwickJustin
- Donald DunhamClaudius
- Ken HicksAdrian
- Janusz RomanovAnthony
- Steffano MassariMarius
- Daevid FinbarJulian
- Gerald IncandelaLeopard Boy
- Robert MedleyDiocletian
- Lindsay KempDancer
Stills
Themes
fightexileancient rometortureexecutionslow motionpacifistpaganhomoeroticismhuntlgbtsword duel