Benedito Dias Rodrigues Who has the control of the news has the truth to the mass,this saying apply just to cluelees people,nowadays everyone goes to school to learn about everything, and has a countless of books which describes every single fact from the past, whatever point of view,this picture made as jews propaganda to show to the world how they were considered a choosen people,sponsored by Israel and jews producers they tried change the history,actually Masada had just a little group called Zealots who today we shall them as terrorist,after the about few months of siege following to building a ramp to reach to the plateau's walls,when the tower war machine destrroyed it,all them already committed suicide or were killing by the leaders,the second option is probable more sustainable according some sources,more the suicide is forbiden by Jewish's law,anyway back to the picture just worthy for a fine performance by english actors O'toole,Quayle and Warner for them 6 out 10!!!Resume:First watch: 1983 / How many: 2 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 6

HarlekwinBlog The drama presented here is well structured and well acted. Peter O'Tool and Peter Strauss bring a sense of depth to their characters and are more than ably supported by the rest of the cast. Production looks perhaps a little dated compared to modern standards.The series was filmed in Judea, lending a authenticity to the shots. We were lucky enough to visit the Holy Land in 2017. Part of our trip was to Masada. Knowing just a little of the historic context makes the drama more fulfilling but a worthy watch without it.

rleroe Long-last on DVD, Masada depicts the true story of the Jewish struggle atop Masada following the A.D. 70 destruction of Jerusalem. While visiting the site in 1989 I was told that Peter Strauss asked to spend a night atop the mount, then the Israeli Air Force flew overhead scaring him considerably. The film wisely starts with a documentary showing the significance this site has today. Peter O'Toole is superb and the script is well-written. You expect the Roman General to be the "bad guy" and you discover otherwise. Much of the conversation is quite clever, especially from the Roman bureaucrats and the political intrigue. You'll want to read about the archaeological excavations and to visit Masada after seeing this wonderful movie. This is from the golden age of TV mini-series.

Marcin Kukuczka The movie is based on the book THE ANTAGONISTS and shows the story of the Jewish defense from the Roman oppressor. The story seems to be quite short and not the main focus of the film. Jews led by Eleazar stay in a huge fortress of Masada on the Judean Desert which is their only safe place away from the Roman Empire. Romans are forced to conquer them. The movie shows human soul, psychological aspect of humanity, even of the "triumphant Roman leaders". This psychological aspect is revealed in both main characters: the Jewish leader Eleazar, portrayed wonderfully by Peter Strauss (one of his really best roles), and Flavius Silva (great Peter O'Toole), the leader of the 10th legion attempting at finishing the conquest and returning to Rome. Both of them are full of doubts. They change over the movie, develop like all of us do. Silva doubts the logic of the whole campaign, which is especially emphasized at the end when he says desperately "What victory!? We have won a rock on the shore of the poisoned sea!" A rock that has cost thousands of innocent lives. He is also an honorable man. When Pomponius Falco takes over the leadership and occurs to be brutal, Silva tries his best to prove that this way of dealing with the enemy is "not Rome!" He even meets with Eleazar to justify these deeds.Eleazar is a good Jew. He cares for his people but there is one thing which makes others confused. He doubts in the existence of God. However, deeply in his heart, there is a place for Him. Peter Strauss stresses this memorably when he goes to pray in order the Romans to stop killing the innocent Jews. In fact, he proves to love his people and that is, most appealingly, a better knowledge of God than any other...The character that needs mentioning is Sheva (Barbara Carrera). She, in fact, is not very sure if she loves Silva or not. On the one hand, she wants to stay with him. On the other hand, her people seem to be more important. Finally, she decides to leave him. Her love is divided and demands a difficult choice. VERY PSYCHOLOGICAL!In this comment I concentrated mostly on the psychological aspect. Yes, I admit that it appears to be the most significant factor for me. There are, of course, other factors that make me love this movie: the whole story, the locations, the music, the stars... EVERYTHING! But you will have a chance to appreciate all these aspects when you decide to see MASADA. Finally, the end is unforgettable: "Take them their victory! Then they will remember..." Truly impressive script! One of the best lessons of life! 10/10 for the whole movie!The final reference to modern Israel appears to be particularly touching! YES, WE REMEMBER MASADA AND THE GROUP OF BRAVE PEOPLE WHO WERE NOT AFRAID TO REMAIN THEMSELVES AND RETAIN THEIR DIGNITY.