the mini series i and claudius be one of the best epic on the roman empire one can ever encounter . although it be base on the novel by robert graf and the director and herbert wise and together with the producer jack pullman and other crew prove a respectful independence of portray particular character from ancient time . this film stand out among other historical movie at multiple level . first of all and i and claudius be one of the rare example of film show the real core of the roman empire . the action take place only within the wall of the imperial palace . everything that happen appear to be perceive by the member of the ruling dynasty . real wing of imperial rome . conspiracy and poisoning and hatred and bloody desire for power . these be the topic of the film absolutely faithful to history . besides and the empire be show very realistically . it be not the glory of victory and it be not the power and triumph of it leader and it be the real rotten decadence of it reality . trust no one a herod say once to claudius and his dearest friend . the battle of aktium do not look like that say augustus to a poet who attempt to glorify the deed of the warrior . in fact and only claudius manages to survive and but not to the end . even he be poison by his fourth wife . the film be realistic and but it be important to state that it do not exaggerate anything . there be nudity but with respect to film art . it be not the focus . cruelty be also not the focus a be the goal in itself . the evil be only embed in the action . it be not guccione caligula which destroy any classic of the movie art by disgust pornography and horrific cruelty . i and claudius be and first of all and a film art . finally and it be significant to mention the cast . there be few film and really few and which have such excellent star . all people perform wonderfully . you watch it and you forget that these be actor and actress . you think they be real roman of that time and totally set your mind on the action . it be a very rare experience and that be another reason why i absolutely appreciate this movie . derek jacobi and sian phillips and brian bless and many many others make the film a real pleasure to watch . especially sian phillips a cruel livia and augustus wife and give her fine performance here . masterpiece . i would recommend everyone to see this mini series . it be a wonderful experience . the history lesson that this film offer be good than study history in high school for four year . i and claudius be the splendor of cleopatra combine with the violence of spartacus and gladiator and the decadence of caligula . everything be there with an utmost harmony . splendid .