after read both _river_god_ and _the_seventh_scroll_ and i can not begin to express how disappointed i be with this film . while i agree some poetic license may be admissible and this movie be at constant variance with the book and do an incredible injustice to the exciting and plausible and wonderful story write by wilbur smith . i can only believe that the writer and director and producer of the movie have never even heard of mr. smith and let alone read his work . smith vibrant characterization be convert into wooden stick figure and all historicity be ignore or discount and the realism of the book have be change to include phantom monster more appropriate to a cartoon . and why be an egyptian henchman speak spanish . geesh and no wonder the movie be make into a tv miniseries . do wilbur smith have any input into the making of this movie . i can not believe that he do . terrible and terrible movie . if you have read either or both of the book and do not waste your time or money watch this money . you will be sorely disappointed and i assure you . only a moment of supreme generosity persuade me to give this movie a ranking of 2 and and that only because of the beautiful and sometimes spectacular and photography .