Ancient Rome, during the time of Emperor Nero. Vinicius, a young patrician, falls in love with the beautiful Lygia, the daughter of a Barbarian commander who was killed in battle, and wants her for his concubine. For Lygia, a Christian, being a pagan's concubine is a severe sin and disgrace. However, when Vinicius is wounded, Lygia cares for him, and starts to reciprocate his feelings. Vinicius, in return, becomes interested in Christian learning and asks Apostle Peter to teach him. In the meantime, Emperor Nero accuses Christians of having started a great fire in Rome. He encourages the imprisonment, torture and murder of his Christian subjects.
Production
Massive crowd scenes that scream 'we spent the budget here'.
Costume
Togas and Christian robes that look authentically sweaty.
Acting
Michał Bajor's Nero: unhinged, petty, absolutely devouring the scenery.
Director
Jerzy Kawalerowicz
Paweł Deląg
Marcus Vincius
Magdalena Mielcarz
Lygia
Bogusław Linda
Petronius
Michał Bajor
Neron
Jerzy Trela
Chilo Chilonides
Franciszek Pieczka
Apostle Peter
Krzysztof Majchrzak
Tigellinus
Andrzej Tomecki
Glaucus
Jerzy Nowak
Krispus
Zbigniew Waleryś
Paul of Tarsus
Agnieszka Wagner
Poppaea
Małgorzata Pieczyńska
Akte
Marta Piechowiak
Eunice
Danuta Stenka
Pomponia
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Jerzy Kawalerowicz was a legendary Polish director who spent decades trying to adapt Sienkiewicz's novel; this was his passion project finale.
The 1951 Hollywood version with Robert Taylor was MGM's biggest hit ever at the time—this Polish remake had roughly 1% of that budget and 200% more sincerity.
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