Exoticalot People are voting emotionally.

Executscan Expected more

Freaktana A Major Disappointment

Fairaher The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

zeabourne I know the Borgia-story, and both this series as well as the Showtime one, definitely take their liberties when it comes to historical facts. That is something I expect and I'm not watching shows like these to get enlightened. For that we have books. However. This particular show is a grand disappointment. I'll not be wasting time describing the bad acting, silly dialog and slow progression. Instead I'll recommend the Showtime series! Jeremy Irons is brilliant as the Borgia Pope, the script is brilliant, the actors are both much better at acting and generally more beautiful to look at.I've read a few of the reviews here, and I'm surprised at how many prefers this c**p over Showtime's. I'm pretty sure those who prefers Borgia over The Borgias does that because the former is so simple, and easy to watch, while the latter actually moves you!

mczerska1 Since watching the first episode of this show, I have been searching the web to see what people thought of this and was really surprised to find out that a lot of people thought this show to be better than "The Borgias" on Showtime. The main points in favor of Fontana's version seemed to be historical accuracy and the "European vibe". As far as the second argument, being European myself, I am not impressed with the "vibe" that consists mainly of full frontal nudity. I don't see why a sex scene can't be tastefully made and leave something to the imagination. I really don't need to see the genitals to know that people are having sex in a particular scene. As for the historical accuracy, having read a lot about the Borgia family, I see inconsistencies in both show, but one must remember that it is television and not a documentary. The Showtime series might take more liberties with history for the entertainment value, but it makes for more interesting story lines. What I can't forgive Fontana's version is the fact that the show would not invest money in props and costumes. These were supposed to be the richest people of their times, and yet Lucrezia seems to own two dresses and one set of jewelery, and the same goes with Giulia Farnese. Both women should be covered with jewels from head to toe, should wear elaborate gowns and have complicated hairdos (especially Lucrezia, who was very vain about her hair). Also, very often the set consists of white walls, a table and some chairs. Where the hell are frescoes, tapestries and golden and silver plates? For me these count as huge historical inconsistencies. The show has a small budget and is is obvious in almost every scene, whereas Showtime version had some of the most beautiful, lush sets, props and costumes in the history of television. Also, the matter of accents is a huge problem, but it was mentioned in all other reviews so I will not elaborate on this topic, and will only say that I agree that having members of the same family speak with six different accents is a ridiculous idea. As for the acting...The pope sounds like an American gangster, and John Doman is terrible in this role. There is nothing similar to the perfectly executed Rodrigo- Cesare power-play from Showtime's show. Juan Borgia looks as if they picked him up at the local gym and sticks out in the Reinessance Italy almost as much as his American dad. And Lucrezia is simply terrible. She is a far cry from Holliday Granger's spectacular performance, has no chemistry with her father and brother (truly, if they really had had that little chemistry the rumors about incest would have never been coined). And her terrible German accent ruins every line of dialogue she has. The only redeeming quality this show has is Mark Ryder as Cesare Borgia. Although I am a fan of Francois Arnaud's Cesare, I must admit that Mark Ryder does a great job. His Cesare is much more frightening and crazy, and sometimes even bipolar, which is probably historically more accurate. Especially in the second season, he really shines in this show. All in all, "Borgia" lacks all the features that made "The Borgias" so good: lavish costumes and sets, powerful Rodrigo-Cesare and Cesare- Lucrezia chemistry, and consistency in acting (and accents!). It is not a bad show, but it definitely looks like the Showtime's series' poor cousin. And if this is supposed to be the "European vibe", then I vote to go all Hollywood instead.

eapplebaum This version is SO frustrating. I wanted to like it so badly. I LOVE everything Medieval. I have seen pretty much EVERYTHING from the period. This version is so terrible... "how do I count the ways?". The acting is HORRIBLE, disgraceful and tremendously sad. I feel compelled to continue to watch because I have the opportunity to do so while I work. But I must say, I am uncomfortable at watching how awkward and lame the acting is. It's like a High school production with a lot of money. What makes adds insult to injury is this ridiculous decision to cast actors with ALL different accents. The American's just plainly SUCK at every role they are appointed. The Brits are weakened by clearly weak direction and the other Europeans are mostly not suited for the roles they're given. Especially the French and the German actors. It's especially painful to see The Borgia children ALL share different accents and Lucrezia with a strong German accent and an AWFUL actress to boot, is pathetic. I could have done a FAR SUPERIOR job casting this show. *sigh*....I would be so good at it.

Jay_Jay2664 So many aspects of conflict within this movie. A constant battle of good and evil, both in man and woman. Treachery, decent, and creative genius paint a world with the battle to become and maintain the Papal Crown. The actors dealt deep to create cringe worthy characters, so evil and yet you caught yourself cheering for them because the alternative was worse.It is not for the faint of heart. There is lots of sex, full nudity, and gore. A huge cast of extra and authentic looking settings, clothing and design.It left me wanting a lot more. The actor that played Chezere should receive some kind of award. You loved and despised him and felt his internal tormented struggle.