Boudica: Queen of War (2023) Movie Script
1
(thunder booms)
(centurion shouting orders
in Latin)
(armor clanking)
(whispered prayers)
Forward!
Go! (shouts order in Latin)
(terrified screams)
(heavy breathing)
(seagulls cry)
(footsteps)
(sword zings)
(Neros guard)
Suetonius Paulinus,
Commander of the 14th Gemina
and the 20th Valeria Victrix!
As Praefectus Castrorum
in charge,
what did you have your men do?
I advanced in triplex formation,
cohorts One to Four.
Three and Five in support.
Auxiliary cavalry on flank.
And...
What did these cult leaders
of Mona do
when they beheld
your invasion forces?
Chanting as if
in some sort of trance.
Even when facing
the 14th Gemina Legion,
these experienced Celt
fighting men... kneeled?
Trusting that
their religious leaders
would offer them salvation
against your sword.
Yes. It appears that way, Dominus.
You slaughtered them?
As is my duty to Rome.
The Celt Cucullus believe
in the Furies,
women warriors that symbolize
vengeance and rebirth.
They believe that
a woman warrior
will somehow be their salvation
and end the Roman occupation
of Britannia.
They must not...
find their savior.
As Augustus,
Ive issued a strict decree,
forbidding women from holding
a position of influence,
martial, judicial, or otherwise.
We dont need another woman
like my mother.
This decree must
be upheld verbatim.
And under threat
of severe punishment.
Especially in the tribes
of the island Britannia.
Your Majesty.
(retreating footsteps)
(rooster crows)
(birds sing)
(moans softly)
(dog barks in distance)
(horse whinnies)
(moans pleasantly)
(exhales)
(horse whinnies)
- Uh!
- (both laugh)
You scared me.
(sighs)
So help me, I love you more
with each day that passes.
I know you have made me
the luckiest man alive.
And you, my king,
have made me the proudest
mother, wife, and queen.
(moaning and kissing)
Let me take you, right now.
- Like old times.
- (gasps)
Minds groggy...
Neither asleep...
nor awake.
Mmm... Youre definitely awake.
Whatever we do this morning,
my noble, brave,
and oh-so-worthy
king of the Iceni,
we do it for an audience of, uh,
several servants...
(giggles)
A half dozen guards, and...
Two curious little girls.
(twins giggling)
Theyre awake, arent they?
- Yeah.
- (both laughing)
(gasps)
Good day my king.
May I join you for breakfast?
You and the entire fort,
dear Ciaran!
Cmon. Make yourself at home.
I traveled through the night
(exhales) And Im hungry.
Hungry. Hes hungry!
Im hungry!
(makes munching noise)
Im gonna eat your bones!
Arrrgh!
How goes it in Camulos?
We welcomed a new procurator.
Catus Decianus.
Should I be concerned?
Hes a Roman.
Spoiled by Africa,
and he hates it here.
Hell transfer home at the
first sign of insurrection.
Lets hope.
(twin girl laughing)
Sorry, Ciaran.
My offspring have the
savage blood of the Ancients
running through their veins.
Like their mother.
(Boudica)
Your "offspring"...
is the daughter of a king.
A very intelligent and
quick-witted daughter,
who will serve as a great
queen one day.
(knocking)
(Tutor)
Mornin.
(Boudica)
Ah! Latin study, girls!
(tutor) Good morning, girls.
Are we ready for class?
(Boudica) Yes... Hey!
(twins giggling)
Little savages.
We earn money to pay
a Roman tutor
to teach our daughters
the language of our occupier,
so they might understand
how to navigate a future...
A future where
their fathers rule
will be a distant memory
of an old colony.
Well, we must change,
if we dont want to be
left alone in the cold like...
Barbarian Brigantes.
Well, I love my barbarian wife.
(Boudica exhales)
You have king-like things
to discuss with brave Ciaran,
my love, and I have
a cosmetics session.
And then Im taking
the girls to the market.
Well come find you.
Promise me you always will.
I promise.
Sit down. Come on.
Eat this. No waste in here.
(cosmeta) We import
fashionable cosmetics
from Germania, Gaul,
and fabled Serica.
Some are so expensive and rare,
the Emperor himself chokes when
he pays for his wifes bill.
(gasps)
Excess hair is not considered
fashionable at all this season.
(brief gasp)
(cosmeta)
Rouge for the cheeks,
red ocher, imported from Belgium
and ground against mortar stone
into the finest powder.
The color of your tunic
is so beautiful.
Where did you find it?
From the Oppida,
outside of Roman security lines.
It was cheap there.
(Boudica)
Should we go?
(twins giggling)
(birds sing)
(indistinct conversation)
Oh, excuse me.
Were looking for the Oppida.
Down there.
Thank you.
(distant voices)
What?
Whats the matter with you?
We should not go there.
This is not a place for you.
Were safe,
the Romans are everywhere!
Look what they do to thieves.
These are not criminals,
theyre Christians.
Oh.
(Bre)
Christians dont mix well
with other religions,
so the Romans crucify them.
We should go back.
Ill buy a bolt
of that material,
then we can hurry back.
All right?
Come on.
Ah, yes.
What other colors do you have?
(Aife) Nodens,
god of dogs and hunting,
forbidden by Emperor Claudius.
One
of the divine personifications
in the Imperial Cult.
The gods only granted man
the gifts of intelligence,
virtue, and fidelity.
(fruit seller)
Some fresh fruit?
(Bre) If the Imperial Cult
was so virtuous,
why did they murder
all the Druids?
(quietly) Hey!
Change the subject please.
(lively conversation)
(Aife) Look,
Trinovante warriors.
(raucous laughter)
Boudica.
(Trinovante warriors laughing)
Stop that talk!
This is Boudica.
(Bre)
Why are they kneeling?
And what does Boudica mean?
She was a Trinovante queen.
(Bre)
Mothers an Iceni queen?
(Rosmerta)
Your mothers a Trinovante
who became an Iceni queen.
To these people, that marks her
more powerful than
the Roman Emperor.
Shes like a god to them!
Did your slave just speak ill
of the Emperor?
She meant nothing by it.
Shes a servant, not a slave.
Are you something special
to these joke barbarians?
Vagrants who get fat
on Roman tributes.
(Boudica) It appears you know
more than I, sir.
I dont know who they are.
Come along, children.
Your slave made
a disparaging remark
about the Emperor.
(Boudica) Im sorry.
A queen can afford some wine.
Or the Roman auxiliary
can hear about your slaves
rebellious nature.
Youve really gone too far now!
We have to find your father!
Youre not going anywhere!
Find a legionarius!
(screams)
Aaargh!
(gasps)
(shouts in Germanic language)
(gasps)
Go!
(Prasutagus) Do you want
to know what I did today?
I stood in front of
a room full of centurions
and had to swear that my wife
was a civil and gentle soul.
A wonderful mother,
who just simply loves to weave.
I said and did
nothing to provoke them.
I promise.
(deep sigh)
I negotiated
and bargained more today,
and with more passion,
than Ive had to do in years.
It was really quite thrilling.
However...
I do not wish to do it again,
so we will send
servants into town
next time you want
something special.
Like a blue robe.
At least for the
next year or so.
Tell me, what does it mean?
Boudica...
Mm-hm?
She was a Trinovante legend
before the time of the Druids.
A fierce goddess.
A proud warrior people
that were too...
stubborn to negotiate.
And some believe
she will come again,
to free us from the Romans.
Why me?
(softly) My love.
(deep sigh)
You and I were married
when we were young.
You have a proud lineage.
Theres barbarian blood
that drives your heart,
and they can see that.
Its impossible to hide
it from those people.
Because they look at you
and they see
what you have
achieved with your life.
It incites them.
Fills them full of hope.
Is that a bad thing?
It might scare the Romans
is all that I am saying.
So I wish for you to stay here
and avoid town and barbarians,
at least for a few weeks.
Of course.
Of course. (exhales)
Youre gonna have
to keep me prisoner.
Mmm.
(Boudica)
Ugh! Savages!
(twins giggling)
You monsters! Aah!
Dont kill me!
Ha ha ha!
Wheres the honey mead
you promised me, then?
(Prasutagus chuckles)
Then you wanted
to wash away the taste
of that shitty Roman wine
youve been drinking?
If it gets me drunk,
Ill drink it.
(Boudica laughing)
So, finally, Ive found my three
most fierce warriors!
How are you boys
intimidated by our skill?
(twin) Ugh!
Get him!
Oh, gotcha!
Raargh, thats what you get
for fighting a king!
(hearty laugh)
Ill be back
at the Crannog, my liege.
You can take my wild daughters
with you.
- I want to speak with my queen.
- This way.
Whats the matter with him?
(Prasutagus sighs)
When a man fights in a war
and loses his family, his home.
Ends up with nothing...
Laughter and the sword
cease to go hand in hand.
Shouldve seen
the way that woman
used her sword.
She was...
she was so impressive.
She attacked...
(laughs)
without hesitation.
(exhales)
Im not sure I want my daughters
to be Trinovante Brigante, though.
Fighting. Never trusting anyone.
None of them
live very long lives.
(sighs) To be able
to defend oneself...
Hm!
(laughs)
Cannot be a bad thing.
You...
You clearly have
Trinovante blood in your veins.
Use that ferocity
in a thoughtful way.
Not in a bloodthirsty one.
(Boudica)
Mm-hmm.
Use it to be the
best queen possible.
Ha!
(laughing)
(Boudica shrieks)
Come get me!
If you want to be a warrior
a Trinovante warrior.
- Mmm.
- (Boudica moans)
Then lets go home.
Because I have something
to give you.
Its not really a gift from me.
Its part of the dowry
given by your father,
when I asked for
your hand in marriage.
At the time I didnt really
know what to do with it,
but recent events have proven...
It may well be possible
to leave your origins behind
but I think your origins
will never leave you.
Hmm.
(Bre)
What is it, father?
Protected for centuries
by the ancient Druids,
the Queen of the Furies...
Boudica.
(small gasp)
Thank you, Father.
My king.
It is said that
the ancient smiths
used forgotten magic
from the mountain mists
to forge blades like this.
If you look closely,
youll see how the color changes
with the flickering fire.
As if the God spell
of the Earth itself
is woven within its bronze.
I love it.
(Prasutagus) Perhaps
we rest the blade for now.
(gasps)
Mother!
What are you staring at?
I dont know.
A premonition, perhaps.
(small laugh)
Good things, I hope?
(orders being shouted in Latin)
The Romans are here!
(orders being shouted)
Legions, attention!
Make way for our
most esteemed procurator,
Catus Decianus!
Legion! Outward!
(distant barking)
My lord, this day the Iceni
welcomed you here.
To our lands.
Today, we pay tribute
to the Empire.
Come. Go with us inside.
(twins reciting in Latin)
Iurat capillos esse,
quos emit, suos.
Fabulla: numquid illa,
Paule, peierat?
Well done! They pleased you, no?
Dare I presume to ask
whether they have Roman tutors?
(Boudica) They do.
I knew it!
I told you, Maximus,
I told you that they had
Roman tutors for their children.
When I was in Africa,
I witnessed a dancing monkey
that had been taught
by a Roman tutor.
They really are
the best in the world.
They can teach anybody
the basics of culture.
Even these barbarian children.
How long do you intend to grace
us with your presence, my lord?
A year.
Maybe two.
(guffaws)
Well leave in the morning.
You need only feed
my small entourage
from your supplies for tonight,
and, uh, my pay convoy
on the ides of each third month,
en route to Fallbrook Forest.
Dont worry,
my brittunculi friend.
We havent come
to clean you out.
Well, youre welcome to stay
as long as you wish.
It is an honor to host you.
So, tell me, Prasutagus...
You built this fort yourself?
No, it is a holding
handed down within my family.
I have merely
improved upon it, and...
will continue to maintain
it for our next generation.
Then your family
stole it from someone.
Bought it, traded, or won it.
- (burps)
- My ancestors had a reputation
for avoiding violence
when necessary.
And I try to uphold
the same tradition.
My king is the personification
of the civilization
in this land.
Solid, bed-rock foundation!
Arable land that you till
and keep fertile with manure
of the beasts that graze here.
And, uh, soil that
does not hold damp,
with the elevation water run-off
and down-hill mitigation.
And the view?
Well, unimpeded from all sides.
I warrant that on a clear day
you can see all the way
to the Watling road.
You are correct.
Its no wonder that this fort
has been so sought-after
this last millennium.
My British king.
We serve you well here, Lord.
Yes.
Yes indeed, you do.
(shouting commands)
Were going to have to be
very well-behaved Britons.
This officious bastard could
royally fuck us if he chooses.
We have to be smart about this.
We make ourselves indispensable.
You are... (clears throat)
Right. Of course.
Now, ready the guards to leave.
Well run raiding parties
for a few days.
Round up any bandits,
cattle thieves, undesirables,
and well send those
to Catus Decianus as a tribute.
Knowing these lands
are dangerous
might temper his desires
to settle here.
Youre a wise man, my lord.
(Prasutagus)
Ill ride with the party.
Exercise will do me good.
I have such a thirst
for you, woman!
A dryness in my soul
that only you can quench.
(twins)
Mother, Father!
Oh, school is over?
Yes.
I need to take
a good look at you.
Now you need to promise me
that you will always stay
by your mothers side.
Promise?
(twins) Promise.
All three of you, stay warm.
I promise.
And I need you to know
that I love you.
And I always will.
I love you too.
(twins laughing)
(thunder rumbles)
(sentry) The men are back!
Close the gate!
(groaning)
Aaargh!
(no audio)
(Boudica sobbing)
(gasping)
Long live the
Queen of the Iceni.
(commands being shouted)
(heavy footsteps)
(indistinct shouting)
All hail Caesar Augustus Nero!
Hail, Catus Decianus.
Please join us.
I shall not stay...
I feel my presence
weighs heavily on the mood
of the locals.
(Boudica laughs gently)
You read too much
into simple curiosity.
Did you receive my tribute?
Yes. I did.
And I thank you.
You have bequeathed
half of your holdings
and lands to me.
Tis a most
generous acquiescence.
Im glad
his lordship is satisfied.
Oh, I have not said that.
As a woman, Rome cannot
and will not
recognize you as queen.
No female is recognized
as worthy
of any position
of governing power.
To do so is a rebuke
against Rome,
Senate, and Empire!
And a personal indignity
to the Emperor.
(loudly)
To try and bribe me
into turning a blind eye
to this wanton ridicule,
this perversion of our laws,
is a crime!
One that begs
to be punished to the full.
I dont understand you.
Well then let me make it simple
for your barbarian brain
to ingest...
I shall not be taking half
of your holdings and lands.
All of your kingdom.
And you will be flogged.
A fate shared by your children,
while you watch.
Oh, you look to Ciaran!
The man who told me
where you husband would be
the day he was killed.
Roman gold will make a convert
of the weak and covetous.
(Catus Decianus)
Stand... down!
(Boudica)
No, please!
(screaming)
(Catus Decianus)
Appointed by the Empire,
bequeathed
by the Emperor himself,
my word is law
as if spoken by Nero!
(frantic screaming)
Henceforth, all land
and properties
owned by Prasutagus of Iceni
are mine!
Hail Nero.
(growling)
Aaaaah!
(gasping and grunting)
Dont you dare touch her!
Noooo! Aaaaah!
(Boudica cries in anguish)
(Catus Decianus)
This was a gift from Nero.
One holds it into fire
then pushes it onto the face
of any misbehaving slave,
thus branding them his property.
N. R.
Nero Rex Dramus.
A-Although, in your case,
the N. R. could stand for
Nec Regina.
Queen no more.
Any disruptive brittunculi
looking to you
will see this mark, laugh,
and be reminded
of your falsehood.
(screaming)
Ohhh...
(Boudica gasps)
The illicit smell
of burning flesh.
(grunting and groaning)
(gurgling cry)
(owl hoots)
(breathing heavily)
(terrified whimpering)
(Cartimanda)
Shh, shh, shh.
Quiet. You must come with us.
(panting)
(Boudica gasping)
die here.
We have to keep moving.
(moaning)
(cries in pain)
(sighing)
Mmm... Girls?
Girls?
Where are my daughters?
Where are my daughters?
Shhh.
(liquid pours)
Were they hurt?
Where are my daughters?
(breathing heavily)
Woah, woah, woah.
(gulps)
Ugh! Oh, I forgot.
Ohhh.
I cant understand
what happened.
You must bring them.
You must bring them, I...
I want to hug them.
- (moans)
- Where are my children?
We... are your children, Boudica.
(groaning)
(sighs)
I need to see my girls.
(twins giggling)
- There you are, Mother!
- Mother, darling!
Oh! Babies!
(gasps) My babies!
Im so sorry!
Im so, so sorry.
I couldnt protect you.
You know...
I fought so hard.
I tried everything.
Its all right, Mother.
(Bre)
Were here with you now.
For your mouth.
- What?
- For teeth.
(Boudica groans)
(Aife) She says a warrior
must be able to bite.
(Bre) She stole it from
the mouth of a dead centurion.
Ohhh...
(gasps) So happy.
You must eat.
She is a warrior.
And a soothsayer.
She says that
you are to be queen.
That your task is
to kill the Romans.
(Bre) We are here
to help you, Mother.
My babies.
My babies!
You must eat.
(exhales)
What are you learning?
We learn how to use weapons.
Must a Trinovante woman fight?
A Trinovante woman
can do anything.
Best of all, they fight.
Can I spend some time
with you, my dears?
It feels like
Ive seen nothing of you.
(Boudica) Mmm...
- Im sorry Ive disturbed you.
- You havent.
Is there anything I can get
for you, my queen?
Ive got everything
I need right now.
But thank you.
(exhales)
Shes looked after you well.
She is our friend, Mother.
Where are her children?
The Romans killed her children.
She had daughters. Like us.
These people want you
to be their queen.
They say youre chosen.
Its an honor.
Oh no, I wasnt chosen.
I was double-crossed
and betrayed,
and my people let this happen!
No, they mean that
Catus chose you.
When he branded you.
No, this...
Its a mark of humiliation.
To the Trinovante,
you have been anointed.
It is our duty
to bring the tribes together.
To kill the Romans.
Do you remember what
Catus ordered his men to do?
In front of your friends,
your family?
Oh I do, I do.
Im sorry.
Im really, really sorry.
You were the Queen of Iceni.
Are the Queen of Iceni.
These people need you now
more than ever.
You really have no choice.
(grunts)
(sword trainer) Wait!
Ill show you.
Neck, under the arm.
Wrist.
Stomach will stop,
but it wont kill.
This is where most
wear their armor thickest.
Neck, under the arm,
under the armor.
Thesell be your targets.
Show me.
Neck!
- Ooh! Wah!
- Yes.
This is for you.
(Boudica gasps)
Where did you get this?
Catus gave it to a Roman.
I killed him.
And now it is yours again.
(Boudica sighs)
Dont cry, Mother.
We cant show weakness.
(sword trainer)
Bronze is the metal of the past.
It wont hold an edge.
Heavy and unwieldy.
More dangerous to its owner
than its enemy.
(Boudica) Not this blade.
Not to me.
(Wolfgar) Whos using
my training area?
Youre the Iceni queen thats
come to save us, arent you?
(sword trainer)
They call her Boudica.
- Thats a bold name.
- I did not choose it.
I see the brand on your face,
and Ive, uh, seen
what a cat-of-nine-tails
does to a mans back.
But how does that qualify you
to lead the Trinovante?
Why should you be leader
and not me?
Im just Boudica.
I fought as an auxiliary
for the Romans.
So I know how they train,
how they tool up,
how they fight.
How they think.
Now Im a deserter,
marked for death.
As are all my men!
But Ive returned...
to lead my people
out of Roman bondage.
So youd best step aside.
(chuckles)
Is that what youre going
to challenge the Romans with?
Bronze was good,
when that was all we had.
Iron...
Thats the way
of modern warfare.
May I?
By the gods,
its ugly in the hand,
heavy, imbalanced.
Theres no life to it.
Thats why we dont use
bronze anymore.
Let me do you a favor!
Huh!
(laughing)
What?
What? I did you a favor!
Where is she?
That blade was shit.
Any real warrior
would know that.
Theres strong currents
in there.
Strong enough to hold a man
down and drown him.
(sighs) Now I feel responsible.
Should I go in?
Whats so interesting?
Maybe this sword chooses
who it performs for.
How did you reshape the blade?
This is how I found it.
This should be interesting.
I was an archer in Armenia,
tracker for Galba in Spain,
swordsman for Rome.
In all of my years
living by the sword
Ive never seen anything
like this before.
Our people asked
the gods of the land
to provide us a leader,
and now they have!
Queen Boudica...
Kneel.
Accept me,
and my men,
as your loyal servants.
(clap of thunder)
I was happy being
a collaborator,
and a wife.
Now...
those two girls are...
the only trace
of the old me. (sighs)
You think I can do this?
Youre the only one who can.
Yeah.
(crackling fire)
Forged
by Catuvellauni craftsmen...
before the time
of the Trinovante
or the Iceni.
The symbol of your royalty...
stolen by the invaders from Rome
and returned to you now.
Do you choose
the royal torque, Boudica?
(whispering)
Put it on.
You must choose it.
Its yours.
In the name
of the four kings of Kent,
Queen Boudica!
(The Trinovante)
Boudica!
I am Boudica.
You are my people.
We are in a time
of extreme peril.
We fight for our freedom!
(The Trinovante) Yes!
Honor!
Yes!
The Romans fight for pay.
We know that the Romans are paid
on the ides
of every third month.
In two days time,
Catus Decianus
will lead a pay convoy
from Londinium to Venonis
and then to Eboracum.
That will lead him straight
through Fallbrook Forest.
Where we shall ambush him.
Catus Decianus has
a centurie of 80 men,
Batavian auxiliaries marching
with him at all times,
along with mounted Equites
and Galician mercenaries.
He will destroy any ambush
you set. Any ambush.
(Boudica)
Its a perfect setup.
The Romans have been plundering
our gold for 20 years!
I think its time
to take it back.
(The Trinovante)
Yes!
We must plan a war!
Wolfgar, if youre not
behind me in Fallbrook Forest,
I will fight Catus alone.
But I will fight him.
Youre as mad as a March hare.
No. Im as clear-headed
as Ive ever been.
I need to know
if you are with me.
Give me my sword.
Thank you.
Was I the only one who saw that?
Our world is...
full of signs.
She must be the one.
(Boudica sighs)
You dont approve, huh?
Your silence speaks volumes.
You ask a lot
of a simple people.
When opportunity
presents itself,
we must seize it.
And Catus in the forest
is an opportunity.
Did I do wrong?
You should not act so willfully.
They call me queen.
And then they question my plan.
Its OK. Well do this
on our own, girls.
Look behind you, Mother.
What they say about you
cannot be more true.
We have chosen you as our queen.
Boudica!
(The Trinovante)
Boudica! Boudica!
(commands being shouted)
(Ciaran)
Step off the road, brittunculi.
Who the fuck are you talking to?
Halt!
You, peasant...
You were dead.
Im your queen.
Or has your ambition
blinded you?
(quietly)
My queen.
I dont know how
or why youre here,
but you must leave now.
I am queen,
and Id like to speak
to your regent,
Catus Decianus.
If you dont go now,
he will crucify you this time.
Send word.
The queen of the Iceni
wishes to parlay.
If you dont tell him,
hell have you whipped like me.
(laughs)
I guarantee you that.
Hm.
(Boudica)
Take a good look!
If you live to have children,
theyll ask about me.
(Catus Decianus)
Where is this brittunculi queen
who would dare stop my cohort?
Well... Speak, she-dog.
Im upset you dont
recognize me, dear Catus,
or has time been
so unkind to me?
She is clearly insane.
Remove and pillar her head
and dont stop us
on such trivialities again!
Im Queen Boudica
of the Iceni and the Trinovante,
the Celts, the Saxons,
of the northern Britons!
I am the wife
of King Prasutagus.
And it will take
a lot more than your blood
to cleanse the foulness
you inflicted
on me and my daughters!
Catus Decianus.
Yeah. Come closer,
and have a good look at my face.
Something you remember?
Bou-di-ca.
Nec Regina!
Your scar has healed.
My men prefer to train
with live targets!
Perhaps I shall grant them
that privilege.
Now, my children.
What witchery is this?
(roaring)
(insect buzzing)
(breathing heavily)
He was hiding in the woods.
Aaah! (panting)
Hail, Queen Boudica!
You traitor!
You traitor! Traitor!
Traitor!
You were supposed
to protect him.
(Boudica screaming)
Enough! Its over!
Its over.
We won the day.
Its over.
We won the day.
Boudica, my queen.
Its over.
Its not over
until every Roman has gone.
My queen?
We ride for Camulos.
Governor Paulinus is still
biding his time in Rome.
The last Ive heard,
his Gemina Legion
was mopping up Druids
in Anglesey, so...
The timing is perfect.
It will need a blessing
from the Druid council.
Youll see to it.
Youre serious.
And I suspect a little mental.
My queen.
But war favors the possessed.
Where are you going?
I reckon Im going
to the Druid council
to try to find a reason for a...
Celtic Trinovante invasion
of Camulos.
You are indeed.
Yeah.
When you drink from the skull
of Catus Decianus,
your victory is complete.
Its a tradition.
There has of late
been a succession of ill omens
for the Roman occupation force.
Where they predict
misfortune for Nero,
they promise fortune
for Brittania.
And her queen...
Boudica.
The council supports your cause.
Us.
Theres nothing
we cannot achieve.
Youre staring at me.
You have your hand on my knee.
(Wolfgar) Oh.
(sighs)
Twenty years of killing enemies
and chasing their wives.
Forgive me, my queen.
Youre forgiven.
But if you ever
touch me like that again,
Ill kill you
before your little man
has had a chance
to raise himself.
By god, woman,
if I didnt already have
two wives...
You have
a way with words, Wolfgar.
(Wolfgar groans)
No one would judge us.
Two warrior leaders,
a man and a woman,
forged together
like charcoal and iron
to become steel
in the furnace of war.
I am the wife
of King Prasutagus.
Please leave.
(Wolfgar groans)
Youve come far, Queen Boudica.
Life is impermanent.
Transitory.
We all die.
You. Your daughters.
What do my daughters have
to do with this?
Theyre in your mind,
as you survived.
They did not.
No. Theyre here.
Like snowflakes in the air.
So beautiful to watch.
Snatch one in your hand.
And when you look...
It will be gone.
Like goosebumps,
the first breath of winter.
They will always be
with you, Boudica.
As spirits.
Love what you can.
Never forget
what it is that you love.
As it defines you.
(faintly)
I want to die.
You will.
But first, you must lead
your army again.
The Druid council have
sanctioned your ride to Camulos.
What if I refuse?
Youre free to do as you wish.
There are no rules
in this world.
Except what death has put there.
Queen. You must rest.
Tell me...
Do you see them?
Do you see my daughters?
Theyre... good girls.
They behave well.
Theyve been waiting for you.
No, I asked, do you see them?
See them?
We see them
in our hearts, Queen.
(twin)
You need to wake up, Mother.
If you attack Camulos,
the Romans will come after you.
They will send archers
to destroy you.
I will kill whoever they send.
And find where they live
and kill their families.
You must do it, Mother.
For us. For Father.
This would not have happened,
had I not chosen to be queen.
It was never
your choice, Mother.
But if I wasnt a queen,
we would still be together.
You look so real.
I can feel you.
I can smell you.
But I know youre not.
We are here with you, Mother.
You must get ready.
Its time.
The Romans murdered men,
women, and children
when they occupied
the town of Camulos.
They made it
a retirement settlement
for the senior centurions.
Do you want
to forgive and forget?
We go home, live another day?
Fuck them.
Hail. Thats my queen.
(cheering)
Go!
Youll make
a handsome centurion,
Ivan. (laughs)
You know I dont like that shit!
Boudica.
We met them on their ground.
(laughing)
He was a man ahead of his time!
Boudica!
Beautiful retribution.
Its not over.
But its a start.
(blacksmiths hammer clanking)
(soldier groaning in pain)
Why arent they celebrating?
To bear pain.
Tribute to the victory.
To whom?
Marco.
By cutting your mark
into their cheek,
they pay tribute
to you, my queen.
Roman soldiers
have their stigma,
now your men have theirs.
What?
Do they know what it means?
(chuckles)
Who gives a shit?
They cant read Latin.
Or any other language,
for that matter.
But what matters
is that its your mark.
Theyre your army now.
What are you doing?
The Romans take pride
in their unit formations,
and my men take great pleasure
in relieving the silks
from the defeated.
These are the units
youve crushed.
The spoils of war, my queen.
Its not nearly enough.
Boudica!
(commands being shouted)
(panicked breathing)
Hold the line!
Hold the line! Dont break!
Charge!
(soldiers roaring)
Hold the line!
(Paulinus)
The rioting is getting closer.
Its dangerous
for you to be here.
(Nero)
Why do my people protest?
The war in Europe was costly.
Your people need a victory.
Its not my fault.
Its the fault
of that awful woman.
They were your laws!
Your orders that
caused the insurrection.
And now Boudica
and her army seem unstoppable.
My dear Paulinus...
Im a musician, not a warrior...
Rome has forsaken me.
Come with us.
How will I defend myself?
Were not here to do you harm.
I have...
only to appear and sing
to have peace once more
- in Gaul.
- No!
(Nero groans)
Then I shall give Rome
the victory that you could not.
Prepare the troops to move.
We sail in the morning.
They are sending reinforcements
that we cannot defeat.
Our army needs to recuperate.
We will return in the spring
with more men from the north
to bolster your ranks.
What should my men think
of you leaving?
You should send them
home as well.
Because now
the time has come to retreat.
I cannot lose, you know that!
Why not finish what we started?
You could become stronger
Briton king before you.
I dont ask my men
to fight in the winter.
Your men should not either.
(Aife) When your men wake
to learn that he has left them,
cause upset.
(Bre) He loves you,
but you have rejected him.
So he leaves.
Lay down with him.
He will stay.
(Bre) He would be king,
you could be queen.
Together, you would defy fate
and destroy Romes armies.
I can love only one man.
What do your daughters say?
(clears throat)
It is our swiftness
that destroyed the Romans.
Move decisively
and we can end this occupation.
But it will be without me.
Youll be sending
exhausted men to slaughter.
I can order you to stay.
Or...
have you killed.
You could.
But you wont.
(deep sigh)
(Wolfgar)
Be sure to take everything.
Dont leave anything behind.
I cast no judgment.
We will see each other
again in the Earrach.
When the snow has melted.
Youre the empress
of the land...
the sky...
the moon.
But you will always be...
my queen.
Get yourselves ready!
I want us moving by sunlight.
Who did they send against me?
As we speak,
the great General Gaius Paulinus
marches on his way
to Watling Street to meet you.
Then...
We will welcome him.
(Paulinus) Well use their
overconfidence to divide them.
But these are not soldiers
that come to offer battle.
Theyre amateurs.
And we, gentlemen,
are professionals.
Eyes held high in pride
are less able to see
the uneven ground ahead.
(shouting to horse in Celtic)
(men cheering)
Boudica! Boudica!
(chanting)
Boudica! Kill them all!
Boudica! Kill them all!
I do not come...
I do not come to boast
of a great ancestry,
nor to recover my kingdom.
Im here to assert
the cause of liberty!
(Celt warriors) Yes!
From the pride
and arrogance of the Romans,
nothing is sacred!
The vindictive gods
are now at hand.
(thunder rumbles)
Look around!
See your brothers and sisters!
And view our numbers.
Behold how our tribes
come together
to draw the avenging sword.
On this spot...
- We must conquer!
- Yes!
Or die with glory.
There is no alternative!
(cheers roar)
(chanting)
Boudica! Kill them all!
Attack!
(horse whinnies)
Aaaaaaah!
Infantry, split the line!
Auxiliary...
Hold...
Hold!
Check your bearing!
Archers, forward!
Archers...
pull!
Turn the chariot over!
Turn it over!
Draw...
Draw... Loose!
Fire!
Fire!
Keep it coming, lets go.
Lay into them. Wipe them out!
Ask your daughters
for help, Boudica. Now!
Girls!
(panting)
Are you going to help us?
The time for fighting
is over, Mother.
Then what?
Its time for you to join us.
What do they say?
After all weve been through,
want to die cowering.
I go where you go.
On my command.
On your word, my queen.
Lets go.
(screams)
(Wolfgar)
Boudica!
Aaaaah!
(Wolfgar)
Boudica!
Boudica!
You are, and you always will be,
my queen!
No!
Time to be a wife
and mother again.
To love and to cherish.
(Aife) Today,
your name in sacrifice
is more important
than your victory in battle.
Its time to go, Mother.
Yaaaah!
(sighs)
(twin giggling)
("Gettasay,"
Alexa Raquel Casciato)
You dont
You dont
You dont
You dont
You dont
You dont
You dont
You dont,
You dont
(dramatic music playing)
(thunder booms)
(centurion shouting orders
in Latin)
(armor clanking)
(whispered prayers)
Forward!
Go! (shouts order in Latin)
(terrified screams)
(heavy breathing)
(seagulls cry)
(footsteps)
(sword zings)
(Neros guard)
Suetonius Paulinus,
Commander of the 14th Gemina
and the 20th Valeria Victrix!
As Praefectus Castrorum
in charge,
what did you have your men do?
I advanced in triplex formation,
cohorts One to Four.
Three and Five in support.
Auxiliary cavalry on flank.
And...
What did these cult leaders
of Mona do
when they beheld
your invasion forces?
Chanting as if
in some sort of trance.
Even when facing
the 14th Gemina Legion,
these experienced Celt
fighting men... kneeled?
Trusting that
their religious leaders
would offer them salvation
against your sword.
Yes. It appears that way, Dominus.
You slaughtered them?
As is my duty to Rome.
The Celt Cucullus believe
in the Furies,
women warriors that symbolize
vengeance and rebirth.
They believe that
a woman warrior
will somehow be their salvation
and end the Roman occupation
of Britannia.
They must not...
find their savior.
As Augustus,
Ive issued a strict decree,
forbidding women from holding
a position of influence,
martial, judicial, or otherwise.
We dont need another woman
like my mother.
This decree must
be upheld verbatim.
And under threat
of severe punishment.
Especially in the tribes
of the island Britannia.
Your Majesty.
(retreating footsteps)
(rooster crows)
(birds sing)
(moans softly)
(dog barks in distance)
(horse whinnies)
(moans pleasantly)
(exhales)
(horse whinnies)
- Uh!
- (both laugh)
You scared me.
(sighs)
So help me, I love you more
with each day that passes.
I know you have made me
the luckiest man alive.
And you, my king,
have made me the proudest
mother, wife, and queen.
(moaning and kissing)
Let me take you, right now.
- Like old times.
- (gasps)
Minds groggy...
Neither asleep...
nor awake.
Mmm... Youre definitely awake.
Whatever we do this morning,
my noble, brave,
and oh-so-worthy
king of the Iceni,
we do it for an audience of, uh,
several servants...
(giggles)
A half dozen guards, and...
Two curious little girls.
(twins giggling)
Theyre awake, arent they?
- Yeah.
- (both laughing)
(gasps)
Good day my king.
May I join you for breakfast?
You and the entire fort,
dear Ciaran!
Cmon. Make yourself at home.
I traveled through the night
(exhales) And Im hungry.
Hungry. Hes hungry!
Im hungry!
(makes munching noise)
Im gonna eat your bones!
Arrrgh!
How goes it in Camulos?
We welcomed a new procurator.
Catus Decianus.
Should I be concerned?
Hes a Roman.
Spoiled by Africa,
and he hates it here.
Hell transfer home at the
first sign of insurrection.
Lets hope.
(twin girl laughing)
Sorry, Ciaran.
My offspring have the
savage blood of the Ancients
running through their veins.
Like their mother.
(Boudica)
Your "offspring"...
is the daughter of a king.
A very intelligent and
quick-witted daughter,
who will serve as a great
queen one day.
(knocking)
(Tutor)
Mornin.
(Boudica)
Ah! Latin study, girls!
(tutor) Good morning, girls.
Are we ready for class?
(Boudica) Yes... Hey!
(twins giggling)
Little savages.
We earn money to pay
a Roman tutor
to teach our daughters
the language of our occupier,
so they might understand
how to navigate a future...
A future where
their fathers rule
will be a distant memory
of an old colony.
Well, we must change,
if we dont want to be
left alone in the cold like...
Barbarian Brigantes.
Well, I love my barbarian wife.
(Boudica exhales)
You have king-like things
to discuss with brave Ciaran,
my love, and I have
a cosmetics session.
And then Im taking
the girls to the market.
Well come find you.
Promise me you always will.
I promise.
Sit down. Come on.
Eat this. No waste in here.
(cosmeta) We import
fashionable cosmetics
from Germania, Gaul,
and fabled Serica.
Some are so expensive and rare,
the Emperor himself chokes when
he pays for his wifes bill.
(gasps)
Excess hair is not considered
fashionable at all this season.
(brief gasp)
(cosmeta)
Rouge for the cheeks,
red ocher, imported from Belgium
and ground against mortar stone
into the finest powder.
The color of your tunic
is so beautiful.
Where did you find it?
From the Oppida,
outside of Roman security lines.
It was cheap there.
(Boudica)
Should we go?
(twins giggling)
(birds sing)
(indistinct conversation)
Oh, excuse me.
Were looking for the Oppida.
Down there.
Thank you.
(distant voices)
What?
Whats the matter with you?
We should not go there.
This is not a place for you.
Were safe,
the Romans are everywhere!
Look what they do to thieves.
These are not criminals,
theyre Christians.
Oh.
(Bre)
Christians dont mix well
with other religions,
so the Romans crucify them.
We should go back.
Ill buy a bolt
of that material,
then we can hurry back.
All right?
Come on.
Ah, yes.
What other colors do you have?
(Aife) Nodens,
god of dogs and hunting,
forbidden by Emperor Claudius.
One
of the divine personifications
in the Imperial Cult.
The gods only granted man
the gifts of intelligence,
virtue, and fidelity.
(fruit seller)
Some fresh fruit?
(Bre) If the Imperial Cult
was so virtuous,
why did they murder
all the Druids?
(quietly) Hey!
Change the subject please.
(lively conversation)
(Aife) Look,
Trinovante warriors.
(raucous laughter)
Boudica.
(Trinovante warriors laughing)
Stop that talk!
This is Boudica.
(Bre)
Why are they kneeling?
And what does Boudica mean?
She was a Trinovante queen.
(Bre)
Mothers an Iceni queen?
(Rosmerta)
Your mothers a Trinovante
who became an Iceni queen.
To these people, that marks her
more powerful than
the Roman Emperor.
Shes like a god to them!
Did your slave just speak ill
of the Emperor?
She meant nothing by it.
Shes a servant, not a slave.
Are you something special
to these joke barbarians?
Vagrants who get fat
on Roman tributes.
(Boudica) It appears you know
more than I, sir.
I dont know who they are.
Come along, children.
Your slave made
a disparaging remark
about the Emperor.
(Boudica) Im sorry.
A queen can afford some wine.
Or the Roman auxiliary
can hear about your slaves
rebellious nature.
Youve really gone too far now!
We have to find your father!
Youre not going anywhere!
Find a legionarius!
(screams)
Aaargh!
(gasps)
(shouts in Germanic language)
(gasps)
Go!
(Prasutagus) Do you want
to know what I did today?
I stood in front of
a room full of centurions
and had to swear that my wife
was a civil and gentle soul.
A wonderful mother,
who just simply loves to weave.
I said and did
nothing to provoke them.
I promise.
(deep sigh)
I negotiated
and bargained more today,
and with more passion,
than Ive had to do in years.
It was really quite thrilling.
However...
I do not wish to do it again,
so we will send
servants into town
next time you want
something special.
Like a blue robe.
At least for the
next year or so.
Tell me, what does it mean?
Boudica...
Mm-hm?
She was a Trinovante legend
before the time of the Druids.
A fierce goddess.
A proud warrior people
that were too...
stubborn to negotiate.
And some believe
she will come again,
to free us from the Romans.
Why me?
(softly) My love.
(deep sigh)
You and I were married
when we were young.
You have a proud lineage.
Theres barbarian blood
that drives your heart,
and they can see that.
Its impossible to hide
it from those people.
Because they look at you
and they see
what you have
achieved with your life.
It incites them.
Fills them full of hope.
Is that a bad thing?
It might scare the Romans
is all that I am saying.
So I wish for you to stay here
and avoid town and barbarians,
at least for a few weeks.
Of course.
Of course. (exhales)
Youre gonna have
to keep me prisoner.
Mmm.
(Boudica)
Ugh! Savages!
(twins giggling)
You monsters! Aah!
Dont kill me!
Ha ha ha!
Wheres the honey mead
you promised me, then?
(Prasutagus chuckles)
Then you wanted
to wash away the taste
of that shitty Roman wine
youve been drinking?
If it gets me drunk,
Ill drink it.
(Boudica laughing)
So, finally, Ive found my three
most fierce warriors!
How are you boys
intimidated by our skill?
(twin) Ugh!
Get him!
Oh, gotcha!
Raargh, thats what you get
for fighting a king!
(hearty laugh)
Ill be back
at the Crannog, my liege.
You can take my wild daughters
with you.
- I want to speak with my queen.
- This way.
Whats the matter with him?
(Prasutagus sighs)
When a man fights in a war
and loses his family, his home.
Ends up with nothing...
Laughter and the sword
cease to go hand in hand.
Shouldve seen
the way that woman
used her sword.
She was...
she was so impressive.
She attacked...
(laughs)
without hesitation.
(exhales)
Im not sure I want my daughters
to be Trinovante Brigante, though.
Fighting. Never trusting anyone.
None of them
live very long lives.
(sighs) To be able
to defend oneself...
Hm!
(laughs)
Cannot be a bad thing.
You...
You clearly have
Trinovante blood in your veins.
Use that ferocity
in a thoughtful way.
Not in a bloodthirsty one.
(Boudica)
Mm-hmm.
Use it to be the
best queen possible.
Ha!
(laughing)
(Boudica shrieks)
Come get me!
If you want to be a warrior
a Trinovante warrior.
- Mmm.
- (Boudica moans)
Then lets go home.
Because I have something
to give you.
Its not really a gift from me.
Its part of the dowry
given by your father,
when I asked for
your hand in marriage.
At the time I didnt really
know what to do with it,
but recent events have proven...
It may well be possible
to leave your origins behind
but I think your origins
will never leave you.
Hmm.
(Bre)
What is it, father?
Protected for centuries
by the ancient Druids,
the Queen of the Furies...
Boudica.
(small gasp)
Thank you, Father.
My king.
It is said that
the ancient smiths
used forgotten magic
from the mountain mists
to forge blades like this.
If you look closely,
youll see how the color changes
with the flickering fire.
As if the God spell
of the Earth itself
is woven within its bronze.
I love it.
(Prasutagus) Perhaps
we rest the blade for now.
(gasps)
Mother!
What are you staring at?
I dont know.
A premonition, perhaps.
(small laugh)
Good things, I hope?
(orders being shouted in Latin)
The Romans are here!
(orders being shouted)
Legions, attention!
Make way for our
most esteemed procurator,
Catus Decianus!
Legion! Outward!
(distant barking)
My lord, this day the Iceni
welcomed you here.
To our lands.
Today, we pay tribute
to the Empire.
Come. Go with us inside.
(twins reciting in Latin)
Iurat capillos esse,
quos emit, suos.
Fabulla: numquid illa,
Paule, peierat?
Well done! They pleased you, no?
Dare I presume to ask
whether they have Roman tutors?
(Boudica) They do.
I knew it!
I told you, Maximus,
I told you that they had
Roman tutors for their children.
When I was in Africa,
I witnessed a dancing monkey
that had been taught
by a Roman tutor.
They really are
the best in the world.
They can teach anybody
the basics of culture.
Even these barbarian children.
How long do you intend to grace
us with your presence, my lord?
A year.
Maybe two.
(guffaws)
Well leave in the morning.
You need only feed
my small entourage
from your supplies for tonight,
and, uh, my pay convoy
on the ides of each third month,
en route to Fallbrook Forest.
Dont worry,
my brittunculi friend.
We havent come
to clean you out.
Well, youre welcome to stay
as long as you wish.
It is an honor to host you.
So, tell me, Prasutagus...
You built this fort yourself?
No, it is a holding
handed down within my family.
I have merely
improved upon it, and...
will continue to maintain
it for our next generation.
Then your family
stole it from someone.
Bought it, traded, or won it.
- (burps)
- My ancestors had a reputation
for avoiding violence
when necessary.
And I try to uphold
the same tradition.
My king is the personification
of the civilization
in this land.
Solid, bed-rock foundation!
Arable land that you till
and keep fertile with manure
of the beasts that graze here.
And, uh, soil that
does not hold damp,
with the elevation water run-off
and down-hill mitigation.
And the view?
Well, unimpeded from all sides.
I warrant that on a clear day
you can see all the way
to the Watling road.
You are correct.
Its no wonder that this fort
has been so sought-after
this last millennium.
My British king.
We serve you well here, Lord.
Yes.
Yes indeed, you do.
(shouting commands)
Were going to have to be
very well-behaved Britons.
This officious bastard could
royally fuck us if he chooses.
We have to be smart about this.
We make ourselves indispensable.
You are... (clears throat)
Right. Of course.
Now, ready the guards to leave.
Well run raiding parties
for a few days.
Round up any bandits,
cattle thieves, undesirables,
and well send those
to Catus Decianus as a tribute.
Knowing these lands
are dangerous
might temper his desires
to settle here.
Youre a wise man, my lord.
(Prasutagus)
Ill ride with the party.
Exercise will do me good.
I have such a thirst
for you, woman!
A dryness in my soul
that only you can quench.
(twins)
Mother, Father!
Oh, school is over?
Yes.
I need to take
a good look at you.
Now you need to promise me
that you will always stay
by your mothers side.
Promise?
(twins) Promise.
All three of you, stay warm.
I promise.
And I need you to know
that I love you.
And I always will.
I love you too.
(twins laughing)
(thunder rumbles)
(sentry) The men are back!
Close the gate!
(groaning)
Aaargh!
(no audio)
(Boudica sobbing)
(gasping)
Long live the
Queen of the Iceni.
(commands being shouted)
(heavy footsteps)
(indistinct shouting)
All hail Caesar Augustus Nero!
Hail, Catus Decianus.
Please join us.
I shall not stay...
I feel my presence
weighs heavily on the mood
of the locals.
(Boudica laughs gently)
You read too much
into simple curiosity.
Did you receive my tribute?
Yes. I did.
And I thank you.
You have bequeathed
half of your holdings
and lands to me.
Tis a most
generous acquiescence.
Im glad
his lordship is satisfied.
Oh, I have not said that.
As a woman, Rome cannot
and will not
recognize you as queen.
No female is recognized
as worthy
of any position
of governing power.
To do so is a rebuke
against Rome,
Senate, and Empire!
And a personal indignity
to the Emperor.
(loudly)
To try and bribe me
into turning a blind eye
to this wanton ridicule,
this perversion of our laws,
is a crime!
One that begs
to be punished to the full.
I dont understand you.
Well then let me make it simple
for your barbarian brain
to ingest...
I shall not be taking half
of your holdings and lands.
All of your kingdom.
And you will be flogged.
A fate shared by your children,
while you watch.
Oh, you look to Ciaran!
The man who told me
where you husband would be
the day he was killed.
Roman gold will make a convert
of the weak and covetous.
(Catus Decianus)
Stand... down!
(Boudica)
No, please!
(screaming)
(Catus Decianus)
Appointed by the Empire,
bequeathed
by the Emperor himself,
my word is law
as if spoken by Nero!
(frantic screaming)
Henceforth, all land
and properties
owned by Prasutagus of Iceni
are mine!
Hail Nero.
(growling)
Aaaaah!
(gasping and grunting)
Dont you dare touch her!
Noooo! Aaaaah!
(Boudica cries in anguish)
(Catus Decianus)
This was a gift from Nero.
One holds it into fire
then pushes it onto the face
of any misbehaving slave,
thus branding them his property.
N. R.
Nero Rex Dramus.
A-Although, in your case,
the N. R. could stand for
Nec Regina.
Queen no more.
Any disruptive brittunculi
looking to you
will see this mark, laugh,
and be reminded
of your falsehood.
(screaming)
Ohhh...
(Boudica gasps)
The illicit smell
of burning flesh.
(grunting and groaning)
(gurgling cry)
(owl hoots)
(breathing heavily)
(terrified whimpering)
(Cartimanda)
Shh, shh, shh.
Quiet. You must come with us.
(panting)
(Boudica gasping)
die here.
We have to keep moving.
(moaning)
(cries in pain)
(sighing)
Mmm... Girls?
Girls?
Where are my daughters?
Where are my daughters?
Shhh.
(liquid pours)
Were they hurt?
Where are my daughters?
(breathing heavily)
Woah, woah, woah.
(gulps)
Ugh! Oh, I forgot.
Ohhh.
I cant understand
what happened.
You must bring them.
You must bring them, I...
I want to hug them.
- (moans)
- Where are my children?
We... are your children, Boudica.
(groaning)
(sighs)
I need to see my girls.
(twins giggling)
- There you are, Mother!
- Mother, darling!
Oh! Babies!
(gasps) My babies!
Im so sorry!
Im so, so sorry.
I couldnt protect you.
You know...
I fought so hard.
I tried everything.
Its all right, Mother.
(Bre)
Were here with you now.
For your mouth.
- What?
- For teeth.
(Boudica groans)
(Aife) She says a warrior
must be able to bite.
(Bre) She stole it from
the mouth of a dead centurion.
Ohhh...
(gasps) So happy.
You must eat.
She is a warrior.
And a soothsayer.
She says that
you are to be queen.
That your task is
to kill the Romans.
(Bre) We are here
to help you, Mother.
My babies.
My babies!
You must eat.
(exhales)
What are you learning?
We learn how to use weapons.
Must a Trinovante woman fight?
A Trinovante woman
can do anything.
Best of all, they fight.
Can I spend some time
with you, my dears?
It feels like
Ive seen nothing of you.
(Boudica) Mmm...
- Im sorry Ive disturbed you.
- You havent.
Is there anything I can get
for you, my queen?
Ive got everything
I need right now.
But thank you.
(exhales)
Shes looked after you well.
She is our friend, Mother.
Where are her children?
The Romans killed her children.
She had daughters. Like us.
These people want you
to be their queen.
They say youre chosen.
Its an honor.
Oh no, I wasnt chosen.
I was double-crossed
and betrayed,
and my people let this happen!
No, they mean that
Catus chose you.
When he branded you.
No, this...
Its a mark of humiliation.
To the Trinovante,
you have been anointed.
It is our duty
to bring the tribes together.
To kill the Romans.
Do you remember what
Catus ordered his men to do?
In front of your friends,
your family?
Oh I do, I do.
Im sorry.
Im really, really sorry.
You were the Queen of Iceni.
Are the Queen of Iceni.
These people need you now
more than ever.
You really have no choice.
(grunts)
(sword trainer) Wait!
Ill show you.
Neck, under the arm.
Wrist.
Stomach will stop,
but it wont kill.
This is where most
wear their armor thickest.
Neck, under the arm,
under the armor.
Thesell be your targets.
Show me.
Neck!
- Ooh! Wah!
- Yes.
This is for you.
(Boudica gasps)
Where did you get this?
Catus gave it to a Roman.
I killed him.
And now it is yours again.
(Boudica sighs)
Dont cry, Mother.
We cant show weakness.
(sword trainer)
Bronze is the metal of the past.
It wont hold an edge.
Heavy and unwieldy.
More dangerous to its owner
than its enemy.
(Boudica) Not this blade.
Not to me.
(Wolfgar) Whos using
my training area?
Youre the Iceni queen thats
come to save us, arent you?
(sword trainer)
They call her Boudica.
- Thats a bold name.
- I did not choose it.
I see the brand on your face,
and Ive, uh, seen
what a cat-of-nine-tails
does to a mans back.
But how does that qualify you
to lead the Trinovante?
Why should you be leader
and not me?
Im just Boudica.
I fought as an auxiliary
for the Romans.
So I know how they train,
how they tool up,
how they fight.
How they think.
Now Im a deserter,
marked for death.
As are all my men!
But Ive returned...
to lead my people
out of Roman bondage.
So youd best step aside.
(chuckles)
Is that what youre going
to challenge the Romans with?
Bronze was good,
when that was all we had.
Iron...
Thats the way
of modern warfare.
May I?
By the gods,
its ugly in the hand,
heavy, imbalanced.
Theres no life to it.
Thats why we dont use
bronze anymore.
Let me do you a favor!
Huh!
(laughing)
What?
What? I did you a favor!
Where is she?
That blade was shit.
Any real warrior
would know that.
Theres strong currents
in there.
Strong enough to hold a man
down and drown him.
(sighs) Now I feel responsible.
Should I go in?
Whats so interesting?
Maybe this sword chooses
who it performs for.
How did you reshape the blade?
This is how I found it.
This should be interesting.
I was an archer in Armenia,
tracker for Galba in Spain,
swordsman for Rome.
In all of my years
living by the sword
Ive never seen anything
like this before.
Our people asked
the gods of the land
to provide us a leader,
and now they have!
Queen Boudica...
Kneel.
Accept me,
and my men,
as your loyal servants.
(clap of thunder)
I was happy being
a collaborator,
and a wife.
Now...
those two girls are...
the only trace
of the old me. (sighs)
You think I can do this?
Youre the only one who can.
Yeah.
(crackling fire)
Forged
by Catuvellauni craftsmen...
before the time
of the Trinovante
or the Iceni.
The symbol of your royalty...
stolen by the invaders from Rome
and returned to you now.
Do you choose
the royal torque, Boudica?
(whispering)
Put it on.
You must choose it.
Its yours.
In the name
of the four kings of Kent,
Queen Boudica!
(The Trinovante)
Boudica!
I am Boudica.
You are my people.
We are in a time
of extreme peril.
We fight for our freedom!
(The Trinovante) Yes!
Honor!
Yes!
The Romans fight for pay.
We know that the Romans are paid
on the ides
of every third month.
In two days time,
Catus Decianus
will lead a pay convoy
from Londinium to Venonis
and then to Eboracum.
That will lead him straight
through Fallbrook Forest.
Where we shall ambush him.
Catus Decianus has
a centurie of 80 men,
Batavian auxiliaries marching
with him at all times,
along with mounted Equites
and Galician mercenaries.
He will destroy any ambush
you set. Any ambush.
(Boudica)
Its a perfect setup.
The Romans have been plundering
our gold for 20 years!
I think its time
to take it back.
(The Trinovante)
Yes!
We must plan a war!
Wolfgar, if youre not
behind me in Fallbrook Forest,
I will fight Catus alone.
But I will fight him.
Youre as mad as a March hare.
No. Im as clear-headed
as Ive ever been.
I need to know
if you are with me.
Give me my sword.
Thank you.
Was I the only one who saw that?
Our world is...
full of signs.
She must be the one.
(Boudica sighs)
You dont approve, huh?
Your silence speaks volumes.
You ask a lot
of a simple people.
When opportunity
presents itself,
we must seize it.
And Catus in the forest
is an opportunity.
Did I do wrong?
You should not act so willfully.
They call me queen.
And then they question my plan.
Its OK. Well do this
on our own, girls.
Look behind you, Mother.
What they say about you
cannot be more true.
We have chosen you as our queen.
Boudica!
(The Trinovante)
Boudica! Boudica!
(commands being shouted)
(Ciaran)
Step off the road, brittunculi.
Who the fuck are you talking to?
Halt!
You, peasant...
You were dead.
Im your queen.
Or has your ambition
blinded you?
(quietly)
My queen.
I dont know how
or why youre here,
but you must leave now.
I am queen,
and Id like to speak
to your regent,
Catus Decianus.
If you dont go now,
he will crucify you this time.
Send word.
The queen of the Iceni
wishes to parlay.
If you dont tell him,
hell have you whipped like me.
(laughs)
I guarantee you that.
Hm.
(Boudica)
Take a good look!
If you live to have children,
theyll ask about me.
(Catus Decianus)
Where is this brittunculi queen
who would dare stop my cohort?
Well... Speak, she-dog.
Im upset you dont
recognize me, dear Catus,
or has time been
so unkind to me?
She is clearly insane.
Remove and pillar her head
and dont stop us
on such trivialities again!
Im Queen Boudica
of the Iceni and the Trinovante,
the Celts, the Saxons,
of the northern Britons!
I am the wife
of King Prasutagus.
And it will take
a lot more than your blood
to cleanse the foulness
you inflicted
on me and my daughters!
Catus Decianus.
Yeah. Come closer,
and have a good look at my face.
Something you remember?
Bou-di-ca.
Nec Regina!
Your scar has healed.
My men prefer to train
with live targets!
Perhaps I shall grant them
that privilege.
Now, my children.
What witchery is this?
(roaring)
(insect buzzing)
(breathing heavily)
He was hiding in the woods.
Aaah! (panting)
Hail, Queen Boudica!
You traitor!
You traitor! Traitor!
Traitor!
You were supposed
to protect him.
(Boudica screaming)
Enough! Its over!
Its over.
We won the day.
Its over.
We won the day.
Boudica, my queen.
Its over.
Its not over
until every Roman has gone.
My queen?
We ride for Camulos.
Governor Paulinus is still
biding his time in Rome.
The last Ive heard,
his Gemina Legion
was mopping up Druids
in Anglesey, so...
The timing is perfect.
It will need a blessing
from the Druid council.
Youll see to it.
Youre serious.
And I suspect a little mental.
My queen.
But war favors the possessed.
Where are you going?
I reckon Im going
to the Druid council
to try to find a reason for a...
Celtic Trinovante invasion
of Camulos.
You are indeed.
Yeah.
When you drink from the skull
of Catus Decianus,
your victory is complete.
Its a tradition.
There has of late
been a succession of ill omens
for the Roman occupation force.
Where they predict
misfortune for Nero,
they promise fortune
for Brittania.
And her queen...
Boudica.
The council supports your cause.
Us.
Theres nothing
we cannot achieve.
Youre staring at me.
You have your hand on my knee.
(Wolfgar) Oh.
(sighs)
Twenty years of killing enemies
and chasing their wives.
Forgive me, my queen.
Youre forgiven.
But if you ever
touch me like that again,
Ill kill you
before your little man
has had a chance
to raise himself.
By god, woman,
if I didnt already have
two wives...
You have
a way with words, Wolfgar.
(Wolfgar groans)
No one would judge us.
Two warrior leaders,
a man and a woman,
forged together
like charcoal and iron
to become steel
in the furnace of war.
I am the wife
of King Prasutagus.
Please leave.
(Wolfgar groans)
Youve come far, Queen Boudica.
Life is impermanent.
Transitory.
We all die.
You. Your daughters.
What do my daughters have
to do with this?
Theyre in your mind,
as you survived.
They did not.
No. Theyre here.
Like snowflakes in the air.
So beautiful to watch.
Snatch one in your hand.
And when you look...
It will be gone.
Like goosebumps,
the first breath of winter.
They will always be
with you, Boudica.
As spirits.
Love what you can.
Never forget
what it is that you love.
As it defines you.
(faintly)
I want to die.
You will.
But first, you must lead
your army again.
The Druid council have
sanctioned your ride to Camulos.
What if I refuse?
Youre free to do as you wish.
There are no rules
in this world.
Except what death has put there.
Queen. You must rest.
Tell me...
Do you see them?
Do you see my daughters?
Theyre... good girls.
They behave well.
Theyve been waiting for you.
No, I asked, do you see them?
See them?
We see them
in our hearts, Queen.
(twin)
You need to wake up, Mother.
If you attack Camulos,
the Romans will come after you.
They will send archers
to destroy you.
I will kill whoever they send.
And find where they live
and kill their families.
You must do it, Mother.
For us. For Father.
This would not have happened,
had I not chosen to be queen.
It was never
your choice, Mother.
But if I wasnt a queen,
we would still be together.
You look so real.
I can feel you.
I can smell you.
But I know youre not.
We are here with you, Mother.
You must get ready.
Its time.
The Romans murdered men,
women, and children
when they occupied
the town of Camulos.
They made it
a retirement settlement
for the senior centurions.
Do you want
to forgive and forget?
We go home, live another day?
Fuck them.
Hail. Thats my queen.
(cheering)
Go!
Youll make
a handsome centurion,
Ivan. (laughs)
You know I dont like that shit!
Boudica.
We met them on their ground.
(laughing)
He was a man ahead of his time!
Boudica!
Beautiful retribution.
Its not over.
But its a start.
(blacksmiths hammer clanking)
(soldier groaning in pain)
Why arent they celebrating?
To bear pain.
Tribute to the victory.
To whom?
Marco.
By cutting your mark
into their cheek,
they pay tribute
to you, my queen.
Roman soldiers
have their stigma,
now your men have theirs.
What?
Do they know what it means?
(chuckles)
Who gives a shit?
They cant read Latin.
Or any other language,
for that matter.
But what matters
is that its your mark.
Theyre your army now.
What are you doing?
The Romans take pride
in their unit formations,
and my men take great pleasure
in relieving the silks
from the defeated.
These are the units
youve crushed.
The spoils of war, my queen.
Its not nearly enough.
Boudica!
(commands being shouted)
(panicked breathing)
Hold the line!
Hold the line! Dont break!
Charge!
(soldiers roaring)
Hold the line!
(Paulinus)
The rioting is getting closer.
Its dangerous
for you to be here.
(Nero)
Why do my people protest?
The war in Europe was costly.
Your people need a victory.
Its not my fault.
Its the fault
of that awful woman.
They were your laws!
Your orders that
caused the insurrection.
And now Boudica
and her army seem unstoppable.
My dear Paulinus...
Im a musician, not a warrior...
Rome has forsaken me.
Come with us.
How will I defend myself?
Were not here to do you harm.
I have...
only to appear and sing
to have peace once more
- in Gaul.
- No!
(Nero groans)
Then I shall give Rome
the victory that you could not.
Prepare the troops to move.
We sail in the morning.
They are sending reinforcements
that we cannot defeat.
Our army needs to recuperate.
We will return in the spring
with more men from the north
to bolster your ranks.
What should my men think
of you leaving?
You should send them
home as well.
Because now
the time has come to retreat.
I cannot lose, you know that!
Why not finish what we started?
You could become stronger
Briton king before you.
I dont ask my men
to fight in the winter.
Your men should not either.
(Aife) When your men wake
to learn that he has left them,
cause upset.
(Bre) He loves you,
but you have rejected him.
So he leaves.
Lay down with him.
He will stay.
(Bre) He would be king,
you could be queen.
Together, you would defy fate
and destroy Romes armies.
I can love only one man.
What do your daughters say?
(clears throat)
It is our swiftness
that destroyed the Romans.
Move decisively
and we can end this occupation.
But it will be without me.
Youll be sending
exhausted men to slaughter.
I can order you to stay.
Or...
have you killed.
You could.
But you wont.
(deep sigh)
(Wolfgar)
Be sure to take everything.
Dont leave anything behind.
I cast no judgment.
We will see each other
again in the Earrach.
When the snow has melted.
Youre the empress
of the land...
the sky...
the moon.
But you will always be...
my queen.
Get yourselves ready!
I want us moving by sunlight.
Who did they send against me?
As we speak,
the great General Gaius Paulinus
marches on his way
to Watling Street to meet you.
Then...
We will welcome him.
(Paulinus) Well use their
overconfidence to divide them.
But these are not soldiers
that come to offer battle.
Theyre amateurs.
And we, gentlemen,
are professionals.
Eyes held high in pride
are less able to see
the uneven ground ahead.
(shouting to horse in Celtic)
(men cheering)
Boudica! Boudica!
(chanting)
Boudica! Kill them all!
Boudica! Kill them all!
I do not come...
I do not come to boast
of a great ancestry,
nor to recover my kingdom.
Im here to assert
the cause of liberty!
(Celt warriors) Yes!
From the pride
and arrogance of the Romans,
nothing is sacred!
The vindictive gods
are now at hand.
(thunder rumbles)
Look around!
See your brothers and sisters!
And view our numbers.
Behold how our tribes
come together
to draw the avenging sword.
On this spot...
- We must conquer!
- Yes!
Or die with glory.
There is no alternative!
(cheers roar)
(chanting)
Boudica! Kill them all!
Attack!
(horse whinnies)
Aaaaaaah!
Infantry, split the line!
Auxiliary...
Hold...
Hold!
Check your bearing!
Archers, forward!
Archers...
pull!
Turn the chariot over!
Turn it over!
Draw...
Draw... Loose!
Fire!
Fire!
Keep it coming, lets go.
Lay into them. Wipe them out!
Ask your daughters
for help, Boudica. Now!
Girls!
(panting)
Are you going to help us?
The time for fighting
is over, Mother.
Then what?
Its time for you to join us.
What do they say?
After all weve been through,
want to die cowering.
I go where you go.
On my command.
On your word, my queen.
Lets go.
(screams)
(Wolfgar)
Boudica!
Aaaaah!
(Wolfgar)
Boudica!
Boudica!
You are, and you always will be,
my queen!
No!
Time to be a wife
and mother again.
To love and to cherish.
(Aife) Today,
your name in sacrifice
is more important
than your victory in battle.
Its time to go, Mother.
Yaaaah!
(sighs)
(twin giggling)
("Gettasay,"
Alexa Raquel Casciato)
You dont
You dont
You dont
You dont
You dont
You dont
You dont
You dont,
You dont
(dramatic music playing)