Synopsis
“Those who govern are not allow to be weak. No matter how much suffering this may cause themselves or others”.
These Augustus‘ words as he sends his daughter into exile for being the mistress of his worst enemy. Words which encapsulate his whole philosophy of life.
The film recounts two stages of the fascinating life of Emperor Augustus: the vertiginous rise to power of the valiant young Augustus who defeats his enemies in order to fulfil Caesar‘s dreams; and the last struggle of the old Emperor against destiny, fate and his family as he tries to find a suitable successor.
The two plots interweave throughout the film by means of a ingenious dramatic expedient as the old Augustus tells his daughter of the glorious days of his youth.