Boudica (or sometimes Boudica: Queen of War), is a 2023 British action drama film directed and written by Jesse V. Johnson. The film follows the eponymous Celtic warrior of the Iceni people, Boudica, in Roman Britain and how she revolted against the Romans after the death of her husband, Prasutagus. The film stars Olga Kurylenko as the titular character. The film received mixed reviews.
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Synopsis
Boudica is the wife of Prasutagus, king of the Iceni, in the aftermath of the Roman conquest of Britain. Although there is an old legend of the Trinovantes about a woman warrior who will lead them to victory, they embrace Roman culture and raise their daughters to speak Latin. While visiting the market, Boudica's servant makes a disparaging comment about the emperor Nero which leads to a confrontation with the Roman merchant. Boudica is rescued by a woman of the Trinovantes. Prasutagus smooths over the situation with the Romans.
The Roman procurator Catus Decianus visits Prasutagus and, despite their hospitality, appears displeased. Prasutagus intends to make him a gift to win him over, but is soon killed by brigands. His guardsman Ciaran brings the news to a devastated Boudica. She becomes queen and gifts half her kingdom to the Romans. Catus arrives during her inauguration, however, and claims that a woman cannot be queen in the Roman empire. He dismisses Boudica's gift as an attempted bribe, declares the kingdom confiscated, and has her and her daughters flogged. He also reveals that Ciaran betrayed Prasutagus to Catus's men, before branding Boudica on the face.
