HBO's Rome (2005) is a masterpiece

Started watching this on a whim and I'm close to season 1 finale. I don't know how season 2 rolls but season 1 is literally HBO at its very best.

I've always praised The Sopranos for making you feel like the characters in the story are real people but Rome takes it to the next level. I care so much about these characters that I'm dreading each episode for fear of bad things happening.

Flawless acting from the cast, incredible set pieces, writing and dialogue, and the attention to detail with the purpose of immersion is so...extreme.

I don't know how factually accurate the mannerisms or all the little details are, but they FEEL 100% authentic. Genuinely feel like if I went back to the Roman times this is....probably what it would be like, more or less.

AND the cinematography is stunning at times. I can immediately think of like 10 cool as fuck shots that made me feel like I was looking at some painting. Shots like these. (edit: sike, decided not to go find all the cool shots, too lazy)

Just, a super rewarding experience overall. Don't know how season 2 fares but I highly highly rec season 1.