The movie “Pompeii,” released on Feb. 21, 2014, is exceptional in its telling of a natural disaster based on historical relevance while intriguing its viewer into a tragic story of a star-crossed attraction. It is a great movie to see if looking for a romance tale, though probably not for children or the weak of heart, with violence, gore and slight profanity.

The story of the movie is extremely successful as far as its relevance to the actual catastrophe as well as in the lives of the characters created.

After being made an orphan by Roman Soldiers and the Governor of Rome Corvus, played by Kiefer Sutherland, Milo, played by Kit Harington, is forced to spend his life fighting to the death as a slave used for entertainment in the gladiator ring. While being brought to Pompeii in chains, Milo’s path crosses with a lady of wealthy Pompeiian family, Cassia, played by Emily Browning. Cassia, looking to return to her home in Pompeii after an unfavorable visit in Rome, finds Milo exceptionally intriguing.

Harington plays an alluring yet mysterious character with no doubt on how his life will eventually end in the arena. This gives his character an almost total lack of self-preservation, which Harington displays beautifully in the acts he performs as well as his expressions.

Browning is exquisite with her portrayal of an aspiring young lady whose time away from home has caused her bothersome memories that seem to follow her even after she has returned. As a somewhat rebellious girl who is trying to put her life back together, she finds Milo as her comfort despite the consequences in which they both know will follow if they continue.

Sutherland plays a Roman Governor who is notorious for being cruel and greedy. Taking what he wants by force and stepping on any who get in his way, Sutherland executes this dark side of his character very well in his demeanor towards the other characters in the movie.

With the plot residing in a mix of death, heart-break and unconventional love, Pompeii could be the Roman spin-off of Romeo and Juliet.