Gladiator is one of the best movies ever made! The special effects were spectacular and the acting splendid! Russell Crowe's performance was nothing short of the best there is. The score was powerful and really something to hear.

Gladiator (2000)

Directed by Ridley Scott
Russell Crowe as General Maximus Decimus Meridus
Joaquin Phoenix as Emperor Commodus
Connie Nielsen as Lucilla
Oliver Reed as Proximo
Richard Harris as Emperor Marcus Aurelius

Gladiator is set in Italy and Germania in 180 AD. The Roman Empire was at the end of the long ten year campaign to conquer Germania. The opening scene with Maximus leading his legions into battle was grand! It was one of the best battle scenes filmed to date. With the last formidable Army of Germania finally conquered, Emperor Marcus Aurelius had one more task for Maximus to do before he could go home.

The task was to be the protector of Rome and give Rome back to the people. To put an end to the dictatorships and make her a republic once again. The only thing that stood in his way was heir to the throne, Commodus. Emperor Marcus Aurelius told his son, Commodus that he would not be Emperor and Maximus would be the protector of Rome until the Senate restructured Rome's government. Commodus didn't take the news so well. Believing that he was the first one to learn of this new plan he simply killed dear old dad on the spot! The only problem with this was that the Emperor had already spoke with Maximus of his plans.

This immediately makes Commodus the Emperor. Needless to say, Maximus doesn't side with Commodus and openly accuses him of murder. Commodus orders his praetorians to kill the General, kill his family and burn his house down. Maximus manages to escape and rides for his life towards home to save his beloved wife and son! His arrival was to late, the Commodus Gestapo had already crucified his wife and son and were gone.

Maximus had been betrayed, wronged in the worst way and supposed to be dead. He was found nearly dead and sold to Proximo. Proximo ran a gladiator show. Maximus was filled with hate and hurt and took his pain out on ever gladiator that he would meet in the arena. His vengeance in the arena made him a legendary gladiator.

As the new Emporor of Rome Commodus ordered 100 days of games in the Coliseum. Proximo and his gladiators were needed in Rome. Maximus promised to give them something they had never seen! If he could get with in a swords distance of Commodus, he would have his revenge!

~Will Maximus get that close to Commodus?

~Will Rome be a Republic once again?

Conclusion

In my opinion Gladiator is one of he best movies ever made. The acting was very convincing, the cast was great! Several of the main characters were nominated for Academy Awards. Ridley Scott went to great lengths to give the audience a different and authentic grasp of a Roman gladiator of that time and he does that with out a doubt! The acting, special effects and directing by Scott make this movie one of the best!

{Quotes from Gladiator}

Commodus: The general who became a slave. The slave who became a gladiator. The gladiator who defied an emperor. Striking story! But now, the people want to know how the story ends. Only a famous death will do. And what could be more glorious than to challenge the Emperor himself in the great arena?
Maximus: You would fight me?
Commodus: Why not? Do you think I am afraid?
Maximus: I think you've been afraid all your life.

Maximus: Do you find it difficult to do your duty?
Cicero: Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to.

AWARDS

Academy Awards (2000)

~Best Actor in a Leading Role: Russell Crowe
~Best Costume Design: Janty Yates
~Best Effects, Visual Effects
~Best Picture
~Best Sound

Runtime: 2 hours 30 minutes
Rated: [R]

Thanks for the read,

~Mac

©2002 Joe McMaster

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older