Rating: 
Summary: great dvd - not too accurate opening battle scene
Review: excellent dvd and very good movie. fun to watch. I enjoyed it enormously. Gladiators fighting against chariots is one of the best combat scenes ever made and make you understand why it took so long to outlaw gladiator fights in Rome. Almost makes you want to be there and watch it live!opening battle with Germans is done impressively, but super inaccurate:
Romans won their wars not with cavalry charges but with marches of superbly disciplined, trained and equipped infantry.
Cavalry at that time was used only to chase and finish off routed enemy.
They did not even have stirrups yet, which made horseman effective on the battle field few centuries later. during the period when Gladiator takes place cavalry could not and would not make a "decisive charge".
and finally, in that battle German tribesmen were MUCH more likely to have mounted troops than Romans, which they don't.
Rating: 
Summary: GladiSpartaBrave-Hur
Review: As universially popular as this movie is, I am apparently a closet case. I hated this movie. The saving grace is Joaquin Phoenix. Now although I understand in the world of internet reviewers, my assessment means squat, but I think I need to get this off my chest. Gladiator is an over-hyped money machine that happened to be released in a down year for Oscar worthy contenders. The huge reason why is because it is nothing more than the merger of Spartacus, Ben-Hur, with some Braveheart sprinkled in for good measure. There is even a scene in which a "teacher" paints a would-be gladiator with different colored paints to show the different kill areas of a body while in combat - an alomst exact copy of Spartacus. I don't understand what the appeal is to this movie, except that those other movies have been long since forgotten and this can be viewed as a "fresh epic." Another overrated aspect of this film, aside from the film itself, is Russell Crowe. While I admired his work a year later in A Beautiful Mind, he didn't show me anything Kirk Douglas couldn't do. Oscar voters were floored by his ability to look angry and mumble lines and swing a sword. Tom Hanks, who also was nominated that year for Cast Away, had to lose 70 punds, grow a 2 foot long beard and carry a movie by himself for 75 minutes, but Crowe's ablilty to kill people was one of the greatest acting jobs ever! I'm being sarcastic, by the way. Phoenix, who plays the villian, is the one who wowed me. He appeared to actually loate Crowe, as I'm sure people do when Russell goes to a bar at night and starts beating them up. I'm not a fan of Spartacus either, but rent that instead of over-rated hype machine of 2001, otherwise known as Gladiator.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Loose Hollywood Fiction, Terrible Pseudo-History
Review: Ridley Scott's brilliant skills as director bring vivid imagery to the pageantry and spectacle of the Roman Empire. Unfortunately, the historical context of the story is so thwarted that it was rather disappointing. Although Scott's directing is particularly famous for setting a mood through almost surreal imagery (i.e. 1492, Blade Runner), it seemed really overdone in some parts of this film. In terms of historical credibility, this film is about never never land. It would be just the same as making a movie where Grant decides to join the Confederacy and the Union loses the Civil War. Although a general named Maximus did lead the German legions, he was executed by Commodus shortly after Marcus Aurelius' death. The most absurd part of the plot was the notion of Rome turning once again into a republic with overwhelming support. In truth, such sentiments were long dead at that point as the republic had ceased to exist for over 200 years; a well developed imperial bureaucracy provided many peoples with prominent positions and considerable influence to keep the imperial institution fixed as a permanent one. In turn, political struggles manifested themselves as palace intrigues or ambitious generals gaining the loyalties of devoted legions. Thus, the climactic ending where Rome is once again an ideal republic comes across as a cheap farce demonstrating either the historical ignorance of the script writer or, more likely, Hollywood's excessive indulgence in further perpetuating a propagandist pseudo-history. The opening scene depicting the battle betweent the Rhine Legions and the Germanic tribes is truly brilliant in terms of cinematography; a feat unattempted since Kubrik's epic depiction of the Roman legions attacking the slave army in "Spartacus." Although much of the armor and weaponry seemed faithful to the imperial army of the day in terms of the regular legions and cavalry, I was disappointed in the costumes of the praetorian guards; the armor was so polished and the helmets so futuristic that they almost seemed to be extra props from a "Star Wars" movie conveniently shuffled on to the next film set. The same is true for some of the scenes in the gladiatorial shows such as the crossbows: weapons that didn't exist at the time. The unpaved dirt roads leading into Rome were also a laugh. Finally, Commodus' triumphal procession through Rome was too rigid to be credible. The costumes were too futuristic and the whole scene seemed too clean and polished: the characters appeared to be more like lead miniatures neatly arranged in a glass display. The soundtrack was an utter disappointment. The wailing new-aged Persian singing being truly out-of-tune with the context of the movie: is this a movie about imperial Rome or the Middle-East? A little more imperial fan-fare please (i.e. Miklos Rosza, Basil Poledouris.) This was as inappropriate as using Hawaiian music for a classic Western soundtrack. The music for the Commodus' procession was also such a cheap steal of Richard Wagner's "The Ring" trilogy they might as well have stuck to the original: absolutely no creativity in that musical score. Despite these draw backs,the acting was decent: especially J. Phoenix as Commodus and Oliver Reed as Proximo. The combat scenes were a little quick in timing but certainly captured the mood of the fury and excitement of these spectacles. Oscar material? No. Worth owning? Most definitely.
Rating:
Summary: Visually Stunning Presentation of a Simple Plot
Review: My rating indicates my regard for this film in terms of its entertainment value. The plot is essentially uncomplicated and too often predictable. There is almost no character development. And there is only one conflict, really, whose resolution occurs long after the most thrilling action has occurred. However, Russell Crowe's performance as Maximus is (no pun intended) commanding, the special effects are first-rate, and -- from beginning to end -- this film is visually stunning. The plot (such as it is) focuses on Maximus who, soon after his greatest military victory, finds himself enslaved and in training to become a gladiator. (By then we already know that he is a fearless and skillful warrior.) Eventually, circumstances enable him to return to Rome where he hopes to gain revenge on Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) for reasons which should not be revealed in a commentary such as this. Although working with an idea-impoverished screenplay, director Ridley Scott keeps the narrative moving along at a brisk but appropriate pace. Although Crowe dominates the screen (and was later selected to receive an Academy Award as best actor), others in the cast provide strong performances. I was especially impressed by Phoenix, Richard Harris' brief appearance as Marcus Aurelius, Oliver Reed (Proximo), Djimon Hounsou (Juba), Derek Jacobi (Gracchus), and Connie Nielsen as Commodus' sister Lucilla. For me, three years after seeing Gladiator for the first time, the dominant images are no longer those of the life-or-death competition but rather, of the opening scenes when Maximus leads his troops to victory against the Saxons, later when he returns to his farm, and still later when he and Juba nourish their friendship with exchanges of confidences. How ironic that a film so filled with brilliantly-staged violence should persist in my memory because of images wholly unrelated to that violence. It received an Academy Award as best film as well as for best costume design, sound, and visual effects. I think it is a notch or two above earlier and similar films such as The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964) but not quite in the same league with the director's cut version of Spartacus (1960). One man's opinion.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Film
Review: I was originally hesitant to watch Gladiator because it had relatively poor trailers that made the film out to be another version of Braveheart. I can honestly say that I was very wrong. Gladiator is one of the best films I have ever seen. The story line of Gladiator is one of the aspects of the film that makes it great. A Roman General, in command of thousands, is betrayed and becomes a slave. The slave is bought by a man who is involved in the gladiator fights of that era. The gladiator does so well that he becomes a fan favorite and seeks revenge on the emperor who betrayed him. This is Russell Crowe's breakout role. Before this, Crowe had a bunch of minor films. Crowe really took this film to the next level. His supporting cast is average. The score that accompanies this film is second to none. This movie is not just a bunch of fight scenese that re-define gore. It isn't a sappy romantic movie. It is a movie that combines most major emotions that other films can't really bring together. The war scenes are the caliber of those of Braveheart. Most of the fight scenes are not anything special but there are a few that really take violence to the next level. On the special DVD there is a 1hr documentary on the life of Gladiators in the days of the Roman Empire. It is a great look at what that lifestyle was really like. There is also a short behind the scenes look at the filming of the movie. The extra scenes with the director's commentary are a nice touch too.
Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: I didn't completely understand what the history was between Maxium (Russell Crowe) and that lady, but it was a little confusing. There were a lot of surprises in this movie that I didn't expect! It is definately worth the time (I think it's about 2 hours long) and money.
Rating:
Summary: Great action film? Yes. Best Picture winner? No.
Review: Return to ancient Rome as we follow one man's life from noble general, to owned slave to triumphant gladiator. Thing is, I don't care. Bring on the fights! We follow Maximus, a general for Rome, and very good friend of the Emperor. The emperor's son, Commodus, however is extremely jealous of him, so he kills the emperor and orders Maximus's death. When he escapes, he's bought as a slave that fights to the death for sport and entertainment. He builds a big reputation and gets to fight in Rome's Colliseum to get revenge. Personally, I didn't care that much for the story or the acting. However, the fight scenes were very thrilling to watch. Only problem? It's Rated R, they do show gore but VERY brief. Why could'nt they show the full scene since it's Rated R anyway?
Rating:
Summary: You gotta love it
Review: Good story even if it isn't historically accurate as some would like. Hey, it's not a documentary, it's entertainment. Lots of action and the special effects are awesome.
Rating:
Summary: one of the few perfectly done movies
Review: This movie is not about the fight scenes or special effects. It is the story of how a man overcomes both disastrous events and faces his personal struggles. All the characters in this movie are wonderfully real and the movie has a great soundtrack also. If you think Commodus was corny in the movie, obviously you don't know anything about Roman history; some emperors were actually more crazy than him. It took me until the third viewing to understand how masterfully he was portrayed. Don't just watch this movie for the battle scenes; it is so much more than that. Watch it for the characters and how their beliefs affect their decisions. If I could never see another movie except for this one, that would be fine with me. Ridley Scott is a genius!
Rating:
Summary: EPIC
Review: I KNOW YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE "ESSAYS" ON THIS MOVIE TELLING YOU HOW IT IS SO I'LL BE SHORT. tHIS MOVIE WAS VERY ENTERTAINING AND WELL ACTED.I LAUGHED I CRIED AND I SPEWED. I RECCOMEND THIS TO EVERYONE WHO APPRECIATES A GOOD EPIC THAT DANCES IN THE SHADOWS OF BEN HUR OR EVEN GONE WITH THE WIND.
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