Rating: 
Summary: Stunning, Brilliant, Classic, Masterpiece,etc.
Review: Why is everyone complaining that this movie is not historically accurate?? Who cares, it's a movie, not an encyclopedia. Strong performances by evereyone particularly by Crowe and Phoenix. Even though its 155 minutes long, it keeps you interested with amazing battle scenes and well written plot.Everytime I watch it, only one word comes to mind: Stunning.. This is one of the all time greats
Rating:
Summary: Gladiator
Review: The setting for Gladiator is ancient Rome, around 180 A.D. At the beginning of the film a Roman general, Maximus, is leading his army into battle against a final enemy stronghold to achieve total victory in the war. Maximus (Russell Crowe) leads his men to victory while the emperor, Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) observes the battle from a distance. The aging emperor Marcus commends Maximus on the victory and his capabilities as general. The emperor's high regard for Maximus is well known and he intends for Maximus to succeed him as Emperor. Marcus' son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who believes himself the next emperor, learns of his fathers plan. He quickly kills Marcus to keep anyone from discovering his plan for Maximus. Commodus then proceeds to destroy Maximus. When Maximus refuses to acknowledge Commodus as emperor he is ordered killed. He escapes and returns to his homeland where he learns his wife and son have been killed by Commodus' men.
Maximus is soon captured and taken to Zucchabar to be sold as a slave. He is bought and forced to live the life of an arena gladiator. He fights gladiators, barbarians, and tigers determined to win his freedom and return to Commodus for revenge.
Well written and plenty of action. A film worth watching several times. Although the setting and theme was of centuries ago, the entire film, while spectacular at times, seemed non-exaggerated and possible.
Rating:
Summary: Semper Fi in Antiquity
Review: Having been brought up in the classics, naturally anything that has to do with ancient Greece or Rome will catch my attention. Whether it holds it for very long or not is another matter; fortunately, Gladiator, for all of its shortcomings, did. This is a work of fiction, and must be approached as such. I have seen numerous reviews that criticise the film for its lack of authenticity and historicity -- this is perhaps an unfair criticism. It is as unfair as if to say Star Wars is unhistorical, or the events portrayed on Spin City didn't really happen historically -- of course they didn't. This is what fiction is all about. Of course, there will be some grounding in reality (do we really want to divorce fiction completely from reality so that every city becomes Metropolis and every proper name must be changed?). Once I realised that this movie was intended to be a work of fiction, and not a dramatically-charged documentary, I relaxed and had an enjoyable time. There was an emperor Marcus Aurelius, who was rather effective in a Machiavellian way early in his reign, and later turned to a more philosophical bent; his collected thoughts have been published in many forms, including as part of the great Harvard set of great thinkers. His son Commodus did in fact succeed him, though not after suffocating him on the German frontier, and was an emperor of a fair inferior stamp; he played to the mob, not necessarily more than previous emperors had (and, in fact, Marcus Aurelius had not suspended the games in Rome--no wise ruler would risk such a thing), but rather more than the elite classes of Rome would prefer. Commodus in fact had (as did many emperors before and after) love affairs with relatives, friends, and strangers. He was ruthless (this much the movie kept true), but not quite as clever at intrigue as even the movie (in which he finally gets his come-uppance) suggests. The character of Maximus is a complete fiction. An honourable man for whom Semper Fi would be the appropriate appellation; he is charged by his beloved emperor Marcus Aurelius essentially to save the empire and restore the Republic (how odd that he receives assistance from a character played by Derek Jacobi, who played the Republican-minded Claudius in I, Claudius); alas, the end of the film leads one to believe that with the death of Commodus, the Republic will be restored. The Republic was never restored. The Empire fell, and anarchy took its place. The Dark Ages in the West ensued, and the Eastern Empire became the Byzantine Empire, leading a decadent and slowly-crumbling existence for another thousand years. But, heroic tales owe nothing to political realities (as most who discern the truth behind modern political campaigning will inform you!) -- this is a tale of honour and the triumph against great odds of virtue. Russell Crowe does an admirable job as Maximus, the Spaniard general turned slave by betrayal, who finally wins his dignity back in the arena in Rome. Joaquin Phoenix does an interesting job as Commodus, both weak and manipulative while being determined and ruthless. Derek Jacobi turns in his usual good acting job, though perhaps he is the wasted element in this film. The cinematography is choppy, particularly in the battle sequences; this is, I am sure, meant to convey the disarray and distraction of battle. I am not sure it succeeds. The dream sequences and 'floating' periods are rather strange, with camera trickery more akin to a music video than an epic film. There are some very well done pieces, though, including the use of colouration to show vibrancy or gloom on the well-done modeling of Rome and the Colloseum. The battle sequences that open the film are well done and realistic with regard to tactics and conditions of the Roman fight against the Germanic tribes. Unlike movies like Spartacus, which highlight some of the marching tactics, or Cleopatra, which shows use of the turtle formation, but do so in relative isolation from surrounding conditions, in Gladiator we get both a sense of the discipline and tactics of the Roman army as well as the difficult conditions under which they were fighting. As one Marine commentator told me, the Romans were often outnumbered by the ferocious Germans, but the discipline and battle tactics of the Romans usually won out because there was unit cohesion and command structure that looked at the larger battle as a whole; whereas the Germans at this period were independent, individual warriors who each, while brave and fierce, saw himself as a leader, and thus did not work together. The Celts often had the same problem. Of course, on the other hand, there were bits of reality that were omitted from the film -- gladiators did indeed become superstars in Rome, more popular than the rulers (of course, that situation happens in modern times, too, where athletes and film stars are often far more popular than political leaders). Gladiators went so far as to endorse products and do much that modern celebrities do, but this was considered 'over the top', and left out of the screenplay. Some judicious editing might make this a great film; as it is, it is a very good film, one that sets a new standard in what was considered a dead (or at least comatose) film genre.
Rating: 
Summary: Good film. But not great!
Review: Wow! I'm glad this movie got Oscars! It was deserved! The best of the year!.....Ooops wait! I was actually thinking of "Traffic" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (Which showed how politically unfair the Academy Awards were when they both lost best picture to this work of unoriginal, mediocre quality) The fighting scenes are entertaining, but between the action you'll want to fast forward over the unintelligent dialouge and card-board acting. Poor Russell Crowe, who was looked over at the Oscars for his great performance in The Insider and won for a very overrated performance in this (If you watched the Oscars that night you'll know that he knew that as well). Poor Academy voters, who have yet to make up for continuing to let mediocre, non-challenging movies that has the artistic merit of a advertising billboard, win the top awards. It was entertaining! But also very lacking.
Rating:
Summary: Ridley Scott at his best!!!!
Review: What a directorial tour de force for Ridley Scott. Since getting hooked on the DVD format, I have come to appreciate director's more and more every day. This film is a beautiful mix of cinematic artistry, state of the art effects, powerful music by my favorite composer Hans Zimmer, fantastic acting from the entire cast and Ridley Scott weaving it all together masterfully.
This genre of film has had some real tragedies and this film showed what could happen in the hands of a true craftsman like Scott.
The extras are true blessing especially when it comes to the deleted scenes. In the commentary running with them Scott says they were all sacrificed for time and that is a shame as they were really fantastic even if they did end up on the cutting room floor. They added so much development to the characters especially that of Commodus played by Joaquin Phoenix. Aside from having a humorous name, (a commode is a toilet), he was really a sad man and Phoenix dialed right into the pain he felt of not having the love of his father.
Rating: 
Summary: A great historical movie!
Review: Gladiator is a richly textured, well-written, and most of all truly spectacular film, I realy liked it. There is a lot of action and suspense.
But it's a bit too violent.
The actors act very well particularly Russell Crowe.
The characters are very attaching so you feel often sad.
Crowe's performance is so good really because of his charisma, the way he looks and speaks. His powerful screen presence enables him to capture the audience's attention, and Maximus is really a character you can root for.
Joaquin Phoenix is convincing and intelligent as Commodus, having an authoritative, commanding presence.
The fact that Commodus has done and tried to do such sick and evil things makes you really hate him.
Roger Ebert said that a quirkier actor might have been more fun in the role.
But if there was, you probably wouldn't be able to hate Commodus as much.
The old pros Jacobi, Reed, and Harris are all great, but Reed stands out in the trio, giving a splendid performance and since he appears in the film longer, his character is fleshed out more. Nielsen is fine as Commodus' sister Lucilla.
Gladiator" starts off with a bang as the Roman Legions battle Germanic hoards in the forests of Southern Germany. It is spectacularly staged, with the stoic Russel Crowe (Maximus) leading the charge and hacking away at opposing fighters.
After the fight, Maximus learns from the ailing Emperor Marcus Aruelius (Harris) that he is be the Emperors' heir, and not the Emperor's son, Commadus (Phoenix).
Commadus goes berserk and Maximus is forced to flee and he finds his family back home dead.
In despair, he wanders aimlessly collasping in an open plain and picked up by a group of Gladiator recruiters, led by a former Gladiator named Proximo (Reed). From there, Maximus is a Gladiator fighting in pest-infested arenas, waiting for his chance to return to Rome and Commadus.
So I liked it and I recommended it!
Rating:
Summary: A Visual, and Emotional, Triumph
Review: Ridley Scott is one of the most visually prolific directors ever. His films "Alien" and "Blade Runner" alone are testaments to his talents, though the Roman epic "Gladiator" is one of his best, resurrecting Rome but at the same time delivering a classic Shakesperian story ripe with feeling and authenticity. He employs an extraordinary cast, which include Russel Crowe who won an Academy Award for his portrayal as the fallen general Maximus. Not to mention Joaquoin Phoenix is creepy and sullen as the coniving Commadus and the late Oliver Reed and Richard Harris are wonderfully animated in their respective roles as Proximo and Marcus Aruelius. And Connie Nielson is effective as Commadus' sister, who is terrified of mourning her slain father for her fear of her unstable brother. "Gladiator" starts off with a bang as the Roman Legions battle Germanic hoardes in the forests of Southern Germany. It is spectacularily staged, with the stoic Russel Crowe (Maximus) leading the charge and hacking away at opposing fighters. After the fight, Maximus learns from the ailing Emperor Marcus Aruelius (Harris) that he is be the Emperors' heir, and not the Emperor's son, Commadus (Phoenix). Commadus goes berserk and Maximus is forced to flee and he finds his family back home dead. In despair, he wanders aimlessly collasping in an open plain and picked up by a group of Gladiator recruiters, led by a former Gladiator named Proximo (Reed). From there, Maximus is a Gladiator fighting in pest-infested arenas, waiting for his chance to return to Rome and Commadus. Even though big-budgets are routinely given out these days, "Gladiator" lives up to its epic title by being granted a $100 million-plus budget, and it shows. The special effects are mega-sized, resurrecting the landmark Roman Coliseium in all its glory. When the gladiators enter to 50,000 screaming Romans, one cannot help but be in awe. The visuals are not limited to computers though. The costume and set designs are exquisitely detailed, down to the last thread of silk on Connie Nielsons' gowns. "Gladiator" looks, smells and feels like ancient Rome. Some people say that this movie is no more than overblown spectacle, devoid of a story worth following and empty acting all-around. Now, everyone is entitled to their own opinion (with the internet you can just about read everyone's anyway) but I see "Gladiator" as a triumph as a modern-day epic. It brims with equal parts visual splendor and genuine emotion, carried by restrained but stylistic direction and wondrous acting. It succeeds at being both a feast for the eyes and as grand storytelling. When Maximus bellows "Are you not entertained?!," I will respond with a resounding "Yes."
Rating:
Summary: Don't Get Too Attached to the Characters
Review: I cannot help but feel sadness when remembering this movie. Not because it was a bad movie, but because it was so good in that I cared about the characters. Isn't that how you know when a movie or a story is great? When one starts to forget what room they are in and starts thinking about what they would do in such and such a situation, or they find themselves praying for the characters (only very quickly smacking themself in the mind to "snap out of it"), then one knows she has a movie worth the cost. The Gladiator is a movie about duty and honor, but it is tragic as the main character never really...well, you will have to see the movie for that (if you haven't) and if you have, then your getting angry or filling in the blank where I left off has made my point. You could not stop. You knew it by heart. You knew the Gladiator. You others can know it too. Only remember this: it was not being a Gladiator that made him great; it was his character. And that point is all the more why I recommend heartily with five stars - Gladiator. Just get it and see!
Rating: 
Summary: 'Gladiator' pretends to be a great movie.
Review: 'Gladiator' pretends to be a great movie, but it didn't fool me. There not a single original idea in the entire film; an outcast's family is killed by the evil emperor, the outcast trains himself to get revenge, the outcast kills the emperor in the end.
I guess millions of other people were fooled because this movie won a bunch of awards and made millions.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely flawless
Review: A magnificent and wholly believable performance by Russel Crowe. You;d almost want to pick up a gladius and follow him yourself!
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