Gladiator

Rating:
Summary: Not bad for an epic
Review: As a historian, I found the inaccuracy of this film bearable as I have seen a lot worse, and we have to have a good story or it's not worth watching, right?

However I found that the film was too long, especially the battle scenes and Russell Crowe's Aussie accent really got on my nerves. I don't think he deserved the oscar for this role, he should have got it for the insider but that is the way it goes.

And I think by far the best performance was that of Joaquin Phoenix (Emperor Commodus), who not only looked like an overfeed ceasar, but convincinly played a madman obbsessed with winning the affection of both the populace and his sister and yet tormented by rage and jeleousy. The final mockery is when his body is left unheeded in the colosseum while maximus is given an emperor's send off.

Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: I love Russell Crowe so this was immediately a must see for me. I must say that this was one of his best preformances in my mind.

With the use of use of superb computer graphics, as well as exceptional costume work, the viewer is transported back to ancient Rome and into the arena. The film is full of action, political intrigue, and also deals with issues of love and faith. The cast is strong, the dialogs perfectally written, and the viewer is treated to the perfect amount of gore. You will feel you are really there without being overwhelmed by blood and guts that weren't really needed in order to get the point across.

This film is truly a work of art, and it is obvious that it aimed to please.

Rating:
Summary: BEST MOVIE EVER!
Review: Russell Crowe is just amazing in his part as a famous general, then a slave, then a gladiator. While I generally do not enjoy movies with a lot of blood and gore, this movie kept me interested the whole way through. I have watched it well over 30 times and each time I watch it I find something new, fun, and interesting that I had never seen before. Wonderfully casted, filmed, and directed, Gladiator is EASILY the best movie ever. WATCH IT!!

Rating:
Summary: Don't waste 2 1/2 hours of your life
Review: I didn't find this movie that much of an attention grabber. The storyline was very slow and very long. You have to really be interested in ancient Rome to enjoy this movie. Or just be into Russel Crowe. I also found the storyline hard to follow. One of the only good things that caught my eye, or my ear I should say, was the soundtrack. The composer did an excellent job with the soundtrack.

The other thing that caught my eye was some of the special effects.

The acting by Joaquin Phoenix was just atrocious. I can't believe they made this guy such a cry baby. His mellowdramatic scenes were some of the worst that I had ever seen

I would only recommend this to someone that really likes Russel Crowe. Women, I have to tell you, you don't see that much of him. In fact, they must have run around everywhere wearing armor, because that's pretty much what he wore the whole movie.

Rating:
Summary: Beautifully done.
Review: Ridley Scott has blown me away with Gladiator, The story of The Genral who became a slave. The Slave That became a Gladiator. The Gladiator that defied an emporer. Russell Crowe is truly an excellent actor who delivers an unbelievable performance. The DVD is packed with LOADS of special features and it's worth every penny. This is another one of those calssics that no collection is complete without.

Rating:
Summary: SIMPLY EXCELLENT
Review: A must see movie. It really is that good. Crowe did an outstanding acting job. No wonder it received so many Oscars.
You'll want to watch this more than once.

Rating:
Summary: The definition of an Epic Film
Review: Ben-Hur defined in the 50's the way to make an epic, this movie redefines It in a class by itself, the production work is amazing , really inmersing us in the roman empire witout loosing detail, the opening sequence portraits the "armamentarium Romanum", and the discipline and tactics that made the roman army the world's conqueror, the computer work it's very weel done, without abusing and recreates ROME with ultimate details, and the actors are fine in their roles
A classic that deserves the crown of victory among epic films, Salve Gladiator!

Rating:
Summary: This movie Rocks!
Review: This movie is awesome. Great Battle scene in the beginning, good drama, good villian. The ending is a little goofy, and not at all factual, but overall a fun and entertaining epic. The DVD has great extras too.

Rating:
Summary: set aside "reality" and you can enjoy it
Review: I happen to be an ancient historian and I find that I can best enjoy movies and films set in the ancient world if I don't expect them to be realistic. There are many problems with this film in terms of the reality of the Roman world during the second century CE -- listing them would use up the entire word limit for reviews on Amazon.com. However, the film itself moves rapidly, the scenery and costuming is eleborate, and the characters are interesting and well-acted. Its good to see both veteran actors and younger ones interacting so well. My only real complaint is that some of the filming made me a bit dizzy but then combat is a fast-paced and terrifying experience and the quick, spiraling movements did a good job of making me feel overwhelmed at times. We're using it in the Roman History class this semester and it should generate a lot of good discussion.

Rating:
Summary: Simply the Best
Review: I cannot say enough good things about this movie, it is without a doubt the finest film I have ever seen (sorry Citizen Kane). It is important for those who have not seen the film to understand that this isn't a kill them all type film. This film has a fantastic story, compelling characters, and a soundtrack that Mozart would be proud of. The music should have gotten the best supporting actor, because it completely captures the emotions of the characters, especially Maximus. The "earthy" theme that Hans describes in the bonus documentary on this DVD is what I refer to as the "victory" song. It is played when he is praying, but it also comes about when the group wins its first fight in Rome during the "Battle of Carthage" at a much higher tempo. Those that criticize the ending as being sad, I ask this question (warning, spoiler here) Why is is a sad ending? Maximus got to be with his family at the end of the movie, which was his goal at the beginning, he got what he wanted. There was an afterlife, therefore, there is no reason to be sad about it. It's a victory for him. This is a true epic, I could go on for days. Buy this DVD if you do not own it yet, it will be something to show future generations. (I still shed a tear at the end when they carry him, not because I am sad, but because of the respect and honor they give him. Honor- a word we in the modern world seem to have forgotten) Enough soapboxing, get the film!