Rating: Summary: The Best Film of the Summer 2000 Season Review: There comes a film every now and then that restores your faith in movies. This is one of those films. Hollywood has showen it still cares about storys. There is nothing bad I can say about this film. It has top notch acting and directing. The Lighting is also wonderful a veary colorful film. This is a film for everyones colection and is a for sure film to watch over and over again. Ridley Scott is on a role. Now lets see what he dose with "Hannabil"
Rating: Summary: A Monumental Movie Review: Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" is a film that has received much publicity. The previews and promotional shots offered a stunning, awesome depiction of Ancient Rome. As a visual spectacle the film is nothing short of excellent. The acting is also first rate.Viewers who happen to be military history fanatics, however, will probably have a different opinion. Purists will point out things like historical innaccuracy, the wrong kind of weapons, the wrong kind of armour, the wrong kind of tactics etc. To a certain extent these things can be justified. When you look at what really happened in Ancient Rome, the graphic violence in "Gladiator" is actually quite tame. Ancient Rome was much more sadistic and amoral than this film made out. But the overwhelming majority, which is what really counts, love this film. Russell Crowe is excellent in his role as Maximus, an enslaved general forced to fight for his life in the bloodthirsty Colusseum. I have to admit, when I saw this film in the cinema with my father, I got a bit fidgity when there weren't any action scenes. This is the first "epic" I have ever seen about Ancient Rome so I don't know if it as good as "Ben Hur" or "Spartacus". My father says it isn't. (He also pointed out that "Robin Hood Prince of Thieves" had the wrong kind of forest.) The plot of vengeance, and the name of Russell Crowe's character, may be a little reminiscent of a certain Mel Gibson film made in 1979. But as far as action and drama goes, "Gladiator" is a winner. It will probably be a long time before another epic of this magnitude is made.
Rating: Summary: I'd give it 6 stars if I could! Review: It has been a while since we have seen a film of such epic proportions that actually lives up to it's billing. This is quite possibly the best movie I have ever seen. A beautifully scripted and superbly acted movie "Gladiator" delivers on every facet a good film should have. Many will look at this movie and see an action adventure movie, but nothing could be further from the truth. What I love about this movie is the story. So many big budget films lose track of the story as they throw effect after affect at you to dazzle your senses. "Gladiator" never strays from its original story line. It is a classic struggle of good against evil; a reluctant hero against an abominable tyrant. It is the story of Maximus (Russell Crowe) a celebrated Roman General who is betrayed by the Emperor's son Commodus (Jaquin Pheonix). After suffering the loss of his wife and son, Maximus is taken as a slave and forced by his owner (Oliver Reed) to fight as a Gladiator. Maximus' reputation quickly grows and soon he finds himself fighting in the Rome before throngs of people, and before the man that ruined his life. Ridley Scott's (Blade Runner, Alien) direction is nearly flawless, as he takes you through the majestic scenes of ancient Rome, and the marvelously choreographed battle scenes. His understated use of special effects is outstanding, bringing a very real look and feel to the film. Though the fighting scenes are often full of blood and gore, it is never gratuitous, and always artful. Russell Crowe (who will most certainly garner a Best Actor nod) is outstanding as the title character, and though he is often larger than life his portrayal never lets you forget that he is only a man, and not superhuman. Crowe's acting has continued to draw accolades from fans and critics alike, and they have most certainly continued with "Gladiator". His presence is tough and masculine, but he can also be very caring and understanding as well. I look for many great things to come from Crowe. If you have never seen Russell Crowe before, you should check out his performances in "LA Confidential" "Mystery Alaska" "Virtuosity" and maybe even "The Quick and the Dead" with Sharon Stone and Gene Hackman. Jaquin Pheonix is a lesser-known actor, but I am sure that all of that will change come Oscar time. His portrayal of the tortured young Emperor Commodus is dark and emotional, and he does a terrific job of making an audience hate him. Several key roles in the film are filled with wonderful veteran actors. Richard Harris is his usual brilliant self as the aging Caesar Marcus Aurelius, and Oliver Reed(who passed on during filming) as the former Gladiator turned slave trader. Reed many will recognize from "The Three Musketeers". Due to the many Oscar nominations that are sure to come from this film, it's video release date will surely be delayed, but as soon as it does I will have a copy for my collection.
Rating: Summary: A must if you are a Ridley Scott fan! Review: It is amazing what R. Scott can do with a simple screenplay... He doesn't have to show you a battle, he is showing you the feeling of a battle, you find yourself, without any warning, among the legionaries and the barbarians, not being sure if you will see the next day, feeling the smell of blood and that of the first snow, understanding that the time has stopped, that you've been fighting this battle for ages and that it will never end. This is what hell must feel like... But then again, the movie is no Blade Runner, so don't expect that, or you'll be disappointed.
Rating: Summary: An embaressment of riches. Review: In the short period this film will still be in theatres, run to see it! The scope and sweep of Scott's work can only fully be appreciated on a theatrical screen. (That doesn't stop me from being at the head of the line for the DVD/Video release!) See it in a theatre not just for the battles and the spectacle (worth the price of admission alone), but the incredible and effective (if created out of whole cloth) story. This picture shares some of the virtues of Branagh's Henry V; a Rome that is real, mud and blood, virtue and insanity, the glory and the horror. The more sanitized stories versions of Rome from our youth pale in comparison not only in depth, but breadth and impact. It has the story complexity and engagement of I, Claudius, the visual grandeur of Ben Hur and unexpected, deep, emotional impact. The cast is one of the finest assembled and not only has no weak links but leaves you with the nagging belief that Scott's film has been cut (yet again) and would be fuller and even more enjoyable in its entirety. It could be twice and long and still leave you wanting more. So, turn off the computer and run to the the theatre. You will be enchanted, awestruck and utterly delighted.
Rating: Summary: Gladiator the best thing since sliced bread Review: Russel Crowe stars in the best Movie to hit theatres yet! GLADIATOR Gladiator goes for 2 3/4 hours, The best 2 3/4 hours you have ever spent at the movies! It is extremely action packed, this movie is not for the tender stomached because there are many gruesome scenes but they add to the whole effect i mean Gladiators didn't exactly have thumb wrestles! they KILLED each other! The movie is about a guy called maximus (Russel Crowe) who's family are killed and he is left for dead. He is found and sold to some gladiator trainers who make him fight for his life. Can he survive fight after fight against ruthless killers and get vengence on his families terrible deaths? I recommend this Movie to anyone who likes Action, a bit of comedy and action and did i mention action in there movies!
Rating: Summary: Excellent STORY! Review: This movie is a masterpiece from Ridley Scott. The story is grand in scale, with very rich character portrayals. Russell Crowe is an excellent pick for the part Maximus. Jaquion Phoenix plays a perfectly evil emperor. The end of the movie made even me start to puddle up, but I'm not going to give it away. I'll sum this review up. EXCELLENT STORY, RICH CHARACTERS, LUSH VISUALS, GOOD ROMANCE SEQUENCES, and that's all I can say. I recommend this HIGHLY! See It.
Rating: Summary: Don't believe the hype Review: I went into this film believing all the hype surrounding it. It was probably too much for it to live up to. The fight scenes were Ok, when they did fight, which wasn't THAT often. I've seen it all before and seen it done better. I thought the plot was a bit slow and found myself wondering when this "epic" film was really gonna get going. I came out feeling a bit disappointed. So, all in all, not a bad film but not as good as everyone's making out. Braveheart was a lot better...
Rating: Summary: Best Blockbuster in A While Review: Fantastic is the only way to describe this film. Sure, it's a popcorn flick, but it's got terrific acting, impressive visuals, and a decent storyline - what more do you want? Russell Crowe is excellent as Maximus, managing to imbue the character with a glowering intensity and a past before the story tells us anything about him. The rest of the cast is uniformly good in their roles, all obviously revelling in their parts. It's a long film at 3 hours, but it only felt like an hour and a half. Very well paced, with non-stop entertainment. Highly recommended.
Rating: Summary: Move Over Spartacus. A New Hero Has Risen! Review: "Sword & Sandal" movies are my very favorite genre and with "Gladiator" I have a new classic to add to my collection. While I can't say that the themes presented in the movie are original and unpredictable, the acting, action, scenery and music conspired in such a way as to completely charm me. Upon hearing "Now We Are Free" on the radio several weeks after seeing the movie (for the first time), I instantly remembered where I had heard it before and ran out to buy the soundtrack. The soundtrack does an impressive job of capturing the emotions I felt while watching the movie. Yes, Maximus (Russell Crowe) I was entertained!
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