Gladiator

Rating:
Summary: Not 'I Claudius' , but then what is??
Review: If you're into Roman history you may love it and hate it. For starters the music was overbearing and distracted from the picture. The movie would not have suffered if all the corny afterlife scenes were cut and replaced by story, even with another hour. The script was essentially overrun by oneliners, and Russell Crowe was not general material (sergeant - maybe). The reign of Commodus could have made a more interesting subplot.

The deaths of Aurelius and Commodus are inaccurately portrayed. Had Commodus killed Aurelius, they could have come up with a better reason, since Commodus was already co-emperor. Location headers could have been more accurate - they only used one at the very beginning - either do or don't. I thought Maximus was modeled after Cincinnatus, which was a nice touch, but they should have written him into the story rather than the other way around - though they did an adequate job with the Lucilla/senate conspiracy.

The battle certainly conveyed the discipline and tactical advantage of the Roman army. (The music was particularly annoying here, as were the oneliners. Visual cohesion of the battle tactics would have been nice!)

The gladiatorial combats were very creative and plausible. The first combat in the Colosseum was clever, with a twist. The sets were spectacular as were the costumes. The details - such as the awnings over the Colosseum show up-to-date research.

As for the plot - just one question: Why didn't Maximus return to his legion after the failed assassination attempt by the Praetorians? He could have sent his troops (quicker!) to protect his family, and taken care of Commodus then and there. After all Roman loyalty to the general is legendary.

Oliver Reed did a fine job as Proximo, though an inexplicable turn for the good, and the 'gladiators' played well. Russell Crowe was a convincing gladiator. I was embarassed for Jacobi, his last line was painful to watch. And, oh - what a corny ending.

They did their research, but sacrificed much for the 'Titanic" crowd. I hope this does well since I'd like to see more Roman movies. (To the powers that be - how about 'Caesar in Gaul' with Kenneth Branagh as Caesar and Vladimir Kulich as Vercingetorix? Alesia is certainly good for a Hollywood rendition!)

Rating:
Summary: Magnificent !!
Review: One of the greatest movies I have ever seen. Also the quickest 150 minute film I have ever witnessed, as the time goes by very quickly in this epic. Brilliant acting by Russell Crowe and the supporting staff and amazing action sequences mold this tale into film history.

Do not let anyone of the older generation (and being 25 years of age, I say that with respect) try to put down this tale, by comparing it to Ben-Hur or Sparticus, as this movie is clearly FAR superior, although the obvious special effect and filming enhancements do not make for a fair hand.

Gladiator is a must see for any action genre fan, any movie fan who admires great acting, or maybe just anyone who would like to see ancient Rome and its awe. The greatest empire of its time is magnificently re-produced, and the Coliseum is breathtaking!

I easily give this movie 5 stars, and this will undoubtedly launch Crowe to superstar status, if he isn't there already.

Not for those with a weak stomach, or those younger than their teen years for the graphic violence. Teens accompanied by an adult will enjoy this movie, but again, it is very violent and rated R.

Rating:
Summary: Gladiator
Review: Fantastic visual from start to finish. A hero you can love to cheer on. Gripping. No sex or nudity or bad language. Violence is heavy at times but not overly graphic.

Rating:
Summary: great movie
Review: This is a excellent movie that captures the escense of what life was like in the roman days. This movie is filled with tonds of action, its great.

Rating:
Summary: This summer's must-see flick?
Review: From the first epic battle to the final duel, Gladiator will definetely quench any thirst for blood you may have. The battles are well done and will most surely "win the mob". Not only that but the visuals in this movie are simply gorgeous to behold and definetely give you the feeling that this is an epic.

The story indeed has all the components for an epic struggle. Ambition, vengeance, love, corruption, betrayal... It's all there. And it's well executed to boot. The actors all deliver good preformances. Russel Crowe as Maximus is the perfect fit. Oliver Reed is excellent in his final role as Maximus' master. Any problems with the movie come from the fact that I found some parts of the story a wee bit too familiar. In many ways it is very similar, plot-wise(and in scope), to Braveheart.

Running a swift two-and-a-half-hours this movie is definetely worth your buck and a must-see on the big screen. I will get the movie when it comes out on DVD, but this is the type of flick that is most effective in the theatres. Don't miss it.

Rating:
Summary: what a splendid movie!!!
Review: I just came after watching this movie. Wow! I have nothing but praise for this movie. The battle scene was just awesome. Some people might argue that the camera angles were'nt too good. I think they were perfect. And how the camera catches from bottom to the cheering crowd above as the slaves enter the colloseum. It has all the virtues of being a great hit. This movie is just awesome awesome awesome!!! If you like roman, battle, or epic movies, then you are in for a treat. I have been waiting for a movie like this for a long time. Definatley worth buying on a DVD.

Rating:
Summary: Best film so far of 2000.
Review: I had high expectations for this movie when I went to see it on opening night. Insiders have said that "Gladiator" is this year's hopeful for a good heir to "Titanic" throne. Well "Gladiator" blows "Titanic" out of the water. Enough so that it inspired me to write a review the night I saw the film. From start to finish, director Ridley Scott's epic about the trials of a Roman general "who becomes a slave who becomes a gladiator who defies an empire" as the ad campaigns say, never once slackens pace from the initial massive battle scene all the way through it's 154 minute run. It combines every element of film. At one point it can be an action movie as good as they come, and yet at another it can transition into a drama worthy of Shakespeare, then it will open itself up slightly for a moment of humor, tie in romantic threads and political intrigue and then strut it's stuff as a special effects flick. It goes everywhere and takes you with it on that magnificent joyride. The battle sequences are fantastic and for once I am fully satisfied with the quality sword fighting in a movie. The battle with the tigers is especially good. The effects here are wonderful, and the recreations of Rome circa 180 A.D are better than any cityscapes seen in the "Star Wars" prequel or Ridley Scott's own "Blade Runner." Much more gripping than films of the same genre like "Spartacus", and yet, it has a sense that it could have been made in any time period. This is the first picture in a long time that has fully engrossed my attention. Russel Crowe, who plays the lead role of Maximus, not only takes his character through the story but leads the audience through the arc as well. Djimon Honsou of "Amistad" fame picks up the supporting pieces along with Oliver Reed, who died halfway through production and a scandal ensued when the producers of the film wanted to finish his scenes with a computer-generated Oliver Reed instead of re-shooting with another actor. I don't know how much if any of the CG-Oliver Reed footage got in, but as Proximus, the Don King of the gladiators, he steals many-a-scene. Lastly, Joaquin Pheonix takes a surprise turn as the ambitious Commodus, the young and unscrupulous emperor with a penchant for patricide and incest. Having seen him as Leaf Pheonix in "Parenthood" all those years ago, he has graduated into a serious on-screen presence that cannot be denied as he delves from a subtle nuanced performance into fits of flamboyant rage. All in all, "Gladiator" is a film worthy of much praise, much more than other "epics" of recent years, namely "Titanic." Hopefully, having not seen the initial box office yet, it will go on to much commercial success, earning it a place as a major film event of the new century. But if it doesn't and is soon forgotten, future viewers will realize just what they missed, and that often happens with great movies. I usually resent high production value when the movie has no plot - but "Gladiator" hits all the marks.

Rating:
Summary: An Action Movie Of Epic Proportions!!!
Review: Let me just start by saying that this film does not dissappoint. Reminiscent of such classics as 'Sparticus' and 'Ben Hur' this one features pulsepounding action, intriguing story and great performances by the whole cast. Russell Crowe does more than prove he has real screen presence as the brooding gladiator Maximus, he adds determination and anger to his character only by piercing looks and reaction shots. Also a great performance by Joaquin Phoenix, but his character should of been more lethal. Richard Harris and Oliver Reed are also good in support. But the real star here is the action, the brilliantly staged battles at the coliseum are stand-outs, but also features a brilliant battle sequence at the beginning. This one manages to avoid cliches and it's a brilliant recreation of the golden era of Rome. From a scale of 1-10 I give this film a 7!

Rating:
Summary: excellent
Review: This is the most amazing sounding dvd I have ever in my life, that also includes the movies theaters. I have an 8.2 surround sound system with a yamaha rx-v3000 and a 10' dlp infocus projector. I literally felt like I was in the battle scenes. 5.1 dolby digital is ok and thx is a little better then dolby, but nothing compares to 6.1 dts es. I wish all dvd's sounded as good as this one. Then I would never have to spend another $12 at the movies again.

Rating:
Summary: Hail Gladiators... Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott!
Review: Ridley Scott has directed-created cinema myth for years. Images conjured in ALIEN; BLADE RUNNER; LEGEND...less successful/ambitious efforts...SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME; THELMA & LOUISE; WHITE SQUALL, (critically "bombs away", 1 4 9 2)are archetypal and enthralling. In GLADIATOR, Scott's technical verve is matched by Russell Crowe's nuanced acting and physical presence to IMAGINE an epic hero's quest. Again, the grandeur of Rome...master of the world, yet in ceaseless conflict with itself, is evoked. General Maximus (Crowe)...incarnating what was best and just in a nation-empire of Caesar/citizen-farmer/soldiers...opposes decadence, perversity and will to self-homage incarnated in narcissist emperor, Commodus (played with epicene cruelty and cowardice by Joaquin Phoenix). Shakespearean master Derek Jacobi...of I,CLAUDIUS ...is superb as Senator Gracchus ( reincarnation of the Gracchi Brothers of Roman Republican legend, previously essayed by Charles Laughton in Stanley Kubrick's SPARTACUS) who perceives Commodus appeal as emperor of "bread & circuses", panderer to a culture of death.

The film's violence is brutal. But not, I submit, grotesque. One wonders how much irony Scott employed in his graphic battle and gladiatorial combat sequences to win us viewers, the "blood thirsty crowd"..as Proximo( former gladiator and mentor to Maximus)advises. Proximo is played by Oliver Reed in his last role ( some had to be digitally constructed because of his untimely death) with the dignity of a man who was once a hero but has reduced himself to "entertainer" Connie Nielson is fine as Commodus decent but Machiavelian sister who schemes against interests...both politcal and incestuous...of her Nero-like brother while attempting to rekindle the ardor of her once-beloved Maximus. Richard Harris is good in his important cameo as philosopher-Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Some reviewers observe much good acting by the principals (and supporting actors, like David Hemmings of "Blow-Up" fame playing the obsequious role of a Petronius-like "minister of culture") is lost to the sweep of the film and its raw action. (The awesome opening battle between Roman Legions and Germanic tribes alone warrants a reviewing.) However, it is Russell Crowe who makes GLADIATOR a great movie. Maximus projects "strength and honor" of the just, good man. Director Scott has produced an epic adventure that rings with the rise of renewing myth. Critics may assert numerous historical innaccuracies. (In fact: Commodus was killed in gladiatorial combat when he forgot what Roman Emperor's had whispered in their ears whenever they rode in CEREMONIAL TRIUMPHS: you are only a man!) SPQR existed more than a 1000 years and was preeminent even in decline. Apparently many men (and women; the Roman matriarchs ruled families and Mother's Day was a festival of tribute to Matrons) never forgot. So heroism became possible. GLADIATOR is about heroism. Both mythical and real. We saw Crowe essay (reality) a similar role in THE INSIDER. Scott's film allows the HERO TO EMERGE. Some movie buffs profess to love films of the ilk of AMERICAN BEAUTY. I'll take...submit to you...GLADIATOR any time. Ave atque Vale!