Gladiator

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful moral tale with worthwhile violence
Review: The fact I sat thru the whole end of the movie where they show the credits and where it was filmed should tell you something.

This is one of my top 5 favorite movies. Yes it is violent, sad, and sadistic in many ways. But it also has a rich moral and ethical thread that I think most films lack. Especially ones that have action and violence.

Russell Crowe is the heroic general Maximus, who doesn't succumb to the tempatation to kill just to kill, but sees the bigger picture. I mean, how many real men could stay centered and NOT wish at least, to kill the bastard (evil emperor Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix) who sent his men to not only kill your wife and son, but looks you in the eye and tell you in a mocking tone that your wife cried like a whore and you child sounded like a pig being slaughted when they were being murdered?

Lucilla (Connie Nielsen)is Commodus' sister and there is a serious incestious undertone to the story so be forewarned. Commodus is a bitter shallow and immature man who hates his Father because he had chosed Maximus to rule and not Commodus. So not only does Commodus embrace his father (Richard Harris) in tears but with a knife to kill him. Then he sets about to make sure that Maximus is destroyed! Oliver Reed plays the trainer of Gladiators who buys and trains Maximus,not aware that Maximus will someday fight the Emperor.

Derek Jacobi plays a member of the Roman Senate and I have adored this man since his days in PBS-Masterpiece Theatres I Claudius. The secenry of Morocco in NW Africa is gorgeous as anyone who has seen it can attest to. The coliseum (see how the word is really spelled?) scenes are nothing short of artistic as well as realistic.

There are no perfect movies. But there are movies if you are willing to watch them who will teach you some valuable lessons, if you are open to them. Others have shared what they remember and liked about the film, and I agree with most of them.

Rating:
Summary: Hollywood's Roman Empire
Review: The only thing that really makes this movie worthy of wasting our time is Russel Crowe's acting as "Maximus", a Roman general. I have to say, however, that this movie was a brave attempt to make an epic like those of Hollywood's golden age. Unfortunately it didn't work out and one of the main reasons for this is probably the arrogance of the filmmakers that literally distorted and changed the entire Roman history so it could fit in there movie, as if the history of the great Roman Empire was not interestig enough for hollywood. The worst of all is that Hollywood underestimated the audience's intelligence by filling the movie with frenetic scenes of battles and putting aside the real roman story(wich is much more intersting)as if the public could only be impressed by scenes in wich someone's head is cut off and not by the amazing history and legacy of the Roman Empire.

Rating:
Summary: Great flick
Review: When I look at a movie based on true, historical events, I look at it from two angles. 1. How accurate the movie is. 2. How enjoyable was it.

From an entertainment point of view, this movie was fantastic. It kept we on the edge of my seat, and it offered a wonderful glimpse into the mind set of the Romans during the peak of their empire. The fight scenes were the best of have seen in any movie, and the plot was wonderful.

From a historical point of view, this movie drives me nuts. Being a historical buff on the Roman Empire, I can't help it. The historical accuracy of this movie ended with the short blurb of text that appeared on the screen in the beginning of the movie. After that, the movie pretty much disrgarded the actual events, and continued on into a very enjoyable, but largely inaccurate story during the reign of Commodus.

Enjoy this movie for what it is, a great story LOOSELY based on history.

Rating:
Summary: Powerful and New
Review: Despite the fact that this movie takes a lot of it's cues from movies there's something about it that made it into the movie that it is, a completely captivating, intriguing, emotionally draining, and rather fun epic.

The acting is superb, Crowe just eminates "suffering talented guy" and although he does nothing totally mindboggling he really does an overall fantastic job, better than any other this year. But the biggest surprise is Joaquin Phoenix. I'd never heard of him, as many people probably had never heard of him, till this movie. Then you leave saying "who IS that guy?". He's good everyone, and he makes you love him and really, really hate him. He emotes through entire movie, whether its hatred, lust, or this anonymous feeling that makes you pity him. Then there are the supporting characters that make this such an ensemble piece, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi, Richard Harris, they all do their part and make is superb.

The cinematography is good; the score has some high points and low points; the plot twists in a way that would make Shakespeare proud.

There are aspects of this movie that are new to the movie scene, such as some of the themes, acting styles, and plot twists, and overall it has this power to it that nearly blows you away. It sucks you in from the first scene and doesn't let go till the very last , very intense, scene of the movie . Bring a box of kleenex (honestly, seeing Russell Crowe WEEPING is enough to bring anyone to tears).

This deserved every Oscar it got, and it tells a story we don't often hear, and it reminds us of what art can be.

Rating:
Summary: just a good rental
Review: Hyped up too much and is extremely boring, but i have to admit the fighting are pretty cool but not enough to buy it...... maybe rent

Rating:
Summary: Another Rabid Gladiator Fan Speaks Up
Review: I've been reading the reviews here and decided to try and hit the 1000 mark with my deathless prose. I've been watching movies on the big screen for over 50 years now (don't ask!) and this is a masterpiece. Gladiator combines the sweeping lyrical vision of Ridley Scott with the powerful, emotion-packed acting of Russell Crowe, surrounded by a stellar cast and set in an awe-inspiring visual panorama. While Gladiator may not be perfect (there are some 'over the top' moments that jar) it's combination of heroic story, beautiful pictures and emotional score just sweep you along. Those who carp on historical accuracy have to admit that this is fiction, not a documentary. However, you cannot fault the beauty of this production. Nowhere are you jolted out of the period! While the script is spare, the sentiments expressed speak to the human heart. That's why so many are so taken with this film. The themes of nobility, dignity, honesty and love of family and country are timeless - as well as seen so rarely in modern films.

Russell Crowe is truly the best actor working today. His emotional center holds this film together from pensive start to inevitable denouement. He is Maximus, with never a false note. When you start to see this again, and you will want to, watch for the 30 minutes in the heart of the story where Maximus says NOTHING! The story is being told by this amazing actor without him saying a word. The splendid supporting cast and attention to accurate visual details take us on the personal journey of a moral man, without preaching a belief or pandering to the lowest intelligence of the audience.

I've seen this on the big screen numerous times, where it deserves to be seen, but if you must only see it at home, please get the dvd. Get a player for this if you don't have one! The beauty of this film will be appreciated for a long time. There was no greater justice than Gladiator being named best film of 2000 and the equal tribute to the talent of Russell Crowe, best actor of 2000.

But the greatest injustice was leaving Ridley Scott empty handed at awards time - this is his masterpiece, and will be remembered as such. It seems obvious at first glance that this film will be enjoyed by men and boys, but Dreamworks and Universal missed the mark by not convincing women to see it too. It is NOT too violent, it is a very emotional ride that will entrance most women by the power of the love and devotion expressed by the lead characters.

While the script has not been universally admired, I find it vindicating to see how much of the simple and noble sentiments of this story have entered modern idiom: "Strength and Honor", "At my signal, unleash hell", and "What we do in life, echoes in eternity." That, my friends, is the sign of a classic flick.

Rating:
Summary: Gory
Review: The movie Gladiator is a good one and has a good plot. It is about a roman general who was about to become emporer when the emperor's son killed the emperor and attempts to kill Russel Crowe(The roman general Maximus) Maximus then becomes enslaved after his family is crusified. He becomes a gladiator for his owner Proximus and earns his way to the Collesium by defeating everone in his path. I won't tell you the rest. The movie has a good plot and keeps you on your toes. The battle scenes are great and so are the backstabbing liars in this movie. The battle scenes are also very gory and bloddy. Many people have their heads cut off and you can see their heads laying on the ground. So its a bit gross for your kids. The one thing I did not care for was some of the actors. I believe that some actors could have done a better part. Russel, old Caesar, and the slaves do well acting but some other actors do not. I watched this movie on VHS and its sound and picture was ok. Although watching this on DVD would be a lot better. This is another reason I rated it four stars. It was hard to hear and understand some conversations. All-in-all I would reccomend that you go and rent the movie first and than buy it because with this movie, you either hated it or you loved it. There was no middle.

Rating:
Summary: Excellente!
Review: Could learn lessons in strategizing and leadership as applicable to business from this movie. ;)

Rating:
Summary: Well deserved Oscars, wonderful film.
Review: Before I saw Gladiator, I had been very interested in historical epics like Braveheart or Ben-Hur. When I sat down and watched this movie with my dad and brother (please don't crucify me for watching it on VHS)I was afraid the script wouldn't be all that great and it may be too bloody. But this film left me awestruck by its power. Its grand sense of dignity, honor and passion, from the great Ridley Scott made for great entertainment. The script by David Franzoni, William Nicholson and John Logan was excellent, using old poetic dialogue to readily convey the proper feelings (By the way, John Logan is writing the script for the next Star Trek movie, so I'm sure it will be great). Other pluses were the beautiful sets and costumes, the great cinematography and special effects, a grand, moving musical score and the fabulous performances of Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, Djimon Honsou, Spencer Treat Clark and especially Joaquin Phoenix and Russell Crowe, whose brilliant performances highlited this film.I was very glad to see the movie win Oscars for Best Picture, Actor (Crowe), Costumes, Sound and Visual Effects, though I would have liked to see it win more. For anyone who likes action, drama, good dialogue, visual splendor and good characterizations, I highly reccomend this film. Strength and honor!

Rating:
Summary: Shockingly bad
Review: I must have seen some kind of "director's cut" of Gladiator; that's the only way that I can explain the fact that everyone seems to like, or at least to tolerate, this complete waste of film stock.

I've rarely seen a movie with a real budget that was more poorly written. Every line made me wince. And the historical inaccuracies are so widespread that it's really not possible to talk in any meaningful sense about this movie being a tale of ancient Rome.

You'll probably like it, though -- everyone else seems to.