Gladiator

Rating:
Summary: Exceeding expectations and DTS reference quality
Review: My wife has a built in prejudice against what she calls "costume drama" movies and with films that might have too much violence in it, so in her book, this film had two preconceived strikes against it. But surprise, surprise, the story was engrossing enuff that she got caught up in it and really liked it. It also exceeded my expectations - who knew a summer blockbuster could have so much depth to it? On the technical side, if you have a decent home theater set up, the DTS soundtrack on this is truely awesome and worth the price of admission. Near the beginning of the film, some soldiers take Russell Crowe out into the woods to kill him. He grabs a sword and gets out their grasp and is hiding offscreen behind a tree. When he throws the sword at the soldier that you see on screen, the sound of the sword whirring thru the air almost makes you duck as it comes from the rear right surround and crosses to the front right to the center channel and into the soldiers chest. Wow.

Rating:
Summary: Awesome movie and cool extra stuff
Review: The movie itself is great. I like this DVD version because it comes with the extra stuff -- historical background about gladiators, how the movie was made, etc. I think it's definitely worth owning.

Rating:
Summary: What a waste of 30 minutes
Review: What is all the hype about this movie. After 30 minutes I was so bored that I turned it off and watched Battlefield Earth, good movie BTW. The video quality is awesome, the sound quality is ok. This movie is too predictable. Too much time was spent getting a million different shots on the battle seens. This is one of the worst movies I have ever watched in whole or in part.

Rating:
Summary: Some fact of life...
Review: It's quite embarrasing to say that I have not seen the trailer before watching the movie, so I did not have any expectations at all. WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE! I have to agree that the movie thrived on violence what with the war at the start of the film & the games at the Coliseum, but it also reeked of reality & had some few good lessons to learn. It glaringly pointed out on man's greed for power, the dirtiness of politics, the blind obedience of the army, man's refuge in entertainment to forget their own dismal existence even for short a time. But it also gave hope to people knowing that there are still a few good men out there with unquestionable dignity, a true leader, living with principles, honor & justice.

I'll always remember Maximus' line re "Stay with me. If you see yourself walking alone in an open field, don't worry, you're already dead!" This may sound too morbid but it also shows you a part of his character. An encouraging & suportive general to his followers, a person who manages to exhibit humor at the scariest time of their life, a person who gives you hope to stay together & see the worst through. That's the General. That's the Gladiator!

Rating:
Summary: Powerful filmmaking at its best! A Masterpiece!
Review: "Gladiator" is the most extraordinarily powerful epic I've seen in a long time, in the tradition of such great films as "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Braveheart." It is awesome and grand in every sense of the words, as only a Ridley Scott film can be. Not only is the story poignant and unforgettable, but Russell Crowe's performance as "the general who became a slave; the slave who became a gladiator; the gladiator who defied an empire" is absolutely brilliant.

Joaquin Phoenix also gives a powerful performance as the corrupted Ceasar of the Roman Empire.

Not only is the scope of the story grand and the acting superb, but the cinematography is just gorgeous. Never have I seen such action sequences as portrayed in this film.

"Gladiator," simply put, is a powerful epic that will be remembered as one of the greatest films of all time. It's just extraordinarily and superbly crafted in every area--a genuine masterpiece.

The DVD is of the greatest quality as well; a must-have for all DVD collections.

Rating:
Summary: An Award Winning Film For Sure!
Review: Superb film and one of the best for this year! Music was both creative and intoxicating. There was actually a well devised plot and a positive moral thread throughout the film.. love of family, duty, honor and strength. Costuming and scenes were realistic. Enjoyed immensely actors Russell Crowe, Richard Harris and Joaquin Phoenix. Phoenix was very intense, troubled and believable. It was great seeing Harris in this dramatic role. Crowe showed excellent acting and athletic ability. The mixture of surrealistic scenes of Elysium were in stark contrast to the realities of the "gladitorial arena," but added realism to the entire performance. Added features, such as: interview with Hans Zimmer, the musical composer, cut scenes, and the making of the film were an appreciated added touch. This film is a must see and a DVD worth adding to your personal collection.

Rating:
Summary: Terrific extras and excellent quality
Review: This is the movie I'm never tired of watching. The special features are so numerous there's a whole disk dedicated to them. Making of, deleted footage, montage of extra footage, documentary on the history of gladiatoral combat, and much more make this purchase worth it. Excellent quality and in wonderful widescreen format not found on the VHS.

Rating:
Summary: Buy it!
Review: I am no movie critic but I can tell you one thing...The opening battle scene by itself is worth the price of this DVD. Crowe has successfully played a powerful role. While there are some flaws in the storyline, one tends to overlook them since this movie is about action and special effects. Moreover, the Character of Maximus and, to some extent, Commodus would keep you glued to the movie....and if you are into soundtracks, don't miss the sound track for this movie. It is moving to say the least.

Rating:
Summary: Way overhyped except for Joaquin Phoenix
Review: and his masterful performance. The story to me seemed to be very contrived and very unbelievable. Too many events happened without much causative action preceeding it. And most importantly the film lacked intensity.

On the positive side Phoenix's performance was so credible that I actually believed that he was living during that time period. That's not something that I can say about any of the other actors in the film. Also the cinematography was spectacular but forget about all that the story was just not particularly engaging.

Rating:
Summary: just comment
Review: I like this movie becouse it includes new idea ,the actors was exellent and also the director.

I think its the best one on 2000.