Rating: 
Summary: A riveting but gory spectacle
Review: GLADIATOR is riveting cinema, the kind of movie that grabs you by the throat. The stakes are high, the ancient Roman Empire stunningly recreated, and the body of Maximus is . . . well, buff Russell Crowe. Because of the fast-paced sequences, you won't find yourself bored, or even with enough time to ponder the sometimes confusing details. (For example, if Maximus had never seen Rome, how did he know Lucilla and Commodus as children, as Marcus Aurelius states early in the film?) But this is not an intellectual movie, so why bother to figure things out? This is pure entertainment, as much gory spectacle as the Roman gladiator contests in the Colliseum. Add a wronged Roman General (Crowe), an effeminate, incest-craving, and slimy new Caesar (Joaquin Phoenix, who portrays Commodus so well his screen presence gave me the creeps), his beautiful and scheming sister Lucilla (Connie Nielson), and a bunch of slaves who band together behind the mysterious Spaniard to save their lives on the largest life-and-death stage, the gladiator arena, and you have Ridley Scott's Gladiator. You will be rooting for Maximus to exact his revenge no matter how peace-loving you thought you were. I found it ironic - and a little self-referential - when a Roman senator declares that people will love you if you bring them death. This film thrives on slaughter, from start to finish, as it portrays the brutal side of the Roman Empire. Although the butchering is not as graphic as in some films, avoid this film if you can't stand violence. Children, too, should be steered clear of this one. Take the rating seriously.
Rating: 
Summary: I LOVED this movie.
Review: I thought the movie "Gladiator" was the BEST movie I've seen in a long time. It kept me paying attention the whole movie and the dialogue was great. All of the actors did a wonderful job portraying their characters. Ridley Scott did a fantastic job directing. I give this movie a well-deserved 5 stars and I think everyone should see it.
Rating:
Summary: GLAD TO HAVE SEEN IT!
Review: THIS MOVIE WAS GREAT. I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY ANYONE WOULD COMPLAIN ABOUT THE GRAPHIC VIOLENCE THOUGH. MAYBE YOU WANNA TRY A DISNEY FILM. THIS WAS FIGHTING IN THE 'EAT YOUR NEIGHBOR, SHOUT AT THE TOP OF YOUR LUNGS' MODE, THE COLESEUM DAYS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. THE MOVIE HAS A GREAT CAST AND THE ACTING IS GREAT AS WELL. FROM ALIEN TO GLADIATOR, RIDLEY SCOTT DOES'NT DISSAPOINT. RUSSEL CROWE WAS PERFECT AS WAS OLIVER REED. I ALSO LIKED THE DOMINANT CHARACTER MODE, ALA BRUCE LEE, SEGAL, AND SUCH. MAXIMUS WAS UNBEATABLE, ESPECIALLY WITH A GRUDGE. THE FIGHT SCENES ARE TOP NOTCH, SO ARE THE SPECIAL EFFECTS. WORTH BUYING.
Rating:
Summary: Oh Yeah!
Review: I am sure everyone has had everything to say about this movie already. All I want to say is, if you have not seen it once, you have not seen one of the best/greatest movies every made.
Rating: 
Summary: millions spent on fx, hundreds spent on story development
Review: One reviewer described _Gladiator_ as 'one of the best movies ever,' and adds that 'if you liked _Braveheart_, you'll love this movie!' That ought to tell you everything you need to know. I will never cease to be amazed at the amount of praise that was heaped on this movie. The story dragged on and on; historical verity was pure Hollywood, so far as I could tell; and nothing seemed so important as pretty scenery and luminous cinematographic effects. Finally, the dialogue was nothing short of embarrassing--towards the end, my friend and I gave up all efforts to conceal our laughter. Neither Crowe's bedrock solidity nor Joaquin Phoenix' Fiennes-like homoerotic flamboyance could save this film (check out the latter's 'busy little bee' tirade). If you *must* see this film, get extremely high first--your critical faculties will require dulling in order to get through it.
Rating:
Summary: Historical nonsense but awesome nonetheless!
Review: Gladiator, like Braveheart, is about 90% untrue. The Senate wasn't democratically elected (I just discovered this from another review!), it never gained power from the emperors again, Maximus probably never existed in any form, 'thumbs up' meant death, etc. However, for some undefinable reason, unlike Braveheart I was able to set such considerations aside and just enjoy the spectacle. The incredible battle scenes, music that blends really well with the action, Turneresque vistas of Rome, great costuming (it's probably all wrong as well but I for one don't really care). I'm not qualified to give judgement on the performances, but I thought Russel Crowe as Maximus was pretty good. Joaquim Phoenix as the incestuous, patricidal, spoiled-brat Emperor is just fun to watch and quite chilling in his callousness. His use of the Colosseum to keep the people happy has echoes of modern-day propaganda. Definitely up there in my Top 10 films.
Rating:
Summary: Best of 2000
Review: I enjoyed Gladiator so much that I saw it at least 3 times at the theater. This movie is filled with lavish sets and incredible performances... The only thing I did not like about the DvD was the 2 cd set; one CD is the movie and the other is the extra scenes and director commentary. I would have preferred them be on 1 CD. Russell Crowe plays Maximus Desmus Meridius, the Commander of the Roman armies of the North. After a successful campaign in Germania, Emperor Marcus Arellius (played by Richard Harris) tells Maximus that he wants him to be Emperor of Rome after Arellius' death for a short time, only to proclaim the Senate will rule Rome, making it a republic. This news is not good for the Emperors son, Comidus played by Joaquin Phoenix. So what does the son do? Kill the father and ask Maximus to join him. Maximus of course refuses and Comidus commands Maximus' execution (as well as his families). Maximus escapes and races towards his family, but he is too late. Maximus collapses due to his grief and is acquired by a travelling caravan as a slave. He is quickly sold as a gladiator to Proximo (I forget the actor's name) and the games begin. After an intense victory in the Colliseum, Emperor Comidus wants to meet this incredible gladiator (Maximus has a mask on while they re-create the battle of Maxia). Comidus demands Maximus to remove his helmet and after he does, Maximus tells Comidus that he will avenge the murder of his son and wife. There is political intrigue and action gallore. You won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: An amazing movie in the best Hollywood tradition
Review: First off, everything about "Gladiator" is big: the sets, the plot, the cast of characters, the battles, even the dialogue. Everything about this movie harkens to the classic epics of Hollywood. Don't mistake admiration for theft though, this movie is pure 21st century and very original. Through the lavish use of computer graphics, as well as masterful costume work, the viewer is vaulted back to ancient Rome. Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix both offer Oscar caliber performances, and the supporting cast is likewise excellent (of particular note is Djimon Hounsu of "Amistad"). The film is packed with action, but also relates a tale of political intrigue, and also deftly deals with issues of love and faith. Finally, the soundtrack is outstanding; in particular, some of the vocal arrangements are nothing short of haunting. As for the DVD, it offers some outstanding feautures. I particularly enjoyed the TLC documentary on gladiatorial games, which does much to ground the movie in some historical fact. I also enjoyed the deleted scenes with commentary from the director. I enjoyed them all for what they added to the film, but I really liked the insight into the editing process that Scott's comments provided.
Rating:
Summary: Stunning
Review: I have just a few things to say. Stunning. The CG in this blasts Titanic out of the water. Where in Titanic you can tell where the real people end and CG begins, I was stunned to find out that Gladiator had CG. I liter5ally could not tell. As a computer arts major, I pride myself on being able to critique the cg, beind able to tell when they haven't used enough layers to make it the CG look real, or whether the peopl in the background aren't quite as smooth as they could be. Gladiator stuns and mazes you with not just a brillant story , but Ripley Scotts legendary amazing viewpoint and telling of Maximus' story and the landscape surrounding him- reminiscant of Bladerunner's majestic run down dark city it's run down hero, Decker. It's a movie worth it's cost and is somethign to be watched along with Spartacus and Ben Hur. Just Glorius.
Rating:
Summary: tast E flipa's review
Review: The DVD The quality of the DVD is fantastic, great audio and picture quality. A ton of added features, so much in fact I haven't even seen everything yet. (flipa review = 5 stars) The Movie A good plot and awesome musical score will keep you thoroughy entertained. The acting overall is terrific, Russell Crowe plays his role to perfection, and you will love to hate Jauquin Phoenix as the evil Claudius. My only complaint is that it's a bit long for my taste. (flipa review = 4 stars)
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