Rating: Summary: A little slow, but incredible visuals Review: The plot won't win an award, but the sets, props, effects, action, and acting certainly might. This is your basic Roman political intrigue movie using modern filming practices and it looks impressive. The battles and fights are wonderfully done. Casting seems right on the money too, with maybe one exception (I'll leave that up to you :-) It's graphically violent and not suitable for children but adults should enjoy it.
Rating: Summary: An Incredible Epic! Review: Until I saw this film, I was beginning to seriously doubt the ability of Hollywood to produce engaging, powerful, epic films. My faith is renewed.In part, the film is a tremendous success because it conveys the notion of what it means to be a good person. Russell Crowe as general Maximus shows the viewer that a man (or woman) must act from integrity, and not from self interest. In the film, Maximus has the opportunity to return to his beloved family, so long as he will endorse the depraved emperor Commodus. Maximus does not act from self-interest, but rather from integrity by rejecting the murdeous emperor. As a result, he loses everything, but not his dignity. The film notes how words like 'honour' and 'trust' had lost meaning in the Roman Empire, and similarly poses the question of whether those words have today lost meaning for the viewer. This film is a must see! It is a classic already.
Rating: Summary: darn good flic Review: good movie. rather long, but the story kept you interested, so no complaints about that. great props and scenery and the story line was interesting. the action sequeces were full of energy however the only downfall as far as i'm concerned was the lack of grewsomeness (if thats a word). i'm not a blood loving type. not any more than the next person, however unlike movies like braveheart where the action was bloody like it would be in real life, the fights weren't quite as bloody as would be in real life. example, during one of the fights in the stadium, someone gets cut completely in half, but not alot of blood or guts. other than that...i'd definately recommend buying this movie.
Rating: Summary: Will make cinematic history in 2001 Review: Thanks for the marvels of computer-enhanced graphics! The plot of this film is very similar to that of "The Fall of the Roman Empire" starring Stephen Boyd, Christopher Plummer, Sophia Loren, Alec Guinness, et al.; made in 1964. There's no doubt "Gladiator" took some big bucks to make just like "The Fall of the Roman Empire", but modern technology makes the scenes more realistic-looking in "Gladiator". Russell Crowe is convincing as one of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius's generals named Maximus who gets the shaft from the evil son Commodus. After Maximus is reduced to a gladiator fighting for his life and has his wife and son murdered, he successfully fights his way back to a showdown with Commodus. I don't know if the events portrayed in this flick are historically accurate, but they do make for an exciting adventure.
Rating: Summary: Fantastic Review: Without a doubt the best movie of 2000, and an Oscar contender. All aspects of this movie are gorgeous-the scenery, acting, soundtrack, costumes, I could go on but see it and you'll understand.
Rating: Summary: Betcha can't watch just once----Mesmerizing Review: I have personally never been as captivated with a movie in my life. I heard about people watching it several times and just couldn't believe it. But then I saw it, went out and bought a DVD player and now have seen it at least eight times. Why do accomplished people in the present want to watch this again and again? Besides the fact that the movie is wonderful on many levels (acting, costumes, action, music(too evocative for words) sets, etc)and is layered thick with details missed on first and second viewing, there must be more. I think it could be a search for transcendence in a secular world where nothing is really worth dying for, especially not your self respect or honor. I know at least one judge who has seen it 20 times! Anyway, this is a must buy and a must see---again and again. Betcha can't watch just once...
Rating: Summary: Spartacus + special fx Review: This is a good movie. Russel Crowe delivers a strong performance as a wronged general, slave and then of course, gladiator. His nemesis is young Commodus the emperor played desperately by Joachin Phoenix. The best elements of the movie are the splendid battles and the action filled contests of the colliseum. The digital effects are riveting if somewhat gory. A fine adventure, low on story and high on sword slash.
Rating: Summary: It doesn't get any better....2 thumbs up! Review: A film of epic proportion matched by digital technology that leaves the watcher ensconced in a world where to maim and kill is to succeed and survive. Russell Crowe exudes strength, and intelligence, with a winning ability to lead men as empires fall at his feet. Maximus (Crowe), a general in the Roman army, has been slated by the reigning Emperor to lead Rome and return it to the people, removing it from the hands of the senate, which has ruled with duplicity. He finds himself betrayed by a pathetic, power hungry man. No longer a favored soldier, he is sold into slavery, where as a gladiator, his need for revenge grows strong, keeping him alive as he wins over the crowds in the gladiator's arena. The schemes and intrigue that takes place in the darkness of the night, along with the subtle threats that initiate the treachery among family members keeps you craving that justice which is robustly delivered by director Ridley Scott. The final showdown takes our hero to the infamous coliseum, where he faces an array of weapons and opponents. What a satisfying pleasure it will be to witness justice at its finest hour. This Academy Award nominated film is certainly a 5 star production and a movie that will stand the test of time. The surround-sound alone leaves you feeling like part of the crowd as they stomp and cheer for the Gladiators. Other movies of interest directed by Ridley Scott include Blade Runner and Alien. 1/2/01
Rating: Summary: awesome Review: This is one of the best movies of 2000 and Crowe deserves some awards. Go and see this one.
Rating: Summary: Dark Movie about the late Roman Empire Review: My sons thought this a great movie...but I found it too dark for my tastes. I also wanted it set in an earlier Rome...but had to settle for the completely degenerate Rome near the end of the empire. Oh, well. The acting was excellent; much of the photography was stunning. The coliseum was fantastic...though much of the fight scenes were too much in the style of an Oliver Stone movie...weird camera angles and abrupt cuts combined to make the viewer disoriented (and, I'm sure, that was the director's intent)...but I could have done with about half as much of it. Well worth seeing...even twice...but I'm not sure its worth buying.
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