Rating: 
Summary: Gladiator ROCKS!!!
Review: I completely dug this film from beginning to end,and every aspect of it,from the breathtaking cinamatography,the expertly staged battle sequences,and exqusite set-design,to the stellar performances of a top-notch cast,rang true.The film starts with a stunning battle and doesen't let up from the time Maximus says"on my mark,unleash Hell". Do they ever.Russell Crowe is perfect in the lead role,as an expert warrior with a grieving soul and a deep sense of honor and loyalty.It's a true star-making turn,and he oozes rugged charisma from every pore.Equally impressive,but in the exact opposite way,is Juaquin Phoenix as the conniving,decadent,deeply evil Emperor.Also great support from Richard Harris and the late,great Oliver Reed.Director Ridley Scott uses his gift for composition and visual flair to great effect,giving each scene a painterly burnish and unforgettable depth,whether it's the after-life of Maximus' dreams,the bustling,grand sprawl of Rome,the rip-roaring battles of the Coluseum,or the sinister twinkle in the Emporer's eyes.At one point Maximus admonishes the bloodthirsty crowd:"Is this not what you wanted? Are you not entertained?" Indeed we are Russell,very much so.What a great film.
Rating: 
Summary: Flawed Giant
Review: The inspiration behind yet another another review of this movie is not that it took Best Picture at the awards tonight, but that it was nominated for the award of "Best Original Screenplay", which is supposed to mean that it is not based on anything else, be it book, tv show, or previous movie. But it is. The subject matter and the entire beginning, plus the final fight between Maximus and Commodus are taken directly from the 1964 epic "Fall of the Roman Empire". So I have to wonder how much background in movies the members of the nominating committee actually have. The original actually has a monstrously better finale, without the hero (Livius, not Maximus) dying, but walking away from the arena with Lucilla (the same name there) as the senators bid for the army's support in selecting the next dictator of Rome. This point on government corruption needed to be repeated for a new generation, but wasn't, settling for a candy-coated version with the hero rejoining his family in Roman heaven, and the unstated idea that the young son of Lucilla will return Rome to the people (which didn't happen) and to former glory and greatness (all of which disappeared when the Roman Republic became the Empire). It is true that we now have far superior special effects to those in the sixties, but the battle-scenes and panoramas in Gladiator tend to look phony and computer-generated. Another bit in poor taste was the helmet/mask worn by Maximus in the arena, which more resembles an alloy wheel than anything from the classic era (just when did the Romans invent aluminum--did the emperor's palace come with galvanized siding?) I was disappointed in the perfomance of the leading man: Crowe plays Maximus as a carbon copy of his role in LA Confidential, and the two men are vastly different, both in values and motivations. They should be acted differently. Commodus is portrayed adequately corrupt, and Aurelius well-done in a too-brief role. The second disc of the DVD version proves that most of the good scenes were left on the cutting room floor. All of the cuts advance the sparse plot, give us character depth and motivation, and add to the intrigue and general atmosphere. It's a good film, but not original, and could have been better. Three stars.
Rating: 
Summary: What's the big deal?!
Review: WOW. We've seen a lot of war movies. This one just has a "GLADIATOR" theme added into it. I just have one word fir this movie: BORING. I almost fell asleep. Most people won't agree, but I think this movie is entirely overrated. On the DVD, the picture is so dark the whole time, you can only see half of what's going on. DUMB. Sure, it has what it takes to look like a masterpiece, but there's something more entertaining missing, that I just can't explain.
Rating:
Summary: Really very amazing
Review: This film was extremely captivating, great acting, great score by Hans Zimmer, the movie was really amazing, i just brougt the DVD yesterday, i haven't seen all the special features yet, but the trailers and TV spots are great. also it was great to see how the movie was made, this movie it's really captivating, i recommend you to watch it with the DTS ES audio track, it's reallt much better than the Dolby Digital., this is definetly one of the best films of the year 2000.
Rating:
Summary: I Wanted To Love This Movie, but Found I Could Not!
Review: Well, there is no denying that pretty much everything there is to say about Gladiator has already been said. Great acting, great story and great scenery, etc. etc. But what I found was the most outstanding feature was how disappointing this film was. This film was hyped as much as possible and I held off seeing it until it made money at the box office, got great reviews, and even after watching a special making of Gladiator documentary. I admit the trailers reeled me in. However, while this film was not terrible, it certainly was not very good and not worthy of all the praise it has gotten. The acting in it was good. Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Connie Nielsen all did a good job with what they had to work with storyline wise. I think Phoenix did the best job with his multi-faceted villian. He made you feel almost sorry for his insecurities one minute and hate him the next. The chemistry between Crowe and Nielsen was nice and quite apparent, but grossly underused. I did not even mind the creepy incest story between Lucilla and Commudus because at least it was showed this movie was not afraid to be a little daring. However, what I did mind was the lack of cohesiveness that the plot of this movie had. Certain aspects of the story were not properly addressed, if they were even addressed at all. Maximus(Crowe) was mourning the loss of his wife and son, but if the movie never showed why Maximus loved his wife so much, why were we the audience supposed to care? I didn't. I failed to see a great love story there because the producers could not even spare a minute in this lengthy movie to establish sufficient base story. Also, why did Commudus(Phoenix) hate Maximus so much for having been involved with Lucilla(Nielsen) when in the mean time since their breakup she had been married to someone else and bore that man a son. This did not make sense. And the worst of all was that the big buildup scenes were a big letdown. The scene were Commodus finds out that Maximus is still alive was a huge disappointment as was the final fight scene between the two. The ending was completely and utterly predictable. I knew before I even saw the movie how it would end. In closing I just want to say that this film had great potential, but did not even come close to reaching it. The actors all did as good of job as possible, but the story was just not there. For its considerable length it still felt unfinished and uneven. This movie just left me bored(despite the graphic action scenes) and deeply disappointed. This movie is not the worst I have ever seen, but it certainly does not do justice to the glory that was Rome.
Rating:
Summary: A stunning swords'n'sandals epic
Review: Gladiator Score: 87/100 When you make a movie about gladiator's, there is a good chance it's going to be great, since gladiator's are an easy premise to make a good movie out of. But there hasn't been an excellent movie about gladiator's in a long time. Well, Gladiator, probably 2000's most praised movie, is going to change the fact, this is actually better than excellent. Maximus (Russell Crowe) is a powerful Roman general, loved by the people and the aging Emperor, Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). Before his death, the Emperor chooses Maximus to be his heir over his own son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), and a power struggle leaves Maximus and his family condemned to death. The powerful general is unable to save his family, and his loss of will allows him to get captured and put into the Gladiator games until he dies. The only desire that fuels him now is the chance to rise to the top so that he will be able to look into the eyes of the man who will feel his revenge. Gladiator is tremendous filmmaking done in a superbly Old-Hollywood-Meets-New-Hollywood way, and although it's historically inaccurate, you won't really care because you'll be having so much fun. Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix are both Oscar-worthy as General Maximus and Emperor Commodus, and both hold the screen with such pure force that you can't rip your eyes away from their terrific expressions and heartfelt emotions. Ridley Scott's direction is full of effort and should be praised, and the set decorations are terrific. If you haven't seen this yet, which I doubt, go and rent it A.S.A.P. What are you waiting for?
Rating: 
Summary: Scenery / Sets were magnificient. Touching story. But ....
Review: The scenery and sets were magnificent ... The Coliseum and Forum, as related to their original models, were extremely well done. In checking my historical references, some historical facts and people were not correct though .... Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus, born in 161, was emperor from 177-192 (15 years, becoming emperor when he was 16 years old - not reflected at all in the movie). According to the texts, Commodus accompanied his father on the German campaigns and shared in the triumphs and victories. After becoming emperor, he fancied himself as Hercules, even depicting him as Hercules on many of his coins, and frequently joined gladiatorial fights in the Coliseum. He eventually became a megalomaniac and considered himself the reincarnation of the god Hercules. He was actually assassinated on the night of Dec. 31, 192, by the Praetorian Prefect Laetus. Upon his death, the Senate selected Pertinax as the next emperor, since the Aurelian dynasty was at an end. The return of the Republic was never contemplated. Annia Lucilla was actually one of the 13 children, of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina the Younger, and the sister of Commodus. She was born in 149 and married to co-emperor Lucius Verus in 164. After Verus death, she was re-married to a senator, Pompeianus. My texts don't mention any children. In 182, 10 years before Commodus death, she was implicated in a plot against Commodus and exiled to the island of Capri, where she was soon executed. The movie never introduces and doesn't mention Bruttia Crispina, the wife of Commodus. She was married to Commodus in 177, and was exiled the same as Lucilla, in 182. She was executed in 183, nine years before Commodus' death. It was a touching story and a good performance by the leading actor -- maybe he WILL get an OSCAR, but to a historian, the story is was a little confusing. I guess if I went back and reviewed "The Robe", "Quo Vadis", "Ben Hur" etc., I would probably notice the same historical irregularities though. I enjoyed the movie and would give it 4 stars for entertainment, performances and sets.
Rating:
Summary: God bless Ridley Scott
Review: Ah yes, at long last -- the return of the bigger-than-life epic motion picture. Not since the likes of Ben Hur have we seen a picture like Gladiator. And thanks to the excellent direction and vision of Ridley Scott and an amazing cast, the film is able to out-shine its genre. Expect pulse-pounding action sequences, a storyline that reels you in and holds you by the throat, and a stunningly beautiful score. Go see it in the theatre, if you haven't already. Nothing beats watching this grand picture on the big screen. And then buy the DVD -- because once you've seen the film, you'll know you have to add it to your collection.
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!
Rating:
Summary: History? Humbug!
Review: Among the good qualities of the DVD are the following: 1) widescreen format, 2) very revealing "director's commentary" to play over the film's audio track, and 3) fine reproduction of the film's picture and soundtrack. The glories of "Gladiator" are superficial, but the principal players do turn in fine thespian performances. No amount of good acting can conceal the limp plot structure and the basic sensationalism of the director's "artistic" vision. The premise of the film -- that a popular gladiator could become a contender for the throne of the Roman Empire -- is ludicrous and reveals a profound ignorance of reality. The director's commentary explains how Ridley Scott and his crew avoided dealing with authentic history in order to make this picture. To "experts" who point out that this or that never occurred, or could not have occurred owing to the nature of things in that era, the filmmaker's response is "how do you know? were you there?" So they used "logic" to recreate Rome "as it must necessarily have been." The logic here is that of the director, the script writer, the set designer... in two words, HOLLYWOOD LOGIC. Where actual fact would interfere with the plot, the filmmakers chose to simply ignore the fact, as with the facts that Commodus ruled for over a decade, was not accused of murdering his father, had no erotic designs on his sister, fought in the arena over 700 times against men and wild beasts and styled himself "The Roman Hercules." All the film takes from this interesting history (much more interesting than the formula melodrama that is "Gladiator") is the fact that Commodus liked attending the gladiatorial games, and the rest is simply swept under the rug. I enjoyed "Gladiator" in the theater and despite what annoys me about the movie I actually enjoy every minute of it. The story moves along rapidly, like a river breaking through a dam, and the sister of Commodus is unusually beautiful, i.e. not a cookie-cutter Hollywood bombshell. The fight scenes are suitably convincing, though edited so aggressively that it's hard to follow who's hitting who and where the fighters stand in relation to one another in the arena. The CGI work stands as a marvel of modern filmmaking. The musical score is appropriate and really helps to energize the story. Finally, the 2:30 running time is hardly noticeable; Scott & company must be doing something right to keep the film from seeming overly long. If you want to learn something about Roman history, read some books (Edward Gibbon's "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" tells the story of Commodus -- it doesn't resemble "Gladiator" at all). If you want a gory, expensive-looking action film in which the good guys win, "Gladiator" isn't a bad way to kill an evening.
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