Rating: 
Summary: Hollywood Thinks About Itself
Review: This is one of those rare moments when Hollywood makes an attempt at self reflection. The narrative depicts the rise to power of the "General who became a slave, who became a gladiator, who defied the Emperor." One gets the sense, though, that the film is not just talking about General Maximus but is really a loose allegory for Hollywood's political influence. This well told story is about a General who (unwillingly) becomes the Roman equivalent of a Hollywood actor (albeit without the perks). From his new position as an entertainer, Maximus is able to carry enough political weight with the people to ultimately defeat the corrupt ruler. To say it another way, the central motif of the movie is this: Because entertainers have access to the masses, political power is most effectively wielded as an entertainer. And so Hollywood, as embodied in Maximus, ultimately portrays itself as the savior of democracy and presumably, therefore, the savior of mankind. Interestingly enough, Gladiator's examination of the relation between entertainment and political power comes near the end of the term of a President who has had more than the normal amount of connections to Hollywood. One can't help but wonder about the real life connections between politics and entertainment. Perhaps the arena is not far off after all.
Rating: 
Summary: A lost chance
Review: How about this: General Maximus has just concluded the last significant campaign the Roman Empire will fight for a long while, succesfully. His men adore him, and so does the Roman populace. He is a hero, and at least out there in the field he should be untouchable. On the eve of his victory, Emperor Marcus Aurelius, out to supervise the campaign in Germany himself, is murdered by his own son (for obvious reasons), and Maximus notices that. Instead of launching an investigation, he, the victorious general, at the orders of the emperor's son, is abducted by the very soliders who adore him, for an attempt to assasinate him. He escapes, and travels back to Italy to protect his wife and children from the new Emperor's wolves. He finds them crucified (after a journey thru lands that do not exist anywhere between Germany and Italy) at his own estate. Now, no soldiers have been waiting to intercept him there (which would have been the obvious thing to do) and he feels free to collapse from despair and faints (or takes a nap). A slave trader who happens to pass by picks him up right there while he is still in coma, and without interference from the authorities, abducts him to Africa. Note that this happens in central Italy, right in the heartland of the Roman Empire (for Christ's sake!) Does any of this strike you as odd? The plot goes on in this manner. Some people have critized the historical inaccuracy of this film, and that may be as it will. But the plot in its own inherent (il)logic is already so bad that worrying about historical facts is vain. The plot is so bad that despite spectacular fights and CGI-type reconstructions of old Rome, I was tempted to switch off. This film is a disgrace, and an insult. How stupid do you think your audience is, Mr. Ridley? With a gigantic Hollywood budget at hand, you had a chance to resurrect old Rome in all its glory, and offer a satisfying and plausible story along with it. You have completely wasted that chance. For those still considering watching it, here is my recommendation: do so at your own peril, and only if all you care about is action and - admittedly - breathtaking reconstructions of the eternal city. Otherwise you will end up one upset ticket-buyer.
Rating: 
Summary: Commodus for President
Review: I think that this is a wonderful movie. It truly demonstrates how people like Commodus come into power. My favorite line is where Commodus rides up and says "Father, did I miss the battle?". His father responds, "No son, you missed the war." Kind of like George Bush hiding out in the National Guard. Great ending to the movie however,,,I can't wait.
Rating:
Summary: Academy members, read this!
Review: This movie might be a tad long, and some of the dialoge may be less than intriging, but overall, Gladiator is a top-notch movie. Reason #1: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and all the others are all at their best. Reason #2: Gladiator is not one of those kill, kill, kill movies where all you think about is who will die next. Although there are some of those "I think I'm gonna hurl" moments, there is a lot more to this movie. Reason #3: Ridley Scott & Co. do a good job of recreating Rome as it might have been back in 180 A.D. This is a movie that, I think, will win these Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor-Russell Crowe, Best Supporting Actor-Joaquin Phoenix, Best Director-Ridley Scott, Best Visual Effects, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, and Best Choreography. That might sound like a bit much, but once you see the movie, I can almost promise you that you'll agree with me.
Rating:
Summary: Ridley Scott Did It Again!
Review: If you are a big fan of Ridley Scott's movies, Gladiator is another film that you should add to your collection. This movie depicts a story of a great man who fought with his life for the glory of the Roman empire and was betrayed by the new reigning Ceasar. Great story line and wonderful casts. Russell Crowe portrayed Maximus, a warrior who became a slave and defied the Emperor by winning the hearts of the people of Rome as mighty Gladiator.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific
Review: A wonderful film. Russell Crowe plays the great general, Maximus, who is sentenced to execution after the failing Caesar, Marcus Aurelius, chooses him to govern the empire rather than his son, who is morally unfit for the job. His son takes the news poorly, and takes steps to ensure he succeeds his father. Maximus escapes his executioners, but ends up enslaved and sold to an ex-gladiator (Oliver Reed) who now sends men into the pits to fight as their owner. Crowe is terrific, Reed turns in a solid, workmanlike performance (in his last role, he died during the filming and at least the last scene he is in was a neat bit of computer/camera trickery). An unapologetically violent film with the trademark Ridley Scott atmospheric direction. A must see.
Rating:
Summary: A must see, mostly for younsters.
Review: If you have seen big classic movies such as Spartacus, Benhur.. and experienced some touching script and the performance by actors or thespians of the past; and that you value those acting qualities or screen plays more than special effects and hi-tech action, then you cannot take 'Gladiator' very seriously in terms of elevating it to the level of classical grandor. It is just an extravaganza only modern computer technology and virtuoso can muster altogether. Just like 'Star wars' and its sequels. It only captivates you for the spectacular and swashbuckling effects. Here, the plot is good/bad type of things, very insular in its personal vindicta focus which connects nowhere to the Roman historical context. But it does entertain you for it is dramatic enough in its shallow plot and it is directed and exhibited very to the liking of today's audience who is so well accustomed to sound and visuals excellence of the big screen. Older generation of viewers might watch it and walk away without much lingering afterthoughts. Nevertheless, try not to miss it: you cannot expect any much better now-a-days.
Rating:
Summary: Rip-roaring Hollywood spectacle
Review: Stunning production values, a stirring score by Hans Zimmer, and exemplary performances by Russell Crowe and the always terrific Joaquin Phoenix make this film - one of 2000's biggest blockbusters - a must-have for any serious DVD collector. Hollywood doesn't get much better than this. The opening battle scene alone is worth the price of admission. The bonus disc includes a sequence of scenes left on the cutting room floor with Ridley Scott's commentary and a montage of deleted scenes set to Hans Zimmer's score specially edited for this DVD.
Rating:
Summary: Gladiator, Directed by Ridley Scott
Review: Few movies come along during our lives that make us stop in our tracks and take notice. The star-loaded action movies always grab attention but that is to be expected. Gladiator doesn't fall into that genre. Ridley Scott's epic of Roman General, Maximus (played by Russel Crowe) is a movie that commands attention. From the intricately detailed by battle sequences at the beginning to the monstrous recreation of Rome (albeit computer enhanced), Gladiator is every bit as good as the critics and media have praised it to be. Since buying the DVD version shortly after Christmas, having seing it when it first came out in theaters in May, I've only enhanced my appreciation for it. As it says on the case " The General who became a slave. The Slave who became a gladiator. The Gladiator who defied an emperor." That is really all of the story that you need to know if you have not seen this film. To give any more away spoils the movie. On the musical side, Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard composed a score that is as moving as it is dramatic. Nearly of the score coincides directly with key points in the film and add just that extra touch to the scene. I don't think there has been a score quite to match it in the last few years. Comparisions with Braveheart and other movies like it are evident but this film stands on it's own. Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix (as Commodus) and Scott give their all in the movie of the year for 2000. Anyone who hasn't yet seen Gladiator owes it to themselves to purchase it. You won't regret it.
Rating:
Summary: Passion of the Ages
Review: This film spans the fathoms of the human soul, evoking every emotion found in the heart of man at every turn. It evokes the passion of the mob, and the scorn of the despised all in the same breath. Not just a tremendous special FX movie, but one with a beautiful story line. Both bold and ugly at the same time. It is the story which carries this movie all the way to the end. If you are a fan of Braveheart and other historical type films, this film is a must see and a must own. Don't miss it. You'll watch it over and over, and over again.
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