Rating: 
Summary: THUMBS UP FOR GLADIATOR...
Review: This is a very good, well acted movie. The story centers around a general in the Roman legion who is enslaved and becomes a gladiator of reknown, called the Spaniard.The general, Maximus, esteemed by all the legionaires that he commands, is a favorite of the Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. The Emporer has a son, Commodus, and a daughter, Lucilla. While Lucilla is clearly the worthier of the two to inherit her father's empire upon his death, she cannot by virtue of her gender. The Emperor knows his son to be unworthy to rule in his stead, as Commodus is totally devoid of character and craven. So, Marcus Aurelius, knowing that his health is failing, tells Maximus of his wish to declare him protector of Rome upon his death, in hopes of returning Rome to the people, as a Republic. Unfortunately, Marcus Aurelius makes the mistake of telling his son the same, thereby bringing about his death at the hands of Commodus. Commodus, now Emporer, extends the olive branch to Maximus who refuses, knowing that something unsavory has happened to Marcus Aurelius, for whom he had great affection. Rebuffed, Commodus has Maximus arrested with an order for his execution, as well as the ravaging of his lands and the slaughter of his wife and small son. Maximus escapes execution, but does not make it home in time to save his family. Captured by slave traders, he is sold and becomes a gladiator known as the Spaniard. This is all I will tell you about the plot. Watch the movie and see for yourself. Suffice to say that Russell Crowe gives a masterful and powerful perfomance as Maximus. Yet, I think Joaquin Phoenix gives an extraordinary performance as the the evil and sinister Commodus. His role is not a majestic, heroic one, but for that reason alone, his performance is, to my mind, the more compelling one, as it is stangely moving. If there are any Oscar recognized performances to be eked out of this film, he should certainly receive strong consideration for best supporting actor. As to the special effects, I was disappointed because, at times, the special effects were noticable; that is, you could occasionally tell when special effects were being employed. It does not necessarily detract from the film; it is just a little jarring to be aware of it. All in all, however, it is a film well worth seeing.
Rating:
Summary: An entertaining sword-and-sandal yarn.
Review: Gladiator tells the story of a powerful Roman General, Maximus (Russell Crowe), loved by his men and the aging Emperor, Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). Maximus is chosen by the Emperor to be his heir over his own son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). This brings about a power struggle which results in Commodus ordering Maximus's execution. However, Maximus escapes and is out for revenge. David H. Franzoni's screenplay is pretty basic. There's isn't a whole lot of new ground that's covered. Many of the dramatic scenes tend to be a little bland and don't have as much emotional punch as they should. However, the cast does a fine job at giving life to their roles. Russell Crowe, as Maximus, puts the human back in the hero. He effectively brings ferocity and nobility to his character. Joaquin Phoenix gives a powerful and emotional performance as the disturbed Commodus. Hans Zimmer delivers an energetic and moving musical score, which greatly enhances both the action scenes and the more somber scenes. Ridley Scott is in top form here. The film carries his wonderful, stylistic flare of unique lightening and grand visuals. Pietro Scalia's editing and Scott's direction bring the grisly battle scenes to life. Tight camera shots and quick editorial cuts are utilized to create some of the most riveting battle scenes seen since Saving Private Ryan. While not wholly original, Gladiator is never-the-less an engaging and entertaining epic.
Rating: 
Summary: well worth it
Review: This is one of the best movies for the type. It stands with "Brave Heart" in detail and realism. The story is an old one but enjoyable all the same. The transfer is above average, mine ahs one small "blip". The additional materials are excellent. Buy it. Sit back, relax, turn off your mind and enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: excellent
Review: This movie is very well done. The violence, though brutal, is not gratuitous, and there is not as much gore and guts as in films such as Braveheart. The lighting used gives a dreamy feel to this movie; mostly natural lighting is used (or appears to be) and it looks quite realistic. I recognized many actors from Shakespearean productions and they all give good performances. Russell Crowe is outstanding. The dialogue is not always brilliant, but that is not a great detriment. Some have derided the plot as simplistic - but weren't most of the Graeco-Roman myths as well? All in all, this film is a great hero tale.
Rating:
Summary: Strong The Whole Way Through
Review: The movie has a strong story line the whole way through it. All the characters are well developed and do terrific jobs. The action sequences are great. Definitely a movie that can be watched more then once.
Rating: 
Summary: A Little Disappointing
Review: I was really looking forward to this movie after everything I'd heard about it, but I was kind of disappointed. The movie had its good points-the special effects were spectacular, as were the gladiatorial combats. But it sure doesn't take a genius to write this script. This is why I feel that although Gladiator is an entertaining movie, it is not worthy of so much praise. There have been better movies set in the Roman period like Ben-Hur and Spartacus. Gladiator somehow lacked emotional conviction. Also, I felt that it failed to depict well the history or lifestyle of the period. Sue me for being different, but this is just what I feel.
Rating:
Summary: Yes, but we've seen this all before.
Review: When Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) admits to favoring the general Maximus (Russell Crowe) as his successor, instead of his dishonest son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), Commodus takes steps to ensure that his father's wishes are never realized, to the detriment of Aurelius, Maximus, their families and to Rome herself. This beautifully executed, gorgeously photographed and wonderfully acted film is also (unfortunately) almost totally unoriginal. Avid filmgoers have already seen this again and again, even down to the tiresome clichés like the perplexing convention that all nefarious despots seem be a tad effeminate. There will be few surprises for those who have seen such films as the two versions of Ben-Hur (1926, 1959), The Robe (1953), Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954) and Spartacus (1960), not to mention Anthony Mann's equally sprawling The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964) of which this is very close to being a remake. Ridley Scott makes it all palatable to modern audiences who have come to expect large doses of snazzy computer graphics and frenetic action scenes (with the concomitant sprinklings of realistic gore). Here Scott brilliantly employs the "strobe effect" photography which Spielberg put to good use recently in his Saving Private Ryan. Alas, some of these scenes are completely over-the-top, with Crowe easily disposing of five or six heavily armed opponents without even breaking a sweat -- glaring incongruities, and often unintentionally laughable, in an otherwise beautifully detailed and painstakingly accurate treatment. If you haven't seen the aforementioned films, this film may delight you from beginning to end. If you have seen those films, there is still lots here to recommend this film, though don't expect any surprises.
Rating:
Summary: He could lead you through Hell...
Review: ... and he does, as he leads you in the beginning through a raw epic-like battle scene...with great quips like, "at my mark, unleash Hell" and "what we do in life, echo's in eternity"... through the rest of this truly fantastic movie. The musical score accentuates your emotions and leaves you mesmerized and emotionally drained at the end of the film. Russell Crowe, as Maximus, is a man of unparralleled moral principles and doing what is right. This is a film that can be see over and over again without losing it's impact. This is the best movie of its kind since 10 time Academy Award winner: Ben Hur.
Rating:
Summary: 5 stars? More like a million.
Review: There is no way you can not enjoy this movie. "Gladiator" is the greatest movie I have ever seen. Russel Crowe makes the perfect Maximus...he's incredibly sexy and talented. Making the leading man complete. He'll give the others a run at the academy awards, lemme tell ya what. There is no part in the movie that anyone would consider "slow" or "boring", in the movie you have something for everyone...violence, drama, romance...its all there. The fighting scenes are edge-of-your-seat-pee-your-pants exciting. You have your gore and your glory; your villains and your heroes. See this movie, and I *assure* you that it will soon be in your video collection.
Rating: 
Summary: From a Woman's Perspective
Review: You wouldn't think so from the title and the expected action and fight scenes, but this is a beautiful epic. The love story behind it is lovely but bittersweet. Ridley Scott makes the characters come to life and he makes ancient Rome come to life. Now, I am a teenage girl. I went to see Gladiator with my friend for two reasons: 1) extra credit in Latin IV, 2) Russell Crowe. By the end of the movie, I had forgotten the extra credit, but I hadn't forgotten Russell Crowe. He is marvelous. I was wary of the fighting, I didn't want to see all the gore. Okay, there is some gore, but nothing I couldn't handle. The first battle scene is amazing. When the Barbarians are heard rallying in the woods, it sent chills down my spine, it still does when I watch it on DVD. So, for the boys: you'll love it for the fight scenes. For the ladies: Russell Crowe, he needs no further explanation.
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