Rating: 
Summary: What can I say!
Review: It has been a while since we have had a grand epic. This movie really hits the mark. It was stunning visually, the music was fantastic and you have Russell Crowe. I have already seen it three times and plan to go again. I am going to have to buy a DVD player or I will wear out a VHS tape. I hope the big guys out there keep turning out such great quality productions as this. Beautiful.
Rating:
Summary: Risks big, gains big
Review: "Gladiator" is a grand experience that enriches the tradition of the old sword and sandal epics. It's been a while since the last Gladiator movie was made ,and well, now we have CGI, so "Gladiator" should be at least visually lavish. First things first: General Maximus (Crowe) and family is condemned to death by the new Emperor, Commodus (Phoenix), who is furious at the bond between his father and Maximus. Maximus escapes the sword while his wife and son don't, and Maximus vows for "vengeance, in this life or the next." Maximus is sold into slavery, thus into the gladiatorial arena, becoming a warrior then a legend. As Commodus attempts to dismantle the Senate, his doting sister Lucilla (Nielsen) is becoming increasingly distant and seems to have plans of her own. Commodus brings the finest Gladiators to Rome to win public support (as Lucilla points out, the Roman mob is power), and Maximus ' date with destiny arrives.Okay, so it's not that subtle and profound. But the movie isn't just about sword and sandal butchering--someone pointed out that it's about two men, one motivated by love, the other by lack of it. Crowe, who was affectingly insecure in "The Insider" is magnetic and brooding here. He exudes such a wild physicality, it's so palpable, and he holds the screen with such an assured and forceful presence, it's hard to take your eyes off him. He possesses a whole gravitational pull. Phoenix is gleefully desperate, and it's obvious that he finds the role fun. Nielsen is also credible, her Lucilla being both strong and distant at the same time (which is a little hard to do, I'd say). This is probably the most visually enthralling movie of the year. That's immediately apparent when we watch the full-scale, extras unlimited, realistic and muddy battle of Germania that started at the beginning of the film. Hans Zimmer also contributes an invaluable music score. This is an expensive film. It risks bug, and it gains big. There's always something to admire about, and it's always tremendously fun and even a little touching. That's a rare combination.
Rating:
Summary: Gladiator - a story to touch everyones hearts
Review: If you want to see a film with superb effects, a superb soundtrack and superb acting then this is the film for you. All of this sounds amazing (and it is) but the without a doubt the best of all is the characterisation. If you want to watch a film that shows you the meaning of love and devotion, then this film is my number one choice. From the start all that Maximus (Russell Crowe) wants to do is go home to the family that he loves and misses, but is a plan that is thwarted by his fate. This is a film that stirs you from start to finish, from the fight in Germania to the final walk into the arena. Until this film comes out on DVD, I suggest you buy the soundtrack. Memories and emotions that you felt watching the film will come back again and again.
Rating:
Summary: Maximus all the way
Review: I am going for the 4th time this weekend to see this movie. I am not a typical action/adventure fan but this movie is the best. Not since TITANIC have I visited a movie theatre more. I think Russell Crowe is the best actor today. More of Maximus--can't get enough.
Rating:
Summary: THE BEST MOVIE EVER!
Review: This was the best movie in the whole world. It was a littlebit like Braveheart but I think it was better. I am going to buy it the first day it comes out! IT IS MY FAVORITE MOVIE!
Rating:
Summary: Gladiator Rocks The Screen
Review: Gladiator is definitely Russell Crowe's best film yet. He did a wonderful job acting in this movie. I loved it so much I went to see it three times in theaters!! It's such an emotional film. The whole time you're watching it, you feel like you're there, and you wish you really were! It was awesome! If you haven't seen it yet, get out there and see it, I can guarantee you, it's worth it!!!!
Rating:
Summary: I will have my revenge in this life or the next!
Review: I loved this movie! Russell Crowe has a commanding presence! Even though there is much saddness, his character excepted whatever fate offered him. Such is how life really is and what other choice does one have. I left the theatre feeling good instead of hurt over the outcome as I did with Braveheart. This is a must see!
Rating: 
Summary: Praise the Epic, Cut the Gore
Review: At long last here comes a movie that shines out from the rest of the special-effects fests and reduntant plot lines of its counterparts. Ridley Scott's GLADIATOR is a masterpiece in the most profound sense of the word, even with all of the unnecessary gore of the gladiatorial games (hence only four stars for a film that _should_ have had seven or eight). The amazing cinematography, tied together with Scott's eye for detail (notice that this is the first large-scale movie about Rome where the Roman armor is authentic and not 50s Hollywood style), Hans Zimmer's amazing score, and the masterfully complex characters of Maximus and Commodus bring a rare and wonderful mix to our sated palates. It really is a pity that this film is rated R for violence, as the character of Maximus is a role model that most children of our day and age should have. His motto, "strength and honor," should inspire us once more to return to such seemingly antiquated and yet ever new morals, because _that_ is what draws people to a leader, not the media coverage or image that they splash on the walls. Maximus is what makes the story of this movie what it really is -- a real man who suffers and yet holds to his integrity and sacrifices his life for others -- as compared to the debauched, self-centered Commodus whose main focus is on the love and devotion he thinks he deserves, not on what he can do for others. Watch this, but don't just walk away saying, "What a good movie!" Think about how you might be more like Maximus in a quest for strength and honor in your own circles, regardless of the sacrifice, and so make a better world.
Rating:
Summary: Bring on Gladiator!
Review: THE EPIC IS BACK! There has not been a film in the heroic genre made in at least the past 20 years to rival Ridley Scott's GLADIATOR. Its appeal is wide-ranging, from men of shaving age on up, to women who swoon at the very sound of RUSSELL CROWE'S commanding voice. To say that Maximus as: general, devoted friend, husband, father, slave, gladiator & hero simply could not have been played on this level by any other living actor is merely stating the obvious. He has reached dizzying heights of ability, especially when contrasted to his equally inspired last role as the paunchy, justifiably paranoid scientist of THE INSIDER. Joaquin Phoenix, Richard Harris, Oliver Reed & Derek Jacobi are also outstanding in their roles. Connie Neilson is stiff & unresponsive as the scheming Lucilla, but in fairness to her, she is the lone female in a cast of luminary men. The sets, digital enhancements, stunt work and soundtrack are Ridley Scott at his best. There is a high level of violence. However, it is in no way gratuitous, given the story line. If you are a true lover of cinema, see Gladiator. If you are an admirer of Russell Crowe (and you will be), see it again! All I want to know is how long do I have to wait for the DVD?!
Rating:
Summary: Gladiator
Review: It's been a long time since I have walked out of a film and called all my friends to see it. I was completely knocked out by Russell Crowe's performance. There hasn't been an actor with so much talent and sex appeal since Brando. I was a little leary when I saw he was playing a gladiator. I had only seen SPARTACUS on television and thought...is the film going to be good or not? Never fear with the very talented Ridley Scott at the helm, this is a film that will not disappoint. You actually feel you are back in Roman times, and the story is one of good vs. evil. But never has it been done in such a stunning manner. I could go on about the magnificent performances by Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, and Derek Jackobi. I know that there were some mixed reviews, but most of them were fantastic. A female critic here in Boston said it was the best movie she's ever seen! It may sound like hyperbole, but I have to agree with her...forget GONE WITH THE WIND, my all-time favorite is now GLADIATOR.
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