Gladiator: 2000 (directed by Ridley Scott)

Gladiator can be classified by many genres: historical fiction; a revenge movie; an epic, an action movie, etc. But these are just labels created by people who watch movies. At the heart of every great movie is a great character. And Gladiator’s heart relies on its lead character, one Maximus Decimus Meridius (played by Russell Crowe).

Crowe brings so much to the table that you can’t help but be compelled by Maximus. Even before the plot/drama starts, he’s such a strong force that you’re immediately sucked in. Word has it that Mel Gibson was offered the role, but turned it down, probably because he played a similar role in Braveheart. These two films are often compared, and for good reason: they’re both about men, many years ago, who lost their wives and sought vengeance on the powerful despots that eliminated them.

Plot-wise, Gladiator sounds simple but it’s anything but. Rome, 180 AD, and the senate hopes that the all-wise emperor Marcus Aurelius will return Rome into a republic. He chooses Rome’s greatest general, Maximus, over his own son Commodus to succeed him as to ensure Rome’s greatness prevails. While Maximus is indifferent to the request, Commodus commands the throne by slaying his father. When Maximus refuses his loyalty to Commodus, the latter has Maximus taken to be assassinated and his wife and young son murdered.

Maximus escapes his own death (not without wounds), but returns home in Spain to find that his wife and son were burned alive and crucified. Left for dead, he is found and is considered a slave who must play in the gladiatorial games once he is brought back to health. I’ll give no more of the plot away except to say that Maximus uses his military skills in the gladiatorial ring only for the hope to one day face Commodus and finally earn his vengeance.

What is remarkable about Crowe’s performance is the determination and drive found in his eyes. Even at his calmest, there is a harrowing rage that lets you see into his soul. This man is not driven, he is possessed. Crowe pulls this off remarkably and it should surprise none that he won the Best Actor Oscar in 2000 for his unforgettable performance.

Visually, the film is a masterpiece. Ancient Rome is created so well by director Ridley Scott that you’d think you were actually there. I myself am a big fan of dialogue, but some of the shots and visuals in this movie took my breath away. I could literally watch the movie on mute and be just as enthralled.

What also benefits the film is a cast that gives uniformly fine performances. Joaquin Phoenix, as Commodus, can overdo it a bit, but this is a small complaint. Upon release, some critics balked at the script, but to that I say hogwash. There are as many quotable lines in this film as any other from this decade. If you haven’t seen Gladiator, shame on you. And if you have, chances are you cannot deny its greatness.

Gladiator, I salute you.

5 Stars.

Gladiator was a good movie that never felt great to me. I only saw it once (maybe I need to see it again) and while i usually am a sucker for these kinds of historical epics this didn't quite move me as much as it should have. I don't remember what else came out in 2000 but I do remember thinking that something other than gladiator should have one. That might be one of the things that turned me off a little bit.

What are some of the quotable lines you're thinking of Frank?

4 stars for me.

As hard as that is for me, I have to agree with you. I watched this movie years after it came out, just because I didn't want to watch it before. Actually I still didn't want to watch it when I did (but since when do girfriends care for what you want ) and I was really surprised, in the most pleasant way.
Of course that movie has weak points that have to be mentioned, one being the not too innovative story. It lends from, as already mentioned, Braveheart and also historic movies, Spartacus comes to my mind first. However, the movie more than makes up for that with excellent acting, awesome pictures and great script, direction and production and - and that just has to be mentioned - an amazing soundtrack that set the bar for all those "historic" or "bombastic" flicks that came hereafter. 4 Stars from me.

I have not seen Gladiator

muddy, muddled, and simplistic. Not that i'd expect much else from Ridley Scott's work in the late 90's/early 00's.
I'm sure someone smarter than I has made this comparison before, but the far-superior film Titus showed us a brilliant and vibrant ancient Rome and actually made us think about it a year earlier. Had Scott followed that lead, maybe we would've had something better than a pro wrestling match in a tan/brown stadium.
1.5 stars from me.

Just a little taste:

Commodus: The general who became a slave. The slave who became a gladiator. The gladiator who defied an emperor. Striking story! But now, the people want to know how the story ends. Only a famous death will do. And what could be more glorious than to challenge the Emperor himself in the great arena?
Maximus: You would fight me?
Commodus: Why not? Do you think I am afraid?
Maximus: I think you've been afraid all your life.

Maximus: I knew a man once who said, "Death smiles at us all. All a man can do is smile back."

Maximus: What we do in life echoes in eternity.

Maximus: My name is Gladiator.
[turns away from Commodus]
Commodus: How dare you show your back to me! Slave, you will remove your helmet and tell me your name.
Maximus: [removes helmet and turns around to face Commodus] My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next

Good movie, I've seen it several times. 'On my signal, unleash hell'

One of Crowes finest I think, and it was one of the first movies where I was aware of Pheonix too. The recreation work of ancient buildings in CGI was really impressive. A good director, generally always get good work from him

This was my favorite movie of all-time for a while.

i haven't seen it (yet?)

This is, for all time, the FIRST EVER RM MOVIE OF THE WEEK?

i saw it once, but as a rental... i remember enjoying it quite a bit, but nothing lasting or making me want to see it over and over again....

I now need to buy this movie.

I remember seeing it in theatres when I was 16. Before I got my driver's license, I didn't see many R-rated movies, as my parents didn't like me to. This was probably the first one I saw in theatres, and the gore and violence made me love it. I still enjoy it quite a bit.

Good film, but like Raziel said, not a very innovative story.

Gladiator has to be given some credit for starting up the whole epic craze that swept through Hollwyood for a while there. It really did start it, and it is arguably the best one that came out of it. Interestingly enough, Ridley Scott effectively ended the craze when he released Kingdom of Heaven, which is pretty much a sloppy, empty retread of Gladiator.

I don't think Gladiator is a deep film or a meaningful one. It is, however, I highly enjoyable one that is given an emotional edge by Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, both of whom give magnificent performances. Crowe deserved his oscar and so did Phoenix, though he didn't win.

And I'll be damned if that Ridley Scott can't film some exciting violence. This is not a condemnation of violence or contemplation on the emptiness of brutality, but it is a rousing, bloody-as-hell action epic.

Yeah, I like it. It's nothing amazing, but I like it.

Meh. 3/5

Nothing to get excited about.

Braveheart?

Braveheart was too early. The craze didn't start until Gladiator came along.