... Gladiator however is world famous and already has 341 reviews, despite of this I am still going to add my piece; I felt I needed to for such a brilliant piece of work. Gladiator is a film of epic proportions, released in 2000 and directed by Ridley Scott.
The film won five Academy awards ... Read review
A big-budget summer epic with money to burn and a scale worthy of its golden Hollywood ... more
predecessors, Ridley Scott'sGladiatoris a rousing, grisly, action-packed epic that takes moviemaking back to the Roman Empire via computer-generated visual effects. ...
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The General who became a slave. The slave who became a Gladiator. The Gladiator who defied ... more
an Empire.Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, GLADIATOR is a dazzling combination of vivid action and extraordinary storytellin...
A big-budget summer epic with money to burn and a scale worthy of its golden Hollywood ... more
predecessors, Ridley Scott'sGladiatoris a rousing, grisly, action-packed epic that takes moviemaking back to the Roman Empire via computer-generated visual effects. ...
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The great Roman General Maximus (Russell Crowe) has once again led the legions to victory ... more
on the battlefield. The war won Maximus dreams of home wanting only to return to his wife and son; however the dying Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) h...
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Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Production Year: 1996 - Action/Adventure - Director: Tom Clegg - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring:Daragh O'Malley, Oliver Cotton, Jason Durr, Sean Bean, Allie Byrne
Production Year: 1995 - Action/Adventure - Director: Tom Clegg - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring:Sean Bean, Daragh O'Malley, Allie Byrne, Oliver Cotton, Emily Mortimer, Michael Cochrane
...films in there own right. Gladiator however is world famous and already has 341 reviews, despite of this I am still going to add my piece; I felt I needed to for such a brilliant piece of work. Gladiator is a film of epic proportions, released in 2000 and directed by Ridley Scott.
The film won five Academy awards including best picture and revived the sword and sandal genre, this lead to the releases of films such as 300 and Troy. ... ...written by Conn Iggulden so Gladiator has become one of my favourite films of all time.
Plot -
As the film opens we see General Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russel Crowe) leading the Roman Army against the Germanic barbarians in 180AD. The battle ends a long war gaining Maximus the respect of the current Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). Although Marcus has a son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), he appoints Maximus ... more
Introduction -
Usually I try to review films that haven't had too much coverage, I like to let people know of films that are somewhat unheard of but still great films in there own right. Gladiator however is world famous and already has 341 reviews, despite of this I am still going to add my piece; I felt I needed to for such a brilliant piece of work. Gladiator is a film of epic proportions, released in 2000 and directed by Ridley Scott.
The film won five Academy awards including best picture and revived the sword and sandal genre, this lead to the releases of films such as 300 and Troy. I have become a strong Roman History fan, largely due to the wonderful Emperor books written by Conn Iggulden so Gladiator has become one of my favourite films of all time.
Plot -
As the film opens we see General Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russel Crowe) leading the Roman Army against the Germanic barbarians in 180AD. The battle ends a long war gaining Maximus the respect of the current Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). Although Marcus has a son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), he appoints Maximus as his heir, hoping to return power to the senate. After asking Maximus to fulfil his request he tells his son who take the news very badly, he kills his father in his rage and declares himself Emperor of Rome. Commodus asks Maximus for his loyalty but Maximus refuses. Unsure of Maximus's intentions he orders for him to be executed, and dispatches his Praetorian Guards to murder his wife and son. Maximus narrowly escapes but returns home too late, his son and wife have been killed, he also sustained an injury in his escape and collapses beside the graves he has dug for them.
Maximus wakes to find he has been picked up by slave traders; he is taken to Zucchabar where he is purchased by Proximo (Oliver Reed), the owner of the local gladiator school. Initially Maximus refuses to fight, but he soon has to defend himself in the gladiator ring, his tremendous skill with a blade earns the respect of both the audience and his fellow fighters, in particular Haken (Ralf Moeller) and Juba (Djimon Hounsou).
In Rome, Commodus announces the opening of the gladiatorial games to commemorate his father; Proximo's gladiators are asked to participate, leading Maximus closer to his enemy, the Emperor. I won't say anymore in case it ruins the rest of the story, although I'm sure many of you know the outcome.
My Opinions -
Crowe does a wonderful job of playing General Maximus, I always imagine generals as leaders rather than managers, people want to follow them rather than be ordered to, only then will soldiers follow their leader into battle. Crowe definitely plays the caring side of Maximus very well, it is clear he cares for not only his family but all of his soldiers too by the way he personally greats one in the opening scene. This is what makes him the great leader and husband he is, at the same time Maximus can become a true warrior, Crowe is fairly well built and so is believable as a great swordsman, his demeanour is also perfect, calm and collected and phased by very little, as a Roman General should be. I was impressed with Crowes ability to relate to all those around him, and his friendship with Hagen and Jaba really feels like a true one, considering the position they were in, it was crucial to have friends to watch your back.
I think this is by far Crowe's best performance to date, a role made just for him. In many films we see the camera flying around so fast in battles that it is hard to see what is going on, usually to cover up an actors inability to wield a sword, here however we see the sword fights in good detail, a sign that Crowe handles a sword well and isn't afraid to do his own stunts, I appreciate that in an actor. One of my favourite scenes is where he escapes from execution. Although short and sharp it really shows Maximus's experience over the standard soldiers, a great piece of acting.
Crowe however isn't the only good actor in the film, Djimon plays the part of Jaba very well, as he always does, for me this was the start of a very impressive career. Djimon's frame also makes him a believable warrior, his acting ability knows very little limits; he can be incredibly caring one minute and very menacing the next, as we can see in one of his more recent films 'Blood Diamond'. He too handles a sword impressively and plays the role of Maximus's best friend well, as I mentioned before the connection between them is apparent and they must have been good friends off screen.
Joaquin for me played his role as Commodus to the tee, he is someone who always likes to put on a brave face and pretends nothing bothers him, but really just wants to be liked. Ever since Joaquin played this role I have always had a dislike for him, not because he is a bad actor, but because I always see him as the bad guy, in some ways this is a credit to his acting, he played the role so well. To become Commodus a man has to think sneaky and cruel and I think Jaoquin put in a wonderful display of both caring (mainly for his sister) and hate (for Maximus). He too is however a great swordsman and this is displayed in a small scene where he is practising against 5 of his men, the camera is constantly on him and his ability with a sword is apparent.
Another mentionable role is Oliver Reed as Proximo, a man who initially appears to be driven by money, actually displays the care for his gladiators, the reason we find out later in the film.
The filming style of Gladiator is what I believe makes it so watch-able, the film is past paced when it needs to be, but subtly slows when the more 'political scenes' are on. I personally like a fast paced battle; it keeps you on the edge of your seat and exciting. Even the opening battle scene is kept quite short, even though it is quite a large battle. At the same time however it highlights how much of a great leader Maximus is, and how much he is adored by his soldiers.
Even now, the special effects don't seem dated, the fighting scenes and the Colosseum are particularly impressive and really help express what life was like back then. As I mentioned before we see every sword swing and every splash of blood in the hand to hand combat, which is how it should be in a film named 'Gladiator'. The action is always clear and well lit, mainly because it is set outside the majority of the time, but this increases its watch-ability.
The score was composed by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard and conducted by Gavin Greenaway. The music for the battle scenes, which is my favourite, has been noted as similar to Gustav Holst's 'Mars: the Bringer of War'. It is incredibly fast paced and hard hitting and blends in wonderfully with the action, the timing is also crucial, particularly noticeable in one of the Collosuem battle scenes. The sound effects are loud and crisp in the fighting scenes but soft in the more tranquil scenes meaning your attention isn't unnecessarily taken off the film you are supposed to be watching.
The film received a 77% from Rotten Tomatoes, in my opinion a very low score, I would have expected it to have got at least a 90%, its one of those films that simply sets the standard for any film after it. The film grossed $457 million worldwide and was named the sixth greatest film of all time in a channel 4 TV poll. The film is 154 minutes long, but it certainly doesn't feel like it, the battles are frequent and the political scenes interesting. At the end however I remember thinking to myself, this has ended at just the right time, there isn't a dragged out ending that forces you to sit there through sufferance. It can be purchased for around £3 off Amazon or Play and comes in a variety of different box sets. I would suggest children under the age of 16 did not watch the film without supervision, the fighting scenes are very gory (like a man getting his head cut clean off), and other scenes fairly suggestive, sexually.
The film overall however is a great one and I cant think of anything bad to say about it, I always find myself putting it on just to watch the brilliant fighting scenes, the music on a surround sound really gets you into it. For the cost it should hold a place in every single persons DVD collection just for those rainy days. I hope you have enjoyed my review and if you haven't seen it the legendary film that is Gladiator.
Advantages: Stunning film in every way! Disadvantages: None!
Gladiator was released in 2000, and directed by accomplished, legendary director Ridley Scott. The Roman epic starred, among others, Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, and was also Oliver Reed's final movie before his passing. Indeed, Reed actually passed away before completion of the movie, which meant that some of his final scenes in the film were actually made using a double, which was digitally mixed with out-take footage of Reed. ... ...Best Picture, Best Sound and also Best Actor for Russell Crowe.
Maximus Decimus Meridias (Russell Crowe) is a victorious Roman General, who is loved by the people of Rome, and also by the ailing Emperor of Rome, Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). Upon his death bed, Marcus Aurelius chooses Maximus to be the heir to the throne, over his own power-hungry son Commodus(Joaquin Phoenix). When the Emperor finally passes, Commodus betrays his father's wish, ...
danmclovin 23.08.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Gladiator (DVD)
Advantages: Great film, acting and a superb soundtrack! Disadvantages: None
...who became a gladiator. The gladiator who defied an empire. These are the words that sum this film up and with only seeing these few sentences you are already intrigued about this film and can tell its going to be a great film (that's certainly what i thought).
And i was certainly right as this is, and will be for a while, my favourite film. It has also been rated very near the top (if not at the top) in a variety of lists of the top 100 all time ... ...in 2000 and was directed masterfully by the great Ridley Scott who has directed other great films including Alien. It is about General Maximus Decimus who is played by the stunning Russel Crowe (who has also featured in great films including "A Beautiful Mind" and "Master and Commander".
The story:
Don't worry I'll try not to give away too much.
The story is about Maximus who is a great Roman General and is asked to become protectorate of Rome, ...
shamis4 17.07.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Gladiator (DVD)
...critique on space exploration. With Gladiator we are on slightly firmer territory.
The story is set against a factual period in Roman history. In the last year of the reign of Marcus Aurelius (AD 180) the bulk of the Roman army is campaigning in Germania. In an opening battle scene that will go down in cinema history, Maximus has just completed a stunning victory over the tribes of the region, bringing the last of the barbarians under Roman rule. ... ...of humour.
Essentially though Gladiator is an action movie, and there is plenty of that. From the opening battle scene onwards the action hardly lets up, clawing his way up through the arenas of the backwaters of Empire, Crowe gets many opportunities to play the role that he is associated with, the action hero. The fights are hard hitting and hypnotic, the choreography makes each one unique, be it man on man, lion or against an array of chariots. ...
steerpyke 24.03.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Gladiator (DVD)
Gladiator is possibly one of the most quoted, talked about and reviewed films of this millenium. It is no surprise that here on ciao, there are already hundreds reviews written on this one film! But I thought I would put my opinions into the pot for you all to read as well.
Gladiator is a 2000 'epic' directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe as the Roman General who finds himself more than just down on his luck. It is the winner of 5 Academy ... ...Oliver Reed as the former gladiator turned slave trader and Djimon Hounsou as a fellow gladiator turn a great film into a magnificent one.
My Opinion
After 2 hours 29 minutes of watching this film, I was left hungry for more. Haunting memories of the fight sequences and dream sequences through the 'Fields of Elysium' as well as rousing speeches and quotable characters make this one of the greatest films of all time, let alone of recent years. It ...
pmcds 10.03.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Gladiator (DVD)
Advantages: Amazing scenery and brilliant cast Disadvantages: Can run too long for some people
...noticed and bought by a gladiator trainer called Proximo, who is played by Oliver Reed, who died before the film was completed. We soon enter the world of a gladiator, and what they must do to merely survive. Maximus is a revelation, and does not seem to fear anything, when in fact all he is trying yo do initially is die so he can be with his family, and this leads to him being an explosive and popular gladiator. The only area of the film which I ... ...between Maximus and Lucilla (Connie Neilsen), Commodus' sister. There were hints at deep feelings, however I think a man as loyal as Maximus would not have tarnished the memory of his wife, by entering into a liasion with another woman. Russell Crowe is magnificent, and I cannot imagine anyone playing the role any better, and all of the awards and accolades which followed were well deserved. Many people have slated Joaquin Phoenix in this film, but ...
nicanddarrell 25.09.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Gladiator (DVD)
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Advantages: DTS soundtrack, loads of extras Disadvantages: none
A true blockbuster film deserves a blockbuster treatment on dvd and gladiator has received such a treatment.
I won't go into details about the film as I'm sure the majority of the people reading this will be familiar with the story.
The dvd is a 2 dvd set that comes in a standard case with a hinged insert for the 2nd dvd. Theres also a 4 page inlay that deatils the chapter listing and has some production notes.
The first dvd contains the film. It's presented in 2.35:1 and is anamorphic. naturally for a new film the tranfer is spot on and very rich and colourful with only a few minor blemishes. Sound wise is where this really wins. You can watch the film in Dolby Digital 5.1 that is very active throughout or instead you can opt for the DTS soundtrack that simply blows the dolby mix out of the water. It has a lot more depth ...
Advantages: Brilliant film, brilliant extras Disadvantages: Price may be a bit steep for some
The Gladiator special edition DVD is amazing, an instant classic. You have firstly the film, which is brilliant. It stars Russell Crowe as Gladiator who goes from being war general to slave on a roller coaster ride which causes him to rise again to have his vengeance on Caesar. However, what makes this DVD stand out from the rest, is not only the film itself, but the special features included on the second bonus DVD.
These features include:
50 min learning channel special
25 min making of feature
Deleted Scenes
Lucius's production journal
Storyboard Comparisons
Plus much much more.
An absolute stonker of a DVD! ...
Advantages: excellent storyline, cast and special effects Disadvantages: none
That's the tagline of this magnificent DVD from Dreamworks Entertainment.
I can't say enough of this brilliant DVD, so let's start with the obvious, shall we?
First of, the movie itself; Ridley Scott are known for his remarkable ability in making large blockbusters(Alien, Blade Runner) and Gladiator probably tops them all. It's an epic tale of a Roman general who is loved by his dying Emperor Marcus Aurelius but refuses to transfer his loyalty to the new emperor Commodus. As a result, he had to pay it with his wife and son's life, and being made a gladiator, fighting in the Colosseum.
It's a story of loyalty, love, sacrifice and family. The movie is packed full of blood-churning actions and tense-driven emotions. The plot are well-balanced and the actors deals with their roles perfectly. All in all, it's an enjoyable movie ...
Making Of Gladiator HBO First Look, Deleted Scenes With Optional Directors Commentary, Gladiator Games Roman Blood Sport A Learning Channel Special, Hans Zimmer Profile The Making Of The Music For Gladiator, Pietros Treasure Chest The Best Of Deleted Footage Montage, Spencer Treat Clark Production Journal, Original Storyboard Comparisons And Conceptual Art, Photo Gallery, Trailers, Animated Menus, Production Notes, Cast And Crew Biographies, Trailers, Filmographies, Interactive menu
Dolby Digital 5.1 English, Dolby Digital Surround English French German Italian Spanish
Award information
OSCAR
Best Visual Effects 2000 (John Nelson, Neil Corbould, Tim Burke, Rob Harvey)
OSCAR
Best Actor In A Leading Role 2000 (Russell Crowe), Best Actor In A Leading Role 2001 (Russell Crowe), Best Visual Effects 2000 (John Nelson, Neil Corbould, Tim Burke, Rob Harvey)
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05/06/2000
DVD Description
Ridley Scott (BLADE RUNNER, ALIEN) transports Hollywood to second-century Rome in this rousing historical epic that proudly harkens back to such films as BEN-HUR and SPARTACUS. Russell Crowe plays Maximus, a Roman general who leads the troops in conquering Germania for the empire. When an aging Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) tells Maximus that he'd like him to rule Rome once he's gone, a classic confrontation ensues between the brave and charming soldier--who wants to return home to his wife, son, and farm--and the jealous and conniving Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the emperor's only son, who is thirsty for power. Bought as a slave by the profiteering Proximo (Oliver Reed, in his last role), Maximus must kill or be killed in the ring, battling to save not only himself but the future of the very empire that he loves and honors. The film features a terrific battle sequence (that recalls the beginning of SAVING PRIVATE RYAN), huge crowd scenes of thousands of people, and even a little romance, albeit mostly taboo. The impeccably choreographed gladiator scenes are violent yet thrilling, flashing by like lightning. GLADIATOR is a glorious spectacle filled with heart and soul.
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