New Years Eve 2000, and with an 11 month old baby, NikkiH and I had no other option but to stay home and see in the New Year together. As the television looked so poor, we decided to get this film from the local video shop. I had heard a lot of good reports about the film, but wondered if it would be a modern day version of Ben Hur, and as it is many years since this genre was attempted, would it be anywhere near as much of an epic. If the film length was anything to go by, at over two and a half hours, it was looking like it was going to give it's all, and with fellow Geordie Ridley Scott directing, I was filled with eager anticipation.
Russell Crowe stars as Maximus, an army general in 180AD, who was a great leader in many battles, as all he wants to do is return to his wife and son once the war is over. He spends many hours dreaming of his civilian life, but his great admirer, The Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris)
has other ideas, he sees Maximus as a son, and wants Maximus to take over as Emperor after his death. This is not as simple a request as Marcus would like, as his insanely jealous and spoilt son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) is determined that Maximus will not take the throne that he believes to be his birthright. He also believes that the attention he has craved from his father should be shown in this way.
Commodus soon gets his way as his father dies, and he makes sure that Maximus suffers. It is now that we start to see the real devious side of Commodus, and the slight incestual actions he makes towards his sister. Commodus organises 150 of battle games as a tribute to his father, and also in the hope that he will win the support of the people as the new Emperor.
When the first battle scenes are shown, it does not appear to be in Roman times, as they are in the forest and woods, but the action soon focuses back in the city, where by a quirk of fate, and the actions of a very jealous Commodus, Maximus has ended up in the hands of some slave traders, and also as a widower. He is quickly 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 thought was puzzling and a little unecessary, was the relationship 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 I thought he put in a very accomplished performance as the bitter and twisted Commodus. The rest of the supporting cast are the reason the film is so strong. Reed in his final role, is amazingly believeable, and Derek Jacobi, who always seems ideal for this era, is great as Gracchus, a senator. The smaller roles played most notably by Harris, and newcomer Djimon Hounsou (previously impressive in Amistad), are as important as Crowe's role, as they characters are so well developed that it matters what happens to them.
As expected the arena scenes are breathtaking, and are the first things that come to mind when I think about this film, as every small detail seems to have been covered.
The soundtrack by Hans Zimmer adds to the atmosphere and feel of the film, and unusually for me, it is something I have listened to separate from the film since.
Don't let the length of the film deter you, as I assure you that you will be gripped, and even my lovely wife managed to stay awake until the end, which is a rare occurence in our house. If I had to pick one word to describe this film, it would be awesome, and I regret not seeing it in all it's glory at the cinema, as I am sure it was mindblowing.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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
i think this film is exceptional, i really love it, and your review is very good too :)
jayne78 26.09.2002 23:04
This is a superb film went to the pics to see it then bought it on dvd. Like your wife i knew it must of been good to actually stay awake to watch it lol.
Did you no ther are about 26 mistakes in this film although i didnt actually spot anymyself i seen them all on some programme.
ladyangel 26.09.2002 15:34
I loved this film,, it really doesn't bore at all!
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Sep 25th, 2002
very helpful by (100%):
