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. The movie won 5 Oscars at the following awards, including 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, and orders that Maximus be executed, along with his family. Maximus manages to avoid execution, and escapes
from the clutches of the Roman guard. A wounded Maximus races home in the hope of saving his family, only to find that he is too late.
Maximus, weak form his wounds, is taken into slavery, and sold on to a Roman trader named Proximo (Oliver Reed). Maximus, along with a number of other slaves, is trained to become a gladiator, eventually destined to fight in the great amphitheater of Rome, to fight in front of the new Emperor, Commodus. Maximus sees this opportunity as a perfect way to get close to Commodus, in the hope of one day taking revenge for his family's brutal slain. Maximus must stay alive long enough to fullfill his revengeful wish, whilst also being involved in a plan with Commodus' sister Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), to dethrone the Emperor and to bring in a democratic senate.
I remember coming out of the cinema, when the movie was first released, full of goosepimples and with the hairs on the back of my neck quite literally standing on end. In my opinion, this is one of the greatest movies I have ever seen. This film had absolutely everything that you could hope for in a blockbuster, from epic war scenes to a beautiful love story, and from high-action fight scenes to spine-tingling, emotional drama. This movie truely was a great.
Russell Crowe seems such a complex actor and human being, but in this movie he plays his character Mamimus, so simply, but also so brilliantly. His often emotionless portrayal of the fallen Roman general is stunning, and the pain and hurt felt by him in the movie is also felt by all. It's a crying shame that Russell Crowe is the way he is, because this movie is evidence that on his day, he can be simply brilliant. Joaquin Phoenix is another that shines in this film. I am a huge fan of his, and he seems to be outstanding in every role that he take, and this movie is no exception. Also the passing of Oliver Reed during filming of the movie plays on your mind, and makes the film an altogether emotional experience.
What helps to create the stunning feel and emotional tension in the movie, is the soundtrack. The beautifully haunting music played throughout the film grabs you, and draws you into feeling the film, as well as seeing it. 'Now we are free', which is written and performed by Australian artist Lisa Gerrard, has an effect on this movie like no other. Simply one of the greatest movie soundtracks of all time, the song brings about an overwhelming release of feelings when it is played out at the final scene, and it is one I'll never forget. There are several other pieces of outstanding music played during the course of the film, which made me rush out to get the official soundtrack CD when it was released.
The movie is is also packed with brilliant special effects. The attack by the Roman army on the German hoardes at the bginning of the film, is both violent and awesome at the same time, and really brings alive the feeling of what war would have been like. Also the recreation of the mighty, but beautiful city of Rome, including it's towering centerpiece, the amphitheatre, is visually stunning. Even the fighting of the lions that takes place within the amphitheatre is so realistic. All of which combines to create the masterpiece that is Gladiator.
The movie is well recommended for people of all ages, and of many different interests, as there is something in this film for everyone. The film has a certificate rating of 15, which is fair, as there is a lot of bloodshed, although there is no language or nudity. This movie will always take pride of place within my DVD collection, and it is a film that I will no doubt watch time and time again.
This film is a true modern day classic.
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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
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