Full Movie Reviews
Rating of
3.5/4
Spartacus review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 08/29/2012
Despite its length, the movie entertains such as the moments of the actual battle, training the slaves and gladiators and more. One has to have the patience and focus though to truly appreciate the beauty of the film. Spartacus (Kirk Douglas) was selected to be a gladiator. Crassus (Laurence Olivier) buys a slave named Varinia (Jean Simmons). Excellent screenplay with lines from the hero: "I am not an animal" and "As long as we live we must stay true to ourselves." The romantic scenes and the discussion Crassus (Olivier) attempts to seduce his slave Antoninus (Curtis) slave slows the pace. The action, cinematography, score, location and costumes were fabulous. Kirk Douglas was perfect for the role while the rest provided solid support, even the thousands of extras utilized. …
Rating of
3/4
"Spartacus" by Yojimbo
Yojimbo - wrote on 05/05/2012
Kirk Douglas stars as a gladiator who instigates a rebellion and forms an army of slaves to challenge the might of ancient Rome. The best of the swords and sandals epics, this is also probably Kubrick's most mainstream work although it still contains more adult material than most; the violence is relatively gruesome for something that has become accepted as a "matinee" style film and it tackles subjects that were taboo at the time (ie. the now notorious "oysters and snails" scene). It was obviously a big influence on Gladiator and like Scott's film contains some rousing action performed by a charismatic lead, skillfully intermingled with intriguing political machinations. The supporting cast is exceptional, featuring Lawrence Olivier, Charles Laughton and Peter Ustinov who all light up …
Rating of
3.5/4
Not perfect or great but a good epic.
Ichabod Crane - wrote on 09/30/2009
Spartacus is a good epic film that is good in some ways in lack luster in a few. The story line is interesting enough about the slave revolt even though there is not that much too it. The more interesting part for me was the roman politics scenes which were incredibly intriguing. The problems with the films I think are the actions in the revolt. The revolt is mostly talked about and the only battle shown looks good as it starts but ends oddly and abruptly. Still though a good epic and still entertaining to watch.
Oscar win Peter Ustinov 5/5 Best Supporting Actor- Peter Ustinov here does a lot more with a role that you would not expect anything from. He makes the slave owner interesting and funny where the character could have been absolutely nothing. He did an excellent job of making …
