Rating of
4/4
Gladiator review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 08/03/11
I am very fortunate to have viewed this masterpiece on theaters. Great character build-up, realistic effects, the cinematography was gorgeous and themes were substantial. The film is about a General who became a slave because he was accused of murder. Cast includes Russell Crowe as the skilled gladiator named Maximus Decimus Meridius, Joaquin Phoenix as the atrocious Commudus, Connie Nielsen as Lucilla and Oliver Reed as the competitive wise Proximo. The plot was very engaging since it involved the background characters. The protagonists character development just makes you empathize with what he is experiencing. Never was there a dull moment and the pace was continues to keep you involved. Maximus would do everything for his family. You feel in those times crimes and corruption are visible to the public eye. It seems some things never change.
Some facts about the movie: Marcus Aurelius died of plague at Vindobona. He was not murdered by his son Commodus and that the character of Maximus is imaginary. Despite that, you feel everything was real because of the style of directing. Because of the authenticity of the effects, you almost feel you were in Rome or in the Colosseum. The DVD extra features expound in detail how they provided some of the finest scenes on film. This may have been the precursor for flicks like Troy, Alexander, King Arthur, Kingdom of Heaven, and 300. Gladiator has been on top of the “best of” lists and Awards shows. Unfortunately, the bright director was left empty handed. One of the best excerpts of the picture: Maximus – “Brothers, what we do in life, echoes in eternity.” “I will win the crowd. I will give them something they have never seen before.” Gracchus – “The beating heart of Rome is not the marble of the Senate. It's the sand of the Colosseum.” One of the most popular quotes - “Are you not entertained?” Definitely! A spectacular film for repeat viewings and part of your movie collection.
