Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Absolutely awesome!
A terrific and spectacular throwback to older historical epics such as BEN HUR and THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE, but here with new SFX technology recreating Rome as it might have looked in 180 AD in all its glorious detail, notably in the Coliseum gladiatorial combat scenes! Truly breathtaking. Russell Crowe(ROMPER STOMPER) plays General Maximus, a soldier who defies his emperors and is imprisoned. He is eventually forced to fight as a gladiator to avenge the deaths of his wife and child, who were slain by the emperor Commodus who killed his father to rule the empire. The battle scenes, in the film's introduction where Roman soldiers attack Germanic barbarians are very graphic, as are the Coliseum arena death matches! The performances are great all round - Connie Nielsen is also woth a mention as Lucilla, Commodus's sister - was this the same role played by Sophia Loren in THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE in 1964? Oliver Reed and Richard Harris also appear, along with Derek Jacobi. Stunning setpieces and costumes add to the spectacle. A true epic that is definitely not to be missed!
Rating:  - A riveting but gory spectacle
GLADIATOR is riveting cinema, the kind of movie that grabs you by the throat. The stakes are high, the ancient Roman Empire stunningly recreated, and the body of Maximus is . . . well, buff Russell Crowe. Because of the fast-paced sequences, you won't find yourself bored, or even with enough time to ponder the sometimes confusing details. (For example, if Maximus had never seen Rome, how did he know Lucilla and Commodus as children, as Marcus Aurelius states early in the film?) But this is not an intellectual movie, so why bother to figure things out? This is pure entertainment, as much gory spectacle as the Roman gladiator contests in the Colliseum. Add a wronged Roman General (Crowe), an effeminate, incest-craving, and slimy new Caesar (Joaquin Phoenix, who portrays Commodus so well his screen presence gave me the creeps), his beautiful and scheming sister Lucilla (Connie Nielson), and a bunch of slaves who band together behind the mysterious Spaniard to save their lives on the largest life-and-death stage, the gladiator arena, and you have Ridley Scott's Gladiator. You will be rooting for Maximus to exact his revenge no matter how peace-loving you thought you were. I found it ironic - and a little self-referential - when a Roman senator declares that people will love you if you bring them death. This film thrives on slaughter, from start to finish, as it portrays the brutal side of the Roman Empire. Although the butchering is not as graphic as in some films, avoid this film if you can't stand violence. Children, too, should be steered clear of this one. Take the rating seriously.
Rating: - Strength and Honor
Gladiator is a richly textured, well-written, and most of all truly spectacular film, powered by Russell Crowe's superb, Oscar-winning performance. Filled with epic battles, striking scenery, and first-rate acting, Gladiator is certainly not to be missed. The story begins in Germania, where the Roman Army is preparing to vanquish the last of the barbaric tribes there. The opening battle scene is a harrowing, masterfully crafted piece of work, thanks to fine editing, brilliant cinematography, and of course, Hans Zimmer's excellent music. The battle footage is dark, vivid, and grisly, bringing out the horrors of war in a truly gripping fashion. The film shifts to a camp after the battle, and two of the most crucial scenes in the movie take place here, involving Commodus, Maximus, and the emperor Marcus Aurelius, who is also the father of Commodus. After Marcus Aurelius names Maximus his succesor, Commodus kills his father and has Maximus arrested. Yet the general manages to dispatch his executioners and is taken with a slave caravan and is sold to Proximo, a slave owner. After winning battles in Africa, the group travels to Rome.... and you can guess the rest. Crowe's performance is so good really because of his charisma, the way he looks and speaks. His powerful screen presence enables him to capture the audience's attention, and Maximus is really a character you can root for. Joaquin Phoenix is convincing and in telligent as Commodus, having an authoritative, commanding presence. The fact that Commodus has done and tried to do such sick and evil things makes you really hate him. Roger Ebert said that a quirkier actor might have been more fun in the role. But if there was, you probably wouldn't be able to hate Commodus as much. The old pros Jacobi, Reed, and Harris are all great, but Reed stands out in the trio, giving a splendid performance and since he appears in the film longer, his character is fleshed out more. Nielsen is fine as Commodus' sister Lucilla. Ridley Scott's direction is well done, keeping the story moving along at a reasonable pace. (My only complaint: What the heck is some cheesy fart joke doing in this film?!) The screenplay is full of memorable lines and keeps everything in a classic tradition. John Mathieson's cinematography is terrific, with breathtaking shots and exquisite lighting. I really like how most of the beginning sequences are dismal and gray, and the scenes in Rome are sunny and bright, (Maximus says that Rome is the light). The production design is elaborate and and Rome is visually stunning, thanks to some seamlessly crafted computer work. Hans Zimmer's score is terrific and diverse, at some points rousing and at others somber, overall extremely effective and beautiful. The battle scenes are dazzlingly shot and edited, the standout being where Maximus and his fellow gladiators battle Roman charioteers. Still the others are eye-popping, graphically impressive pieces of work. And the ending is unforgettable. Overall, in my opinion Gladiator was the best film of the year and is a powerhouse, tour-de-force film spectacle.
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