Review of Gladiator (2000) by Skye T — 04 Mar 2015
"Are you not entertained?" - as Maximus yelled to the crowd. I am pretty much entertained by this movie. I could not think of any Roman Empire films or historical epics in general, that could match the authenticity of this film.
I've seen the classics such as Ben-Hur, Spartacus and more. This well made Ridley Scott epic is all that I can think of. It is beautifully well made. The first thing I noticed here is the cinematography.
It is brilliant! Amazing! The wonderful setting of Rome and its people. The huge arena, which is the center of the battlefield, where the event is held, and those fine armors and weapons. Thinking this is a well budgeted film.
The story is about general Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is betrayed when the emperor Marcus Aurelius's ambitious son, Commodus, murders his father and seizes the throne. Reduced to slavery, Maximus rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena to avenge the murder of his family and his emperor.
I love the story. The ambiance of this film is spectacular. For instance the arena, and the number of crowds. When the battle scene heats up, the crowd cheers up loudly. Then again, silence the crowd and starts to focus on the hack and slash sequences.
It feels like you are in that arena neither as a fan or one of those gladiators who fights for the battle. I suggest, you raise up the volume of your speaker and you will definitely enjoy it. It is a nail biting experience, with edge of your seat sword fights.
And never was I bored, the whole time I'm watching it. It is engaging as you can get. This is one of those films that, I will watch over and over again. With very memorable lines and sequences. Brilliant performances from the actors, especially for Russel Crowe as Maximus and the great Joaquin Phoenix as the asshole and he is perfect for the role.
It can't get much better than that. Oh, don't forget the chilling Hans Zimmer score. It adds up perfectly. Style and substance at the same time. A must see and a must have epic. 5/5.
This review of Gladiator (2000) was written by Skye T on 04 Mar 2015.
Gladiator has generally received very positive reviews.
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