Review of Gladiator (2000) by Deck — 17 Nov 2021

Even after more than 20 years, Gladiator is not only able to outperform newer productions in terms of effects. It was the cause of a wave of historical films that lasted into the second decade. A few years away from the current diversity, Gladiator again reflected the sandal film and the cultural conception of Hollywood from Rome.

The cool and brute force, especially the battle sequence, continued in a similar way in later works by Ridley Scott, which did not make the hero directly but indirectly vulnerable and helped film depth.

The film music at Hans-Zimmer is also interesting. While the pictures and story are timeless, the music seems trite and sappy. Also because it sounds the same as in earlier and later films (The Rock, Man of Fire).

You'd think the story was too shallow, too simple, too illogical. But it's exactly what makes a good story, simple. A tragic hero, the dark opponent, a game of honor, power, revenge and love. In an arena, in another time, in another world.