Review of Gladiator (2000) by Drlowdon — 30 Oct 2014

Late in the second century Maximus Meridius leads the Roman armies fight in Germania with the knowledge that ailing Emperor Marcus Aurelius has earmarked him to run the empire alongside the senate when he passes away. His son however has other ideas. Angered by what he feels is a betrayal he sets about exerting his murderous authority and Maximus, having refused to swear his loyalty, only narrowly escapes with his life. Bent on vengeance Maximus later returns to Rome as a gladiator hoping to take down the new emperor.

Aside from a few plot holes Gladiator is peerless in its quality. Russell Crowe, always an excellent actor, plays his defining role, his presence commanding attention throughout the film and the supporting cast do well not to be completely overshadowed by his performance. The action sequences are brilliantly shot and staggering in their realism as all the gory details are shown. As the film reaches its climax this all combines to make it impossible to not root for Maximus in what is arguably the movie of the decade.