The most poetic and superlative film to date.

Rating: 10/10 (18 January 2019)

My love for this movie is undying. The acting is phenomenal, the soundtrack is among the best of all time, and the writing is fantastic. The execution of this masterpiece is what makes it such a treasure, as there are many films that were brilliantly conceived and lacked execution. Gladiator aced its execution. But while I marvel at the quality of the acting, music, writing, and directing, the reason this movie will always be my standalone-favorite is the poetic and beautiful message conceived by David Franzoni. Gladiator tells the tale of a simple man who loves his family and happens to hold high military status, Maximus Meridias. As his world is obliterated by Commodus, he is left in slavery with no will to live. But as he learns from Proximo that he may have the chance to face the immoral and false emperor, he desires to live for one last accomplishment: justice. As he eventually sacrifices his own life to stop this tyrant, he is deemed a national hero. Maximus saved the entirety of Rome from the corrupt paws of Commodus, but politics was not his motivation. Maximus never desired to reign over Rome as Marcus Aurelius wanted him to, he only desired to be with his family. As Commodus took that from him, he simply could not perish until Commodus had answered for his appalling crimes. Gladiator shows the image of what any man should be willing to do for his family: fight in shackles, endure through hellish sorrow, and protect his loved ones. This film speaks to me in great volumes, and I thank everyone who had a hand in creating this superlative work of art.