Ineffable...

Rating: 10/10 (9 November 2007)

Gladiator is a movie about "the general who became a slave, the slave who became a gladiator, and the gladiator who defied an emperor". Immediately after watching the opening scene of Gladiator, in which Maximus leads his great army numbering over 1000 to victory over Germania, I was sure the experience would be rewarding. Richard Crowe, who plays Maximus in the movie, is a great Roman general under the rule of Marcus Aurelius Caesar (Harris). However, Aurelius soon leaves the throne to his Maximus, or at least he wished so. Wishing to bestow his title onto Maximus, Commodus, who is the son of Aurelius, murders him and claims his title as emperor. He sends Maximus into exile and sentences him and his family to death. Following this scene, I was advised to hold on to the edge of my seat, and so I pass on the advice.
After his sentence, Maximus rushes to Spain in an effort to save his family, but alas. Hung by nooses from the vines of the trees surrounding his home, his wife and son disappear, and so does his will to live. This sudden loss makes him an easy target for slavers roaming the countryside, and so begins his life as a gladiator. Loved by the people and his fellow troops, he plays the image of the hero perfectly in this riveting film. Maximus's true worth to the Roman Empire is displayed, and the actions of Commodus in his cruel efforts to destroy Maximus once and for all are halted in the end, and what an unforgettable ending it is. The music and scene quality contribute immensely to the mood, which is perfectly played by Crowe and allows the movie's tone and general feel to reverberate in your bones long after watching it thanks to the incredible ending. The amazing cinematography further heightens its level on the greater scale when compared to other movies of its kind.
I'm only stating a fact when I say that as far as everything from acting and directing to the storyline and special effects go, this movie is SPECTACULAR. It's certainly very moving and emotionally satisfying. I'd recommend it any day to those who haven't seen it. Personally, six times hasn't been enough for me, as this is a movie you can't get tired of seeing. Enjoy :)