Gladiator - The true roman epic

Rating: Null/10 (16 March 2003)

Gladiator Review
MESSAGE TO READERS: THIS REVIEW IS WRITTEN FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY SEEN THE FILM. IT CONTAINS A SPOILER. PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF THIS FILM OR IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN GLADIATOR.I WOULD STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO WATCH GLADIATOR FIRST, IT IS WELL WORTH IT.
Background
Gladiator is based solely on one man, General Maximus Decimus Meridius. He seeks revenge when his wife and children are brutally murdered and the emperor whom he loves and looks up to like his father is killed by a jealous and power-greedy son who unlike Maximus does not share the same faith and love for Rome as his father.
Commodus and Maximus, as one would normally expect, are greatest enemies, and it is Commodus' dream to get rid of Maximus and control Rome to his pleasure. It is Maximus' role, therefore, to take avenge the lives of his loved ones and defy the emperor, fulfil the promise he made to Emperor Marcus Aurelius and save Rome before it is too late.
The Cast Director - Ridley Scott Maximus - Russell Crowe Commudus Aurelius - Joaquin Phoenix Marcus Aurelius - Richard Harris Proximo - Oliver Reed Lucilla - Connie Nielsen Senator Gracchus - Derek Jacobi
Analysis There are several themes that are brought up in Gladiator including masculinity, importance of family, love of country and the afterlife. It is a Roman epic set in 72AD. The tone of the film is very serious and we can tell this from the beginning scene when the camera opens up on Maximus propping himself up on his sword as one who is weary from battle. The pace of the film is quite slow, but this works quite well because it allows the audience to realize the seriousness of the film as well as being able to understand the message of the film. The most striking feature of Gladiator is the superbly digitally recreated background of Rome. The Costumes are very well suited to the characters wearing them. Ironically however, Commodus who is more heavily armed than Maximus is the one who is defeated first in the final battle. Ridley Scott has often been criticized for not being able to produce good quality movies and, with the exception of Blade Runner (produced in 1982) and Hannibal (Produced in 2001), this is true but now he is able to silence all his critics in this miraculously well directed and produced film.
All the actors in this film were well selected but special credit goes to Joaquin Phoenix, who played his character, Commodus Aurelius superbly. Although being much more inexperienced than other actors on the set, he plays his incestuous and power greedy character with great style.
The film is mainly aimed at youths and adults from the age of 15 onwards. Those any younger than this may not be able to understand the messages of the film and consequently unable to enjoy the film to the maximum.
*Although the outcome of the film was first-rate, there were several hurdles which the actors and directors working on set had to overcome.
On the whole, Gladiator is an excellent and beautifully designed film. From beginning to end it is completely awe inspiring, supported by an excellent script, special affects and cinematography. A definite 10 out of 10.