Another Incredible Ridley Scott Film!

Rating: 8/10 (29 December 2004)

"Gladiator" [2000] is another great directing feat for one of the Scott brothers (Ridley, this time). The story is a very touching one, though rather violent (as are most of the Scott bros. films) that takes place in the latter half of the second century. Russell Crowe's dynamic performance as Maximus, the drafted general who wishes for nothing but peace and a safe return home to his wife and children. Richard Harris is great as the dying Caesar Marcus Aurelius, who is a good friend of Maximus. Joaquin Phoenix also delivers an incredible performance as the emperor's son, Commodus (and he really looks the part); Connie Nielsen plays his beautiful, more intelligent sister.
===SPOILERS=== After a great victory in Germania, Maximus requests leave to return home to his family. The Emperor, however, does not want to simply give Maximus away: He wishes Maximus, not his own son Commodus, to rule Rome in his stead, for he sees that Commodus is unfit to rule. Maximus cannot decide just yet. But when Marcus Aurelius tells Commodus of his choice, Commodus kills his father out of depression, and perhaps failed ambition to rule. Claiming his father has passed, Commodus takes command then and there. Maximus, however, sees right through Commodus and intends to inform the Senate of the Emperor's slaying. He is stopped and taken into the forest for execution (only real story flaw). He fights his way out of that and rides home, only to find his fields ablaze, his house raized, and his wife and young son crucified on their porch. Not long after, he is taken by a convoy of slave-herders out to a remote desert city where he and others are trained to fight as gladiators. Maximus fights his way through all others with the cream-of-the-crop, and is even befriended by his owner, a former gladiator himself, Proximo. He plans to have Maximus and the rest of his gladiators go to Rome to engage in combat before the masses, and the Emperor himself, which is what happens. Maximus is clearly the best of them all, which is recognized by Emperor Commodus. He comes down into the arena to meet with the mysterious champion. Hesitantly, he removes his mask, states exactly who he is, and essentially calls Commodus out, but in a way only he would understand. Commodus' nephew, of his sister, idolizes Maximus, which leads to his mother meeting with Maximus. Eventually, they scheme to spring Maximus from his cell, ride out to his hopefully loyal former army, charge the imperial palace, and give rule of Rome over to a willing Senator. The plan goes awry when Commodus and his spies hear word of the plan. The senator is arrested; and Maximus and his fellow gladiators fight their way out, suffering heavy losses, and only for Maximus to be captured. He is held until Commodus can finally decide what to do: He will fight Maximus in the Colosseum. But before they do, he wounds Maximus to weaken his strength and help himself win. The fight ends with Commodus slain under his own dagger by Maximus, who soon collapses and passes himself. ===SPOLIERS===
I suppose the moral of this movie, if there is any, is "Victory in life or death, neither is sweeter." I think is a great film, probably the best of 2000, one of the best films of this decade, and the performance of Russell Crowe's career, except for "A Beautiful Mind." One of Ridley Scott's best directorial achievements. 8 out of 10 stars
R for Intense, Graphic Combat.