A Champion

Rating: Null/10 (23 August 2011)

The Fall of The Roman Empire, a blockbuster Roman epic that nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox, sounded the death knell for major films about the Roman Empire for decades, until the genre was revived by Ridley's Scott masterpiece, Gladiator.
Gladiator is centered during the last days of the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his military campaign against the barbarian hordes of Germania. The person leading the campaign is his greatest General, Maximus, an honourable soldier and faithful servant to Rome. After Maximus wages a successful battle against the Germans, the emperor who is dying, hands over succession of the Roman Empire to Maximus. Maximus is to hold the crown in trust until Rome becomes a republic.
Of course, Aurelius's decision does not go well with his son Commodus and in a fit of rage or hyper emotional surge, he smothers his father. Maximmus suspecting foul play in the death of the emperor refuses to show fealty to Commodus.
This singular act of rebellion attracts the death penalty on his head and the consequences present a Homer epic like tale of tragedy, love, courage, loyalty, incest, betrayal and vengeance.
With the exception of The Insider and possibly A Beautiful Mind, I have never seen Russel Crowe deliver such a credible performance as he did as the vengeful tortured Roman General who became a slave, a slave who became a gladiator, a gladiator who defied an emperor. His performance was outstanding and his burly frame helped him. Unlike most actors who would produce finely sculpted muscles developed in gyms, Crowe's body was more realistic as a veteran soldier whose body is exercised in the battle fields.
But even his performance was matched by Joachin Phoenix as the disturbed incestuous Commodus. Phoenix was a delight to watch and one of the most complex characters. Despite his hatred for Maximus, it was obvious he admired and envied the the General's courage and would have rather had him as a friend than as an enemy. There was also the subtle jealousy of the affection his father had for Maximus.
Interestingly enough, Richard Harris who played Aurelius had the most moving lines in the movies. Harris, despite his fondness for the bottle, could be always be counted on to give a dependable acting and in his 15 minutes in Gladiator, it is easy to see why he will always remain as one of the greatest character actors ever. This was his last movie and it was a befitting tribute to him.
Another actor whose this was the last movie was Oliver Reed who plays the slave owner, Proximo. He did not finish the move and his face was superimposed on another actor. Still, his performance was mesmerizing.
Connie Nielsen plays Lucien, Commodus's sister who is compelled to join forces with Maximus to protect her son. Other actors Like Derek Jacobi and Djimon Housnou also gave strong supporting performances.
From the opening battles on the plains of Germania to the final scenes of Maximus' stand against Commodus, Scott does not waste any second with cheap melodrama or boredom. Lisa Gerrard and Hans Zimmer produced a haunting magnificent score that will echo in your minds after the movie has finished.
Kudos has to be given to the Scott's eyes for details. The battles were fierce and captivating, the Collosus was intimidating, and the costumes were top notch. Of course, he took a lot of fictional license with the movie. Historically speaking, Aurelius was never murdered by his son, Commodus. He actually handed over succession to Commodus and died later. Commodus was never killed in the arena, although as unbelievable as it may sound, he actually as the Roman Emperor participated in gladiatorial contests in the arena. Although it can be argued, that his rivals may have been much less aggressive in their battles with him, fully aware of the repercussion of killing a Roman emperor, even in sport.
SKG and Universal took a brave stance in forking out the money to bring out this dream masterpiece. Gladiator simply rocks!