Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 4.0
OLD-SCHOOL CINEMA COMBINED WITH MODERN FILMMAKING.
Ridley Scott, who directed "Gladiator", took some of the best elements in classic movies like "Ben-Hur" and "Spartacus" (the set designs, the big production values, the man-to-man combats, the huge number of extras), and combined them with modern elements inspired by movies like "Braveheart" and "Saving Private Ryan" (the digital effects, the realism of the battles, the man fighting for his country and seeking for revenge)."Gladiator" is a modern epic with good performances and good direction work. The cast includes solid actors like Russell Crowe, who dominates his role, specially in the physical aspect where he really looks like a warrior. Richard Harris in a brief but essential role as Marcus Aurelius. Joaquin Phoenix as the infamous Commodus, he portrayed one of the most cynic villains in recent years. Oliver Reed as Proximo, he also gave a memorable performance.Ridley Scott gave a dynamic pace to "Gladiator", even though this movie is an epic, its length is shorter than movies like "Ben-Hur". He also used CGI visual effects in a lot of open camera angles, for example, in the landscapes there are a lot of CGI elements added to the shots. The sound and the music are very good, and it reflects in a more realistic movie."Gladiator" is a very good movie, it's a very good way to introduce younger audiences to a classic genre. If you liked this movie, then you should see the classics, like "Ben-Hur" and "Spartacus".