Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Return To Rome
Gladiator is a return to the sandals and robes epics that were so prevalent in the 1950's. The film revolves around Russell Crowe's Maximus who was the emperor's favorite general and in fact was picked him to rule Rome upon his death instead of his own son, Commodus. Commodus finds out about this, kills his father, takes control of the empire and orders Maximus to death. Maximus escapes and ends up being sold as a slave. Maximus' new master sees him as a gladiator and he is forced to fight in the arenas. These fighting scenes are what make this movie so great. They beautifully choreographed and the action is filled at a breakneck speed. The fights are a bit gory and violent, but the violence is never gratuitous. The technical wizardry of the day allows director Ridley Scott to recreate the Roman Coliseum in stunning detail. Eventually Maximus and Commodus face each in the arena and the film comes to a surprising conclusion. Mr. Crowe is superb as Maximus. He has a commanding presence on the screen and he nicely balances the certain degree of pomposity and arrogance that the role requires with a subtly that make Maximus seem real. The late Oliver Reed is great as the slave owner and Richard Harris has a fine cameo as the emperor. As great as Mr. Crowe is, it is Joaquin Phoenix who steals the movie as Commodus. He is perfectly evil in the role and he eats up every scene he is in. The film recently won the 2000 Oscar as Best Picture and Mr. Crowe took home the Best Actor award.