Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Outstanding hero, a slave more powerful than the Emperor
I thought nothing could top "Spartacus," especially the love story between Spartacus and Varinia. There is a poetry in that screenplay that just sings and elevates. However, Maximus offers a worthy successor in the arena and even wins the love of a dying emperor as well as his daughter. The son, however, is another matter--at first Joaquin Phoenix looks completely foppish and in no way the equal of Maximus--until he starts scheming. His jealousy over the love of his father adds a dimension to what could have been a thoroughly despicable characterization.Maximus fights for his freeedom, he fights for vengeance, he fights for the honor of his executed family. Human nature hasn't changed since ancient Rome. Certain values are timeless, and that is why this movie speaks to us.