Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Simultaneously subtle and stupendous
It's not surprising that some hate this movie, there's a complexity in the stories and subtletly in the acting, which, when occuring alongside the bombastic action sequences, will disconcert people who want every film to fit neatly into a specific genre box. This is an action/adventure, this is an historical fiction epic, this is an emotional drama, this is a muscular story told by by muscular actors who can project simultaneous subltety of emotion and terrifying actions, while hinting at sub-plots. Not all these hinted at sub-plots are neatly wrapped up, but their presence provides a third dimension to the characters, making you realize that you don't know everything about them and that there's more to them.This picture screams big budget and it's all on the screen or coming through the speakers. I first saw this in a THX theatre and was blown away. I've since watched the DVD countless times and continue to be enthralled. The opening sequence in particular is a stunning action piece that still manages to have depth in the characters, not just opposing fighters having at each other.Bottom line, this is more complex and subtle than an action/adventure, and too violent for a drama. It's freely admitted historical fiction (i.e. a fictitious story set amongst real events and characters) that will tell you a lot of historical truths about Imperial Rome at the height of it's power. All the leads impress, especially Crowe who is such a natural actor, that he becomes the role and doesn't seem to be acting. All in all a 3-dimensional story, with strong actors, great directing, and breathtaking cinematography and VFX.