Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Gladiator
The setting for Gladiator is ancient Rome, around 180 A.D. At the beginning of the film a Roman general, Maximus, is leading his army into battle against a final enemy stronghold to achieve total victory in the war. Maximus (Russell Crowe) leads his men to victory while the emperor, Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) observes the battle from a distance. The aging emperor Marcus commends Maximus on the victory and his capabilities as general. The emperor's high regard for Maximus is well known and he intends for Maximus to succeed him as Emperor. Marcus' son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who believes himself the next emperor, learns of his fathers plan. He quickly kills Marcus to keep anyone from discovering his plan for Maximus. Commodus then proceeds to destroy Maximus. When Maximus refuses to acknowledge Commodus as emperor he is ordered killed. He escapes and returns to his homeland where he learns his wife and son have been killed by Commodus' men.Maximus is soon captured and taken to Zucchabar to be sold as a slave. He is bought and forced to live the life of an arena gladiator. He fights gladiators, barbarians, and tigers determined to win his freedom and return to Commodus for revenge.Well written and plenty of action. A film worth watching several times. Although the setting and theme was of centuries ago, the entire film, while spectacular at times, seemed non-exaggerated and possible.