Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Maximus was the embodiment of Marcus Aurelius' perfect man.
After reading many reviews of this movie raving about it as an action film, denouncing it as historically inaccurate, or anything in between, I would like to propose a different view. Think of this movie as alternate history, the way things should have been, so to speak. Anyone familiar with Marcus Aurelius the philosopher will recognize that Maximus was the embodiment of his ideal man: at one with the universe, standing up to any adversity, accepting of all humanity, yet willing to fight for what is good and noble in the world, while recognizing how wretched the world can be. If Marcus Aurelius could have created his heir, he would have created Maximus. Commodus was, historically, a wretched, depraved man. While the facts about Commodus were incorrect in Gladiator, his character was aptly portrayed. The story in this great movie - and I do think it is a great movie - could have been written by Marcus Aurelius himself: the way things s'posed to be. Strength and honor!