Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Maximus! Maximus!
I was about to start cheering with the crowd during this movie. Thats how good it was. For all you that DON'T know, this is an excellent movie. It takes place in ancient Rome, during Marcus Aurelias' rule. The movie begins at the beginning of a great war scene. Maximus (Russell Crowe) is the general of the Romans, and he and his army triumph. The opposing side has their soldiers sent to crucify Maximus's son and wife. When he returns, he finds his family dead, his house burned, and he just falls to the ground. He is later captured, and turned into a slave, thrown into fights to the death only to please fans. These fight scenes that Maximus fights in are AMAZING and very real at the same time. No Matrix-esque effects here. All real. Very violent, but entertaining nonetheless. Decapitation, dismemberment, etc. It's all here. It's what makes Gladiator a great movie. I won't tell any more of the story, you'll have to see it yourself. Make it a must. The acting is superb, the storyline/script is amazing and is actually TRUE, and it perfectly delineates what went on in ancient Rome. Gladiator will make you laugh, cry, fear, etc. It sends you through endless states of emotion. It's THAT good. Although the one part I found disgusting was the fact that Commidus was in love with his sister. But it follows the true story, so I'll let it slide. Note: This movie is not for the queezy! Many gory scenes are explicitly shown, so be prepared. Go buy this movie. You will nto be dissapointed. AT ALL.