Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Braveheart is DEAD
Gladiator is one of those movies that doesn't just stun and amaze you, but adds something significant to its genre. In Gladiator's case, it's in the action scenes. Most action movies try to slow down the action (Braveheart, The 13th Warrior, etc.) for at least some of the battle scenes. Not Gladiator. Oh no. Gladiator does the opposite. Along with some camera techniques that I can't begin to describe, this makes for possibly the most visceral and engaging action sequences since, well, Seven Samurai. As for the story, it is surprisingly well done, and while many discredit the movie for its "historical inaccuracy," it is sure a whole lot more historically accurate than say, The Patriot. Actors are generally strong from the indomitable, electrifying Crowe to the loasthome yet, admittedly, effective Phoenix. A broad range of realistic characters is well represented here. The musical score is stirring, ominous, and, when necessary, complements the action very nicely. At over two and a half hours, this is one movie that really takes advantage of its length (seven battles makes for a long movie and a whole lot of head-lopping). Not for the faint of heart. Certainly for just about anyone else. Definitely for those who have been starved for some really engaging swords-and-axes-and-arrows combat.But why am I wasting my time writing this? Gladiator can be described in three words: SEE IT NOW.