Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Epic
Russell Crowe brings something indescribable to this movie...I think it is a kind of tempered stoicism, a deep sadness to match the gladiatorial exterior.This is a story set in the grandeur of ancient Rome. The emperor does not think his son, Commodus, is fit for the throne, so he plans to make General Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, the next emperor. Commodus overhears, and kills his father, after which he attempts to kill Maximus, but fails.Maximus becomes a low slave, and, eventually, a gladiator. He is heartbroken, for his wife and son have been killed by Commodus.The ending of the movie is bittersweet. Maximus neither entirely triumphs or entirely fails. But this movie is definitely a great one.