Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
A great film
When I first heard that Russel Crowe was playing a gladiator in his new movie,I was a bit disappointed because I didn't think it would be anything original,and that he only did it for the money it would bring.Obviously I was wrong..Probably this movie will for a long time be compared with Braveheart,since both are epic movies about historical heroes,but I don't think it is fair to say that the Gladiator imitates Braveheart.It's the story of a Roman general,Maximus,who is very much appreciated and loved by both his soldiers and the emperor.The emperor's son though,doesn't share those feelings and when he learns that the emperor likes Maximus to replace him,instead of his son,he decides to get rid of both Maximus and his family.Maximus manages to escape,but can not save his son and wife from death.He is capured by the merchants and is sold to a gladitator trainer.From then on,it is :"the general who became a slave.the slave who became a gladiator.And the gladiator who defied an empire."Russel Crowe is amazing.He adds so much to the character he is playing,an ideal human figure,a Roman soldier who is all about honor.Joaquin Phoenix is also veru successfull in the role of the villain,so to speak.The music is also great,I highly recommend the soundtrack.There is no reason not to like this movie.Although the level of gore is a bit high,it is inevitable I guess for a movie about gladiators.The dvd extras were very good,and the picture and sound quality are among the best I have ever experienced.Don't hire it,buy it.How can you regret it ???