GLADIATOR (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Stars ìììì

Gladiator—a great film—begins with a decisive battle win by the Hispano-Roman empire against Germania (Germany) by General Maximus. All actors play their assigned parts well with Joaquin Phoenix enacting a particularly striking rendition of evil in the form of the character Emperor Commodus.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Rome, Italy is under the rule of Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). Particularly pleased with General Maximus’ (Russell Crowe) victories over the difficult Germania borderlands, he offers the rule of the Roman Empire to General Maximus over his own son Commodus’ inherent rights. The greatly angered Commodus murders his father and takes vengeance on General Maximus’ family by ruthlessly murdering them. General Maximus ends up in Zucchabar where he is trained to fight in gladiator arenas. He works his way back to Rome through skillful fighting, performs in front of Emperor Commodus, and turns the Roman Empire against its own reigning Emperor.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director Ridley Scott. Thank you to Executive Producers Laurie MacDonald, Walter F. Parkes, and Ridley Scott for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), Proximo (Oliver Reed), Gracchus (Derek Jacobi), Juba (Djimon Hounsou), Falco (David Schofield), Gaius (John Shrapnel), Quintus (Tomas Arana), Hagen (Ralf Moeller), Lucius (Spencer Treat Clark),Cassius (David Hemmings), Cicero (Tommy Flanagan), and Tigris (Sven-Ole Thorsen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s an action film worth both your money and time.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers