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Gladiator (Single Disc Edition)Rating:
Release Date: 19 August, 2003 Retail Price: $19.99 OUR Price: $14.99 You SAVE: $5.00! Cast: Complete Cast (12 total) |
Gladiator (Single Disc Edition) Reviews
"What we do in life echoes an eternity!"
Gladiator is possibly the greatest action-adventure film of the past decade, and this is the movie that made Russel Crowe the superstar he is today (much like Top Gun launched Tom Cruise to superstardom). The action scenes and intense battle footage are some of the most heart-pounding moments you'll ever see on screen. Any guy who sees Gladiator will momentarily wish they could be Maximus.
The movie features a great plot, thrilling action-packing fighting, superb acting, great costumes and cinematography, and an excellent soundtrack by Hans Zimmer. The snowy woods and forests of Germania and the sun-baked deserts of North Africa really stand out, adding a sense of realism and brutality to the storyline. The film's score is very fitting for soldiers who are heading off to battle. And who can forget that memorable bloodbath in the Colliseum where Maximus and colleagues face off against opposing Gladiators armed with horse-powered chariots and superior weaponry?
Critics of Gladiator invariably blast the film as nothing more than excessive machismo and violence. I couldn't disagree more. The plot is quite elaborate, with several sub-plots thrown in along the way (but I won't ruin the film for those who haven't seen it yet). The acting really takes this film to the next level, though. Maximus's stoic demeanor and iron-like will is portrayed perfectly by Crowe, who took home the Oscar for Best Actor in 2001 for his performance in Gladiator. Joaquin Phoenix gives a convincing performance as Commodus, a spoiled royal brat and megalomaniac concerned with his perception among the Roman public. Connie Nielsen is under-used in this film, but nevertheless gives a good performance as ceasar's daughter. The film momentarily hints at a past romantic affair between Lucilla and Maximus, but all we are left with is speculation. Just who is the father of little Lucius?
I won't ruin the plot, but the storyline follows General Maximus as he leads Rome to victory over a barbarian uprising in Germania. Following the death of ceasar and some unfortunate luck, Maximus finds himself sold into captivity to a slave master in North Africa who uses his property as gladiators because of the popularity of this spectacle. Maximus hacks and slashes his way to become the top gladiator in the Roman empire and soon finds himself heading back to Rome - ready to avenge an old score. Along the way, Maximus wins the loyalty and respect of his fellow gladiators and the Roman public; in the process he achieves an almost emperor-like status. This sets the stage for the film's climax.
This was the first Russell Crowe movie I ever saw, and I've been a Crowe fan ever since. Some actors were just born to star in musclebound, action-packed films - and Crowe is one such actor. With Stallone and Schwarzenegger both heading into their 60s, Crowe may be on the verge of becoming the top action actor in Hollywood. Of course, neither Sly nor Arnold ever had Crowe's acting ability, and Crowe never needed steroids to build his muscular physique.
I fully recommend Gladiator to any fan of the action-adventure genre. However, an important word of caution: If you are squemish when it comes to violence, some scenes may be hard to watch. There are several scenes of graphic combat in Gladiator, so be forewarned.
The DVD contains several nice extras. There are several deleted scenes, the most disturbing of which pertains to a group of Christian adults and children who are fed to lions inside the Colliseum. Ridley Scott provides commentary on both the film and the deleted scenes, and there is information on the production of the film and interviews with Crowe. There are audio options as well, allowing the viewer to choose between Dolby 5.0 and 2.0 Surround Sound channels. The picture quality is very good and vibrant, and when a subwoofer is added to your system, be prepared for a thrilling cinematic experience.
Some reviewers have criticized Gladiator for its historical inaccuracy. It should be pointed out that this film never claims to be a true story. However, the main characters are based off of historical figures from different eras of the Roman empire. Marcus Araelius was a real-life Roman caesar, as was Commodus (although they were NOT father and son). Maximus is a re-creation of the Roman General Narcissus, who actually did kill the real Commodus. Joaquin Phoenix's character, Commodus, hints at an incestuous lust for his sister - which mirrors the psychotic real-life Roman emperor Caligula, who had sexual affairs with each of his three sisters.
However, if viewers are really that concerned with real-life accuracy, they should be tuning into the History Channel rather than Gladiator. In the motion picture, it is its non-stop action, quality acting and directing, and entertainment value that push Gladiator over the top. You will not be disappointed.
For reviewer/poster "king wolf"
You are mistaken when you wrote about how implausible a plot it was for a Roman Emperor to end up fighting a gladiator in the Colloseum. As a matter of fact, the real Emperor Commodus did routinely fight animals and hapless slaves in the area. It was his reign's trademark.
You seem to be a little quick on the trigger there with you critique, wolf. Maybe next time, open a book first before your mouth.
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