
When a Roman general is betrayed and his family murdered by an emperor's
corrupt son, he comes to Rome as a gladiator to seek revenge.
Director:
Ridley Scott
Writers:
David Franzoni (story),
David Franzoni (screenplay), 2 more credits »
Stars:
Russell Crowe,
Joaquin Phoenix,
Connie Nielsen |
See full cast and crew »
Storyline
Maximus is a powerful Roman general, loved by the people and the aging
Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Before his death, the Emperor chooses Maximus
to be his heir over his own son, Commodus, and a power struggle leaves
Maximus and his family condemned to death. The powerful general is
unable to save his family, and his loss of will allows him to get
captured and put into the Gladiator games until he dies. The only desire
that fuels him now is the chance to rise to the top so that he will be
able to look into the eyes of the man who will feel his revenge.
Written by
Gladiator movie Reviews
Most
films require that the viewer identifies with the character to truly be
engrossed with the film. If you can't feel something for the character,
than the audience is lost.
Luckily, in Ridley Scott's case,
Russel Crowe is so captivating and convincing as a general loved by his
troops and as a slave loved by the people that the movie really works.
Possibly one of the greatest actors today, Crowe carries this epic film
on his very capable shoulders.
Not to say that he is the only
reason this works. The supporting cast, most notably Connie Neilsen,
buoy the film to new perspectives.
Jacquin Phoenix definitely
captures the egotisitcal persona he should display, stealing every scene
he's in. Phoenix will surely be put on the map with Gladiator.
But
the real shining star in this film are the incredible action sequences
which jolt the viewer right in with the opening sequences, as Maximus'
true worth to the Roman Empire is displayed. Scott's camera work within
these completed sequences takes a modern twist that really works for the
gruesome scenes.
Crowe will now get the respect he deserves for
this collosal performance. Gladiator makes the most of its 2 and a half
hours, marking a triumphant comeback for the long forgotten epics of the
classic days of film. ALL HAIL MAXIMUS!
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