Gladiator (2000)
Action | Adventure | Drama

The General Who Became A Slave. The Slave Who Became A Gladiator. The Gladiator Who Defied An Empire.

Discover the unparalleled power and glory of Gladiator, a dazzling combination of vivid action and extraordinary storytelling that critics called a "stunning, explosive, breathtaking epic!" (Bill Diehl, ABC Radio Network) Masterfully directed by Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner), Gladiator features a riveting performance from Academy Award-nominated star Russell Crowe, hailed by Newsweek as "a genuine larger-than-life hero!"

The great Roman General Maximus (Russell Crowe) has once again led the legions to victory on the battlefield. The war won, Maximus dreams of home, wanting only to return to his wife and son; however, the dying Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) has one more duty for the general – to assume the mantle of his power.

Jealous of Maximus’ favor with the emperor, the heir to the throne, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), orders his execution – and that of his family. Barely escaping death, Maximus is forced into slavery and trained as a gladiator in the arena where his fame grows.

Now he has come to Rome, intent on avenging the murder of his wife and son by killing the new emperor…Commodus.

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 Chris "Morphy" Terry

User Comment: angelo-29 (angelo@magiclink.com.br) from Bahia, Brazil, 6 June 2000 • Once again, Director Ridley Scott proves to be as professional as one can be. The recreation of ancient Rome is splendid, with all its magnificent buildings and atmosphere and he is able to show with all brightness the greatness of the Roman Empire, with its political problems and military discipline, and love and treason, of hate and jealousy, that still have a place in our world today. But the story has a glow of its own, to which all the beautiful scenery (believe me, it's awesome!!!) and great cinematography are just balancing factors. The plot is a rich one, that is as dynamic as it is present. He once again, after Blade Runner, 1492, and others helps us visit the depths of the human soul, which remains the same over all our historical and social experience. Even the fights, are displayed in such a way that all the blood is quite discrete, but still, making us feel like screaming and jumping out of our seats. I would also like to point out the performances of the cast, that is surprisingly good. We have some actors and actresses, who are not Hollywood icons, but are are greatly able to move the audience among screams and tears. All in all, we have guys like Russel Crowe, who are coming out to be part of a new and extremely promising harvest of people who are making each time more fans around the world. Well, you should see for yourself!

Summary: Breathtaking!

--- JOYA ---


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