Amazon.com Customer Reviews
Best Movie in a Decade, but why isn't it on Bluray?!?!? - Review written on August 08, 2008
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.
OK, heres the deal, when a negative review has this statement in it, "Commodus was badly depicted, Roman annals usually depict him as" you know it isn't a "Movie" review, but rather some wanna be historian that wanted to watch a documentary.
Taking this film for what it is, A MOVIE!!!!!, it is near perfection.
Characters have to be created in a movie to inspire reactions by the viewer. It isn't a documentary, nor has it EVER intended to be.
Now, on a personal note, we need to get this thing released on Blu Ray ASAP.
Another Great Movie Ruined by Details - Review written on June 23, 2008
Rating: 3 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.
Great entertainment but hollow. There are so many holes and so many details that are wrong in this movie that detracts a lot from a great performance from Russel Crowe that is about the only thing worth saving in this movie. I want to be entertained but also want to learn something in the process and dislike very much when historical details in big budget movies are not taken into account.
First the story was a remake of Fall of the Roman Empire which was a movie from the sixties, I believe that movie is better done than the more modern Gladiator.
The quirks: first is highly doubtful that the Second in Command of the Roman Empire will fall all the way to gladiator in the social ladder no matter the circumstances. Great leaders as Maximus is depicted to be have partisans, friends, bankers, Senators and military men in their camp, these men will never allow their leader the shame of being sold as a slave. Even if Maximus kept his identity in hiding the minute it was known it would have generated such an uproar in Roman Society (which was very conservative and class concious) that the Emperor would have to liberate the great man on the spot.
Commodus was badly depicted, Roman annals usually depict him as a Hercules not as a wimp, he indeed fought in the arena as a gladiator to the astonishment and censure of the Roman Society and he indeed died in a coup but he didn't die in the arena as depicted in the movie but was assasinated by his mistress ( a gladiatrix and part of a well planned coup de etat) in his palace. Marcus Aurelius was indeed a philosopher and a man of reason but never tried to return the Roman Empire to the control of the Senate, he nominated Commodus as his heir and there is no mention in any historical record of a General of the Northern Legions that achieved an status of rival heir to the empire to Commodus. This is great historic license in a time where historical records abound.
The gladiators were not paired as the movie depicts and did not use the equipment depicted in the movie. There was a strict pairing of gladiator classes for example the Retiarius (net and trident) always fought the Secutor (short sword, shield, closed helmet); the Samnite (equiped as almost a roman legionnaire) fought the Tracian (heavy shield, short sword, hevily protected). The contest was usually ability and speed against superior weapons. The movie shows gladiators not having a class system, and the equipment depicted looks more like 10th century sarracen helmets and other anachronistic weapons. Since gladiators cost much to train and feed they were a huge investment for the owners making the fights to the death a rare ocurrence and not a norm such as the movie shows.
The battle in Germania shows some interesting details and I like the way the soldiers are portrayed and the heavy use of artillery which is the first time I see in the recreation of a Hollywood Roman battle, but then they mar the effect by showing an infantry charge in testudo formation which was not used for open battle but only to breach a fortified position. The Roman infantry relied on movility and their highly skilled use of weapons , first they approached the battle field at a convenient distance started the deluge of pilum as the legionnaires carried two javelins a light thrown at grater distance and a heavy thrown nearer to the enemy. The purpose of this evolution is disabling the first rank of the enemy by killing, maiming or disaibling the shields and creating breaches in the enemy formation to be exploited in the subsequent charge. After throwing the pilum javelins, the roman legion charged into the enemy at a run attacking with the gladius short stabbing swords, they did not use slashing techniques as portrayed in the movie but tried to stab the enemy at close quarters. The battle as shown in the movie was badly choreagraphed and the romans did not use the advantage of superior training but thay engage in a meleé. The cavalry charge was probably well portrayed.
Again we had the possibility of getting a great movie but some directorial decisions especially concerning the details made it a rather mediocre production. This is hard to understand as there are many historians and consultants that could have been used to get the historical details right.
A Sword and Sandal Epic--and Russell Crowe! - Review written on January 04, 2008
Rating: 3 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful, 3 did not.
"Gladiator" is a sweeping epic I saw on the big screen. When I went to the afternoon matinee,I enjoyed the spectacle of Roman warriors,political conspiracy,and Russell Crowe. Mainly,I went to see Crowe,and wasn't disappointed.
Russell Crowe stars as Maximus,a brave general whose family is slain by the evil Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) He escapes death,and ends up a gladiator. In the meantime,Commodus has killed his father Marcus Aurelius (the late Richard Harris) and lusts after his sister (Connie Nielsen) The characters fit general stereotypes:the Evil Emperor,the Noble Gladiator,Suffering Sister,but at least Phoenix and Crowe imbue their characters with some depth.
Connie Nielsen stars as Maximus' royal ex-girlfriend. She tries to comfort the grieving widower,but he refuses her. Nevertheless,she agrees to help him. In the end,Maximus defeats Commodus and in the process he himself dies.
"Gladiator" isn't exactly deep (if you want a deep Ridley Scott movie,get "Blade Runner" instead)but it is good sword and sandal fun. It also has a good message about defending family and freedom. Russell Crowe is sexy as the lead,worthy muscular eye candy. The movie isn't all that deep,so don't worry about having deep reasons to watch it. Sit back and enjoy.
A vast improvement, but it's still no Fall of the Roman Empire - Review written on December 16, 2007
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.
The extended cut of Gladiator still has many of the problems of the original but doesn't feel as disjointed or quite so disappointing. It's not just that it has more room to breathe, more that the additional footage, particularly the scenes away from Maximus where the future of Rome takes center-stage, raise the stakes beyond the simplistic revenge tale the theatrical version all too often settled for. The climactic fight with Commodus is still a major disappointment not just because it's so underwhelmingly staged but because, unlike The Fall of the Roman Empire, the film it relentlessly plagiarises, Commodus is never a credible threat: where Mann gave him foolhardy courage, Scott has implied he's a coward throughout until even a wounded hero can't even the odds. It's still no Fall, but it is a more satisfying film than the one released in cinemas. Very impressive extra features too.
Maximus was the embodiment of Marcus Aurelius' perfect man. - Review written on December 01, 2007
Rating: 5 out of 5
3 customers found this review helpful.
After reading many reviews of this movie raving about it as an action film, denouncing it as historically inaccurate, or anything in between, I would like to propose a different view. Think of this movie as alternate history, the way things should have been, so to speak. Anyone familiar with Marcus Aurelius the philosopher will recognize that Maximus was the embodiment of his ideal man: at one with the universe, standing up to any adversity, accepting of all humanity, yet willing to fight for what is good and noble in the world, while recognizing how wretched the world can be. If Marcus Aurelius could have created his heir, he would have created Maximus. Commodus was, historically, a wretched, depraved man. While the facts about Commodus were incorrect in Gladiator, his character was aptly portrayed. The story in this great movie - and I do think it is a great movie - could have been written by Marcus Aurelius himself: the way things s'posed to be. Strength and honor!
Powerful and moving, a film that elevates what could have been generic into something nothing short of stunning... - Review written on October 22, 2007
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful, 2 did not.
Anyone who knows me knows my unwavering devotion to this film. In fact it was this film that introduced me to the man I now consider a god among men so it will always hold a special place in my heart. That aside though I can honestly say that `Gladiator' is a masterpiece of a film, from start to finish, utterly amazing to witness. It is far from your generic action fair for it manages to embody the audience with emotions which for the most part find themselves nonexistent in films of this nature. This of course is a result of the iconic performance by Russell Crowe who breathes so much life and realism into Maximus. When Maximus falls to his knees to kiss the burnt feet of his beloved wife and child my body was flushed with chills for I felt his pain, his sorrow and his fear. I think it's safe to say that Russell Crowe earned that Oscar fair and square.
I've always been drawn to epics of this nature. The swords and sandals type war films have always intrigued me and I can honestly say that I have yet to see one that reaches the grandeur that is `Gladiator'. `Gladiator' tells the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, one time general to the Roman army, as he battles in the gladiatorial arenas just waiting for his chance at revenge. Maximus' life was going well for a time. He was leading the army to victory (as is seen in the opening battle sequence), earning the respect of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and in effect earning the right to return home to his wife and son. Before he can return home though he is given a privileged assignment by the Emperor, an assignment that ultimately causes Aurelius' son Commodus to kill his father and order Maximus' execution. Not just that but he goes as far as to order the murder of Maximus' wife and son leaving him with nothing. Maximus of course escapes his own death only to uncover the extent that Commodus has gone. With a broken spirit and a wounded soul Maximus collapses in the desert only to wake up a slave being trained for the coliseum. When Maximus hears that Commodus is holding a gladiatorial event in the honor of his late father he sees this as his golden opportunity for revenge.
What Ridley Scott has done here is create for us a beautiful and intoxicating story of love, betrayal, devotion and revenge. As `Gladiator' unfolds we watch the story of a man and his plight, his determination fueling our interest. We become invested in this man and his relationships. We develop our own loathing for Commodus (thanks in part to Joaquin Phoenix's fantastic performance) as well as our deepest sympathies for his beautiful sister Lucilla. Lucilla becomes an emotional catalyst for the film in areas being almost the only mediator between Maximus and Commodus, as well as the members of the Senate against Commodus' rule. Lucilla once loved Maximus herself but now she needs his help more than ever to help carry out her fathers wishes of handing power over to the Senate. Lucilla has a lot at stake though. Not only is she risking her own life by deceiving the Emperor but she risks the life of her young son Lucius who's taken a liking to the gladiator known as Maximus. Lucilla also has to detour her brothers sickening advances towards her in hopes of spawning a perfect heir.
Russell Crowe delivers one of the most powerfully moving performances of his career (I'm still sticking by his `Insider' work as his finest) and definitely turns out the most impressive performance of the given year. As Maximus he delves deep into his character (doesn't he always) and gives the audience a reason to watch. Joaquin Phoenix also delivers a spot on portrayal of the evil Commodus. He perfectly captures the immaturity within Commodus' every move and that lies behind every motivation. Connie Nielsen is wonderfully reserved as Lucilla. With her restrained performance we can see the underlying emotion within her each and every step. The supporting players also deliver on all fronts. Oliver Reed is hilariously entertaining as Proximo and Richard Harris is effective as the dying Marcus Aurelius, but it's Djimon Hounsou who really shines here. With his moving portrayal of Juba, a fellow gladiator, he brings to us a glimmer of hope amidst the doomed affair. It's no wonder this man is a two time Oscar nominee already.
As wonderfully effective as the cast truly is there is no star like the amazing cinematography. With each and every passing of the camera lens the screen illuminates with detail unlike any other. The Italian country side is gorgeously captured, the Roman Coliseum (as digitally remastered as it is) is fantastically accurate and the set designs are breathtaking to say the least. What I found amazing was that each and every actor looked dignified and authentic, which is hard to do when you're running around in togas and fighting in sandals. Nothing looks cheesy but everything looks as it should and carries the feeling of weighty authority that it deserves.
I'm sure there are plenty of individuals who will find fault with this film but this is one of the only times where I wholeheartedly agree with the Academy in their choice of best film of the year. `Gladiator' is, in my humble opinion, the best film to be released in 2000, and in some areas the best film to be released in the past decade. It's one of, if not my favorite film of all time, but even I will admit to the biased love that is my undying devotion to Russell Crowe as being the main reason I say that. Whether or not you worship this film as much as I do I'm sure you at least have to agree that it is, above all else, stunning.
"Are you not entertained?" Not really - Review written on October 21, 2007
Rating: 1 out of 5
21 customers found this review not to be helpful.
I bought this because it part of a deal, and I needed another DVD to make up the numbers. I thought I would like it, but kept putting it off, and watching something else instead. Then, one night, I had loads of time, so I put it on, and started pouring the alcohol.
And pouring.
I was very disappointed. It started off great, but it just didn't stay that way. I actually liked Russell Crowe (I wouldn't say I particularly love him, want to have his babies etc, but he did play the role great), but even he couldn't hold the movie up. I can't honestly see why it's so great. I found some sequences too similar to Braveheart, to the point where I could actually see Mel Gibson in the same role. And it's even more similar to Braveheart when even I can spot the same actors that were in Braveheart.
I'm sure I'm gonna get some slaps for even posting this review, but it just wasn't for me. It was way too overhyped, and I was made to feel very uncomfortable with the 'relationship' between Joaquin Phoenix's character and his sister. Sorry to all you Gladiator lovers!
A Fight To The Death... - Review written on September 16, 2007
Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.
2000's "Gladiator" is a visually stunning throw-back to an earlier era of epic film-making. Director Ridley Scott recreates the Roman Empire at its most decadent, as a Roman General is betrayed by the greedy and unscrupulous son of an emperor and forced to become a slave and a gladiator.
Russell Crowe leads as Maximus, a Roman General who is favored by his Emperor (played by Richard Harris) to lead the Roman Empire over his greedy and unstable son Commodus (played by over-the-top depravity by Joaquin Phoenix). Commudus promptly murders the Emperor, slaughters Maximus's family, and consigns Maximus to slavery. A wise slave trader (Oliver Reed in his last film role) sees Maximus' potential and turns him into a gladiator. Maximus' military skills make him a formidable gladiator who fights his way to fame with the Roman mob and, unfortunately, brings him to the attention of the envious new emperor, Commodus. The stage is set for a series of betrayals and a final confrontation between the two men.
"Gladiator's" two-and-a-half hour running time allows plenty of room to explore the intrigues and corruption of Roman politics in the midst of magnificent sets. The set-piece gladiator combats are thrilling and worth the movie by themselves. A superb supporting cast helps advance the storyline, most notably Connie Nielsen as the sister of Commodus and the object of his depraved desire, who also has a history with Maximus.
This movie is highly recommended as superb entertainment.
Don't Waste Your Money - Review written on September 10, 2007
Rating: 1 out of 5
4 customers found this review helpful, 43 did not.
In one scene early in the movie, General Maximus (Russell Crowe) is a prisoner who is about to be executed. He is kneeling, with his hands securely bound. His executioner stands behind him with his sword-point on his neck, about to sever his spine. The next instant Crowe is on his feet, sword in-hand and with both hands free. What utter nonsense!!! The only reality in Hollywood today is that today's movies have none. This movie, like most today, is annoyingly unrealistic. How can one possibly be "entertained" by such mindless garbage?
In another scene, the Emperor (Joaquin Phoenix) tells Maximus that before his soldiers murdered his wife they raped her repeatedly, and she begged them for more. Today's Hollywood loves to wallow in such filth! I do not, and I sincerely hope you don't either.
In short, this movie insulted my intelligence and assaulted my conscience, which is why I am giving it one star. Frankly, much of it doesn't deserve that.
BTW, I fully expect the negative responses to this review to outnumber positive responses seven to one, which is yet another indication of the serious trouble our culture, and our country, are in today.
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