Movie-Holic

There have been fewer greater movies created than the epic Gladiator. This week in the Flashback Review, I though it prudent to go over a movie, that while it was released in 2000, seems like it has been around for much longer.

Gladiatoris one of those movies that you can easily mention in the same breath as Casablanca and Titanic as truly classic movies. It contains a story that is timeless and can be appreciated, and enjoyed, at any moment and in any era. That, I believe, is why Gladiator seems like it has been around for such a long time.

The Story of Gladiator

Gladiator is the story of a wronged general in the Emperor’s army. Maximus Decimus Meridias (played to incredible acclaim by Russell Crowe) is away from his family leading the armies of Rome in the barbarian countries of Germania. Standing by the side of the dying Emperor Marcus Aurelias, Maximus endures the hardships of war until the campaign is completed. Miles away from his family, Maximus dreams of the day he can retire and go on to live out his days with his wife and young child. However, due to circumstances, and the lust of power of the Emperor’s son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), Maximus is arrested for the death of the ailing Aurelias. After escaping he comes into the hands of slave traders and then sold as a gladiator to fight to the death in the various arenas around Ancient Rome. Fighting his way into the hearts of the people, Maximus sets out on a course to right the wrong done to him and his family which was slaughtered by Commodus.

What I Liked

For a long time, Gladiator was my favorite movie. It had everything that I loved in a movie. Huge scenes of epic battles, intense moments of twists and turns, and an ending no one saw coming. With a length of 2 1/2 hours it needs to be something that will keep you engrossed throughout and not thinking about how long it is taking. Gladiator does it easily.

The scenes are epic in proportion. From the expansive scenes of Rome to the intense battles inside the Coliseum, to the beginning battle in the forests of Germania, there is a lot to see and take in. The acting is on par with the most acclaimed performances especially with Crowe, Phoenix, and Connie Nielson.

The intensity of the movie can not be understated. You get caught up in the desperate struggle of Maximus to win over Rome, dethrone Commodus, avenge his family, and begin a long reign as Emperor. Through each new scene the desperation continues and there are times of holding your breath without realizing it.

What I Didn’t Like

This might sound like a contradiction, but the intensity of the movie is also something that I didn’t like. In fact, I haven’t watched it in a few years because I get too caught up in it. The house could fall down around me and I wouldn’t even know it. I would be too caught up into Maximus’ struggle.

Another part of the movie I didn’t like is that, well… I’ll just say the ending came out of nowhere. I don’t know if is just me, but I wasn’t expecting it.

Conclusion

In the land of giant movies, Gladiator stands tall above a good many of them. It is large in scope and delivers everything you want and more. If you haven’t seen it, or want to relive a piece of cinematic history, take in a showing of Gladiator.

Final Rating

Gladiator most definitely receives Five Flashback Stars from me. There are few movies that will deliver a better movie watching experience.

Gladiator Trailer