Gladiator

2000 • 154 minutes

About this movie

A stunning historical epic that follows Maximus Decimus Meridius, the brave general who was forced into slavery, emerged as a gladiator, and defied an empire. Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, GLADIATOR is a magnificent combination of vivid action and extraordinary storytelling. Masterfully directed by Ridley Scott, and featuring a riveting performance from Russell Crowe, it is truly “a colossus of rousing action!” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone).

Ratings and reviews

Roman's greatest general is enslaved and purchased as a gladiator. General Maximus is entertaining, skilled and brutal as a gladiator which quickly earns him the favor of the crowd. The only reward he hungers for is to be with his wife and child. But the cruelty of destiny changes his direction from that of peace and happiness to revenge.

Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" is an epic Ancient Roman historic drama masterpiece. The recreation of Ancient Rome is splendid with all its magnificent buildings and atmosphere. The costumes, weapons, armor, props and movie sets are also remarkably well-done and give an excellent depiction of ancient Rome. John Mathieson provides very wonderful cinematography. The movie script is very well written and easy to follow. Wonderful storytelling. The acting is terrific. The cast are very brilliant in their roles. Russell Crowe is brilliant in his role as Maximus, the Roman general who became a slave, who became a gladiator and who defied an emperor. We can still envision Russell Crewe as an actual Ancient Roman gladiator. Joaquin Phoenix is fantastic in his role as the scheming and corrupt Emperor Commodus. Joaquin Phoenix indeed plays a great villain as he gives a great depth of Commodus' certain vulnerable or fragile sides and letting his character’s ruthless nature out all at once. Richard Harris was perfect in his role as Marcus Aurelius. Connie Nielsen was very good in her performance as Lucilla who herself torn between loyalty to her brother and doing what is right. Oliver Reed was very great in his role as Proximo, the trainer for the gladiators. "Gladiator" is a great movie that is inspiring, rousing, exhilarating, exciting, and moving. Hans Zimmer's does an excellent job in composing beautiful music that captures the tone of the movie. This is still one of the most breathtaking and epic Gladiator movies that I have ever seen.

A champion brought to ruins due to political jealousy, a soldier must claim victory in a grand arena to restore his honor. A lengthy but worthwhile film. Gladiator instills historic relevance with brutal enjoyment.