Gladiator
Australian Rating: MA15+
Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Oliver Reed
Genre: Action/Drama/Sandal-wearing Epic
May I say that this is the best epic in sandles ever made? Well I just did. This is one of the most enjoyable and truly thrilling actions set in the ancient world. It makes you yearn for the good old days when this type of film was more common and you could revel in the screen presence of Kurt Douglas and Charlton Heston, in all their bare-chested, chariot-racing, skirt-wearing glory.
The story? Surprisingly it matters! That's right, the script is beautifully matched to the amazing direction and star power. Maximus (Crowe) is the Spanish general of a victorious Roman army in Germania when Caesar dies and his son Commodus (Phoenix) takes command, and arranges the death of Maximus, who Commodus' father always favoured.
Of course the hero escapes, but when he arrives home he finds his wife and son murdered. He is captured by slave traders and from there he takes the path towards being a Gladiator, finally re-emerging in Rome in the Colloseum. As a Gladiator, Maximus gains the admiration of the crowd, who turn to him for inspiration and regard him more as a hero than their king. In accordance Commodus becomes rather peeved!
The action scenes (and there is no shortage of them!) are brilliantly directed and mounted, and usually have an importance to the script (rare for a hollywood film). There is also a lot of special effects (to create the colloseum) which are grand and beautiful, yet not too flashy. The performances of the cast are oustanding. Crowe shows his ability as an action hero, and Phoenix creates one of the most menacing characters in recent memory (like the villains of the good old days!). Reed, in his final performance (dying close to the end of production) is perfect as the slave master who guides Maximus to glory.
It is a
spectacle, but one that is completely enjoyable! Gladiator is a film you can see again and
again. It's got the action, and the drama. It should please everyone!!
Last updated: 13 August, 2000