| Product: |
Gladiator (DVD) |
| Date: |
01.07.08 (80 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Fantastic action, great performances and epic setting
Disadvantages: A little heavy-handed perhaps
Credited with single-handedly resurrecting the sword and sandal genre for a new generation (and unfortunately paving the way for such pale imitations as Troy and 300), Ridley Scott's Roman epic was both a box office smash and a critical success, and justifiably so.
Russel Crowe plays Maximus, a Roman general who is set to become the next emperor after the death of Marcus Aurelius. However, Aurelius' scheming son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), has other ideas; namely murdering his father and Maximus, and claiming the throne himself. Escaping his execution, but unable to save that of his family, Maximus is sold into slavery and becomes a gladiator. As he becomes a successful warrior, and ever more popular with the crowds, he finds himself back in Rome. Driven by vengeance, Maximus sets out to bring down Commodus and avenge the death of Aurelius.
The film's success lies in Scott's skillful juggling of compelling Roman politics, timeless underdog heroics and a series of thrilling, visceral action scenes. Crowe leads an outstanding cast in the role for which he will surely be best remembered. As Maximus, he gives a performance of tremendous authority, grabbing the character by the neck and vividly realising him as both fearsome and sympathetic. His hardships are painfully felt all the way. Indeed, the unexpected finale is one of the most emotionally resonant of any action movie.
It is due to Crowe's gravitas and acting abilities, and perhaps a little manipulative story-telling, that Maximus is able to remain a human character rather than a simple larger than life hero, which the gladiatorial combat scenes threaten to make him. From the opening epic battle to an exhilarating fight against both gladiator and tigers, via a brutal chariot race on a scale not seen since Ben Hur, Scott bombards the audience with increasingly intense action. Empowered by Hans Zimmer's rousing score, these are as exciting and spectacular as you could hope for, and really do place you right in the heart of the Colosseum.
Sure to go down as a modern classic, this mammoth tale of honour, betrayal and bravery is film-making at its grandest, and a welcome throw-back to the Hollywood epics of a bygone era.
Summary: Powerful, epic stuff which put sword-and-sandal dramas back on the cinematic map
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