What we do in life echoes in eternity..... (Gladiator (DVD))

Member Name: TheHenDog

Product:	Gladiator (DVD)
Date:	08/09/09 (16 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great cast working with an awesome script, top notch cinematography and realistic battle scences..

Disadvantages: Tiny gripe, running time might be a little long for some?

Director Ridley Scott's Oscar winning epic Gladiator tells the story of Maximus (Russell Crowe), a Roman general who is bestowed the honour of becoming the protector of Rome according to the wishes of dying emperor Marcus Aurelius. But before Maximus can assume this role, the emperor's cowardly and corrupt son Commodus (Jaoquin Phoenix), angered at his father's decision to overlook him as heir to the throne, orders the execution of Maximus and his family.

Maximus manages to escape death but is taken as a slave and forced to fight as a gladiator in a remote area of the Roman Empire. Thus his long journey to the Colossuem in Rome begins, a journey driven by his desire to meet his nemesis Commodus and avenge the death of his family....

Gladiator is a sure fire masterpiece, reminiscent of the grand epics of the past (Spartacus and Ben Hur spring to mind). This starts of with an excellent script, the prose is like poetry, delivered by actors at the top of their game. This is arguably Crowe's best ever performance, he convinces as a tough but fair General, a grieving father and widow and a man driven by revenge. Phoenix also excels as the cowardly Commodus, a man whose own insecurities and ambitions govern his policy making in Rome. The supporting cast is also stellar, the old boys Richard Harris and Oliver Reed (this was his last film) match the young guns in the scenes they share....

The cinematography in this film is also quite beautiful, from the bleak, desolate Roman province of North Africa to the imperious, colossal colosseum in Rome, you are transported back to a time where the glory of Rome is all encompassing. This is complimented by a beautiful soundtrack (is there anyone better than Hans Zimmer today)? Lisa Gerrard's haunting voice is put to great use for more poignant scenes, whilst roaring trumpets and beating drums accompany intense battle sequences. On that subject, the battle scenes are action packed - gory, realistic and thrilling.

I won't give away the ending, but it is poignant and in my opinion fitting.

Many films have tried since (Alexander/Troy/300) but Gladiator is the original and best modern epic.

Summary: The best modern epic....FACT