When a Roman general is
betrayed and his family murdered by an emperor's corrupt son, he comes to Rome
as a gladiator to seek revenge.
Director:
Ridley Scott
Writers:
David Franzoni (story), David Franzoni (screenplay) |
Stars:
Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen |
Storyline
Maximus is a
powerful Roman general, loved by the people and the aging Emperor, Marcus
Aurelius. Before his death, the Emperor chooses Maximus to be his heir over his
own son, Commodus, and a power struggle leaves Maximus and his family condemned
to death. The powerful general is unable to save his family, and his loss of will
allows him to get captured and put into the Gladiator games until he dies. The
only desire that fuels him now is the chance to rise to the top so that he will
be able to look into the eyes of the man who will feel his revenge.
Plot Summary
In Gladiator,
victorious general Maximus Decimus Meridias has been named keeper of Rome and
its empire by dying emperor Marcus Aurelius, so that rule might pass from the
Caesars back to the people and Senate. Marcus' neglected and power-hungry son,
Commodus, has other ideas, however. Escaping an ordered execution, Maximus
hurries back to his home in Spain, too late to save his wife and son from the
same order. Taken into slavery and trained as a gladiator by Proximo, Maximus
lives only that he might someday take his revenge and fulfill the dying wish of
his emperor. The time soon comes when Proximo's troupe is called to Rome to
participate in a marathon of gladiator games held at the behest of the new
emperor, Commodus. Once in Rome, Maximus wastes no time in making his presence
known, and is soon involved in a plot to overthrow the emperor with his
former-love Lucilla, Commodus' sister, after whom he lusts, and also the
widowed mother of Lucius, heir to the empire after his uncle, and
democratic-minded senator, Gracchus.
User Reviews
"Gladiator"
definitely is a classic film as it combines a simple, but moving, story with
beautiful scenery, filming, direction and score – it is truly a
"complete" movie.
I am mostly compelled with the beautiful script which in a way reminds me of poetry, though it is still everyday language. I love the acting portrayed by the late Oliver Reed and also Richard Harris. Russell Crowe, Djimon Housou and Joaquin Phoenix are also superb and the parts suit them perfectly. There are also a number of less "popular" artists who also deserve a big "bravo". Amongst them I have to mention ex-Mr Universe Ralph Moeller who is mostly used as the comic relief of the movie. In Gladiator we can also the beautiful and popular Maltese TV Star and actress Ruth Frendo, who although has a small part, she is totally brilliant and outstanding.
Actually I got to IMDb while I was looking for her name on the internet, in fact on IMDb she has some very stunning photos. I was lucky to meet Ruth Frendo whilst she was filming in another Maltese production. Ruth Frendo is not only a gorgeous and talented actress but she is also amazingly intelligent and very down-to-earth. We will definitely be seeing more of her work in the future...
The scenery used for "Gladiator" is brilliant – and the opening battle scene is definitely one of my top favorite scenes. The modern camera technique contrasts sharply to the brutality of the gladiators actions and blood shed during the movie; and I love the light contrasts thanks to the lenses which most definitely have been used to create a surreal feel to the entire movie.
"Gladiator" deserves all the awards and great reviews it has received, and for those of you who still haven't gone and watched it – I can assure you that it will be well worth your time and money. So go on and rent it now!
I am mostly compelled with the beautiful script which in a way reminds me of poetry, though it is still everyday language. I love the acting portrayed by the late Oliver Reed and also Richard Harris. Russell Crowe, Djimon Housou and Joaquin Phoenix are also superb and the parts suit them perfectly. There are also a number of less "popular" artists who also deserve a big "bravo". Amongst them I have to mention ex-Mr Universe Ralph Moeller who is mostly used as the comic relief of the movie. In Gladiator we can also the beautiful and popular Maltese TV Star and actress Ruth Frendo, who although has a small part, she is totally brilliant and outstanding.
Actually I got to IMDb while I was looking for her name on the internet, in fact on IMDb she has some very stunning photos. I was lucky to meet Ruth Frendo whilst she was filming in another Maltese production. Ruth Frendo is not only a gorgeous and talented actress but she is also amazingly intelligent and very down-to-earth. We will definitely be seeing more of her work in the future...
The scenery used for "Gladiator" is brilliant – and the opening battle scene is definitely one of my top favorite scenes. The modern camera technique contrasts sharply to the brutality of the gladiators actions and blood shed during the movie; and I love the light contrasts thanks to the lenses which most definitely have been used to create a surreal feel to the entire movie.
"Gladiator" deserves all the awards and great reviews it has received, and for those of you who still haven't gone and watched it – I can assure you that it will be well worth your time and money. So go on and rent it now!
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