Gladiator

Ridley Scott (BLADE RUNNER, ALIEN) transports Hollywood to second-century Rome in this rousing historical epic that proudly harkens back to such films as BEN-HUR and SPARTACUS. Russell Crowe plays Maximus, a Roman general who leads the troops in conquering Germania for the empire. When an aging Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) tells Maximus that he'd like him to rule Rome once he's gone, a classic confrontation ensues between the brave and charming soldier--who wants to return home to his wife, son, and farm--and the jealous and conniving Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the emperor's only son, who is thirsty for power. Bought as a slave by the profiteering Proximo (Oliver Reed, in his last role), Maximus must kill or be killed in the ring, battling to save not only himself but the future of the very empire that he loves and honors. The film features a terrific battle sequence (that recalls the beginning of SAVING PRIVATE RYAN), huge crowd scenes of thousands of people, and even a little romance, albeit mostly taboo. The impeccably choreographed gladiator scenes are violent yet thrilling, flashing by like lightning. GLADIATOR is a glorious spectacle filled with heart and soul.

"...Mr. Crowe gives a performance with ball-of-fire intensity..." - New York Times

"...[The film's] best moments achieve a real grandeur....[Crowe] supplies all the conviction GLADIATOR needs." - Premiere

"...A classically designed pop spectacle....Triumphantly combined visual dazzle and old-fashioned storytelling..." - Rolling Stone

"...A gloriously entertaining thrill-packer of truly epic proportions..." -- 5 out of 5 stars - Total Film

"...Grand and rousing....One's expectations are met by doozies..." -- Rating: A- - Entertainment Weekly

Ranked #5 in Entertainment Weekly's "Lisa Schwarzbaum's BEST MOVIES OF 2000" - Entertainment Weekly

"...Literate writing, commanding direction, awe-inspiring production design, eye-popping photography, breathtaking music and superlative acting all contribute to the staggeringly convincing recreation of the era..." -- 4 out of 5 stars - Box Office

"...Crowe has a patent on heroic plausibility....GLADIATOR is supremely atmospheric..." - Los Angeles Times

Ranked #24 in Rolling Stone's "Top 25 DVDs Of 2005' -- "It works, and Russell Crowe in the title role has never been better." - Rolling Stone

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