Gladiator Film Review Winner of Five Academy Awards

Winner of five Academy Awards including Best Picture, and nominated for an additional seven, Gladiator is one of the best produced and directed films of its time. Reminiscent of Mel Gibson's Braveheart, it creates a world that looks so realistic you find yourself pulled back into Rome's heyday. Musical scores, colorful costumes, and elaborate sets combine to create the illusion that one is truly witnessing the trials and tribulations of human existence in early millennial Rome.

The film opens with a sobering look at an ancient war that equals "shock and awe" as Roman legions advance against a group of rebels fighting the empire from the outskirts of Gaul. From the moment the legion commander gave the signal to attack, a hellish rage was unleashed as fiery arrows and iron bars slammed into the united front of rebel fighters. This scene is more comparable to Desert Storm than to an ancient battlefield, and visually depicts the incredible power that was once manifested in the Roman legions.

The film's central character and leader of the opening battle is Maximus (Russell Crowe), a Roman general who is adored by his men and admired throughout the empire for his impeccable character. While visiting the battlefield, the old Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) reveals to Maximus his secret plan to appoint Rome's caretaker general after his death, with the understanding he will restore the Senate and eliminate Caesars' dictatorial rule. But unbeknownst to the two, the emperor's overly ambitious son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) learns of the plan. He killed his father and demanded Maximus' loyalty. When the general refuses, the new emperor calls for his execution, seeking to eliminate all who stand in his way. But his plans go awry when Maximus escapes, setting the stage for the film's central conflict as Maximus the gladiator grows into legend and Maximus the slave challenges the authority of a Roman emperor.

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Crowe does well in the classic hero role, but it's the supporting cast that puts Gladiator in another dimension of cinematic excellence. Joaquin Phoenix dominated the screen with his fiery portrayal of the ambitious Commodus, giving film lovers an early glimpse of his now-surreal acting genius. Richard Harris is his usual charismatic presence on screen, while Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, and Derek Jacobi provide excellent complimentary support for the role of Maximus as their characters uncover the driving life forces and internal motivations of the larger-than-life Roman hero. To this end, the strengths of the cast create synergies which are reflected in the overall quality of this impressive film.

As a work of entertainment, Gladiator is second to none. Gladiator battle scenes provide endless thrill, and dialogue between characters is forged with political intrigue, lust for power, and conflicting realities. Russell Crowe is outstanding in his role as the hero Maximus. Noble in his intentions and strong as a leader, Maximus represents the ideals of honor and chivalry. One of those rare films that offers viewers a true emotional stake in the outcome, Gladiator is full of high-octane suspense and thrilling action sequences. If you like Braveheart or Mel Gibson's The Patriot, then you're going to love Gladiato.