The thing I like most about Ridleys movies is the fact that he uses CGI only when absolutely necassary and does as much practical shooting as possible. And he always tells a story. Just watched the extended cut which gives it a little more depth.
I can`t remember a bad movie from him but Gladiator sure is one of Ridleys masterpieces.
Still my favorite movie of all time. Excellent!
An Incredible film, perfectly paced, with an astounding plot, intense action sequences, striking cinematography and great performances.
Perfect from start to finish.
This movie is totally overrated. There is a general lack of action and the story is shallow and hilarious.
Watched it again, still get those emotions, those tears ! Incredible movie.
Goosebumps !
Amazing movie one of Russel Crowes best film. I have seen this movie 12 times and now I'm going to make it 13
Just watched this film for the first time, which is crazy as I‘m a big fan of Ridley Scott‘s movies. Definitely a masterpiece and that ending is just brilliant.
Joaquin Phoenix at his best making faces while watching brutal coliseum deaths like a psycho lol
"My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the TRUE emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next."
I really wish I had seen this in theaters. Great storytelling and this is peak Russell Crowe acting (right next to Cinderella Man and A Beautiful Mind). I know the story isn't accurate to historical events, but as far as a director visually telling his story, this movie was great.
I'll be honest, I put off watching this film because of how popular it was. Usually I go into a super popular film with high expectations and leave feeling disappointed but I didn't get that with this movie. For a film that was released in the year 2000 the cinematography displayed was absolutely spectacular and ahead of its time. Beating things such as the initial Harry Potter releases and Christopher Eccleston's series of Doctor Who bearing in mind these came a few years after so in terms of shots this film was definitely ahead of its time.
Moving onto acting which was once again superb. We had a lot of famous faces here when they were in there prime. People like the obvious, (Russeln Crowe), who later went on to star in Les Miserables, Jacquain Phoenix, (who later played the Joker), and Richard Harris, (who played Dumbledore in the first few Harry Potter films). There were also many other amazing casting choices that consisted of new to me actors and actresses. Overall the cast was very strong and not a single one of them didn't have me believing in the characters. Even the young actors had it all going for them.
Storyline: As someone who has always been interested in Ancient Rome and recently got to visit it for myself, this was just perfect for me. The story showcased exactly what I would expect from this type of film and even more. It had the arena fights, the betrayals, the list for power and all were shown through absolutely fantastically scripted scenes.
if you haven't seen this film then I promise you, you should.
The production design is stunning and Scott knows how to mount action sequences. This however is a film whose plot strains credibility throughout - there have been plenty of films that take dramatic license with history before but trying to meld a personal revenge story with a wider attempt to make Rome a republic again doesn’t work and the contrivances the film goes through to bring about the final confrontation the film is building to are not convincing at all. That it works pretty well as an entertaining action revenge film is down to the sheer presence and performance of Crowe, who deserves the Oscar for the sheer conviction he brings to the role. Joaquin Phoenix plays the villain as a petulant man-child which is an interesting choice, but leaves the final battle devoid of any real tension. The extended version of the film does add some extra detail to the supporting cast at the expense of pacing and perhaps the filmmakers realised that keeping the focus on Crowe and his personal crusade would keep the audience invested and more willing to suspend disbelief in the plot. It worked!
Gladiator might be the most visually stunning historical epos that has been released so far.
This movie has it all: An amazing soundtrack, perfectly shot fight scenes, a believable story that gives all characters enough motiviation for their actions, a brilliant cast and most of all, Gladiator is an outstanding well paced film - despite for its runtime of 2.5h you are never not entertained.
Gladiator is the benchmark for historical movies, therefore 10/10.
It's an incredible movie. Scenic art, dialogues and The soundtrack. The story is magnificent, it makes you tremble and be aware of every scene and every word. Of the best movies I've ever seen.
Those fight scenes are brutal. They were shot well and the effects were great. Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix are both fantastic, especially Phoenix. He is such a great villain. It was long but never dragged. The score was really good. This is one of Ridley Scott's best movies.
Seriously. Were you not entertained?
One of my favourite movies ! The story is strong, the musics are so wonderful and the Actors juste perfect !
I must have watched this movie over 50 times now, i had a time where i would watch it every friday. It's been a while since i've seen it so today it was time again (on a friday XD ). I used to watch the "normal" one but i've fallen in love with the Extended Special Edition, 17 more minutes to make it a total of 2h and 45 min ish but who is counting. The extra scenes explain a lot and the extra minutes of music from Hans Zimmer are amazing too. I still love this movie after all this time, weird to think it's already 16 years (almost 17) old, it's still an epic tale and for me it will never be boring
A perfect movie.
- Perfect casting
- Perfect musical score
- Perfect pacing
I've always had problems with this film, mostly with Russel Crowe's stiff acting. There are some cool action moments and some great compositional framing at times, but at the end of the day I feel like this film is extremely overrated. While it may be accurate in the portrayals and design, it leaves me yearning to care.
Absolutely awesome. Can't fault it
Ridley Scott doesn't make bad movies
Roll on Gladiator 2
(Extended Cut, 2h50m)
"Are you not entertained? Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?"
I remember loving this movie back in the day but rewatching it now it lost a little bit of it's magic. Maybe it's because I watched the Spartacus TV series sinse? In comparison, Spartacus is far better and one of my all-time favorites. Gladiator is still a great watch though, it has legendary set pieces, memorable action sequences, a solid story, a few great twists and great characters.
Maximus' heartbreaking story prior to becoming a gladiator was perfection, it makes him so easy to root for and adds a lot of emotions. Russell Crowe did an excellent performance in that scene (and everything else after too). Joaquin Phoenix is equally great, such a detestable villain. The tension between the two is palpable. The score sounds like Pirates of the Caribbean for some reason, that's a weird clash. Not as much action as I remembered but it's a fair amount and whenever there's action, it's very effective. The tigers caught me by surprise, I jumped a little.
No idea what the extended cut adds in comparison to the standard one but not one scene felt like it didn't belong in the movie and despite the runtime it didn't feel that long. Fabulous third act and ending it hits on the action, the emotions and it's very satisfying and empowering. And yes, I was entertained!
A truly amazing story that allows itself to progress slowly but surely so you understand everyone's motivation. All of the actors and actresses were great in their roles, and Joaquin Phoenix was amazing as always. I will say that the quick cuts during the action scenes were a little distracting, but I do understand why it was like that.
i was certainly not entertained.
I've seen Gladiator numerous times and have had a lot of opportunities to evaluate my thoughts on the film. When it first came out I was solidly in the camp that it was a masterpiece. The action was exciting. The acting really good. the story was enthralling. However, upon my numerous re-watches I kept noticing little things. This last re-watch I was taking notes on all the little things that annoyed me: Marcus Aurelius really is not a bright man by not writing his will down and he really did treat his son like shit, Maximum riding really hard to get to Spain to see the recently murdered corpses of his family, the music choices being a little silly, the CGI looking a little dated. Eventually I stopped taking notes because I was looking for justification to not categorize Gladiator as a masterpiece. It's a great film, sure, but not perfect. You'll likely enjoy it if you go into it and accept it for what it is, a good story of vengeance with some really good action requiring a few stretches of your imagination.
The fight sequences were good but the movie just doesn’t do a lot for me. It’s too long and my attention span is too short and I just didn’t get into the drama.
It has been awhile since I watched this. It holds up incredibly well. Phoenix and Crowe are superb. Likely my favorite role of either of them! I heard a rumor that a sequel is on the way (not too sure what to expect there). I hope this movie sees a public resurgence and continues to crack more and more greatest film lists for a different generation!
Rating: 5/5 (:star:) - 10/10 - Must See
overrated AF plot isn't thick enough
Although bloody and violent, this movie sure tells one hell of a story about the light and darkness within humanity
Gladiator is an epic masterpiece of filmmaking with excellent cinematography that captures the glory of ancient Rome. The story is filled with action, drama, and unforgettable characters, making it one of the greatest movies of its time. The film's attention to historical detail is impressive, immersing you in the world of ancient Rome. Overall, Gladiator is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates great storytelling and cinematic excellence. It's a true classic that stands the test of time.
One of the greatest movies of all time I felt my list was incomplete without adding this masterpiece to it. Been awhile since I've rewatched it, but it came up in conversation today and I realized my error. Magnificent set pieces and the movie that had me put Crowe on my all timer list of stars to follow. Sublime entertainment. 9.5
Rated a Connor 10, normal 8.2
Watching the end of Gladiator if you're sad.
Very bad idea.
Am I the only one who saw Joaquin Phoenix as some kind of psychopath? Or he just looks younger. Very solid, good music, cool visuals and super casting.
"Today I saw a slave become more powerful than the Emperor of Rome."
One of the first big movies I've ever seen but failed to rewatch again at any point. I was about 12 when I first saw Gladiator and I was all in for the fight scenes, which still look great today. I especially loved the first big battle in Rome. But yeah back then I was all in for the blood and swords.
Anyway 20 or so years later the thing that I loved the most about this rewatch was Joaquin Phoenix and the freaking soundtrack. Such an epic one. The fights still look great and to me, it didn't feel like 2 and a half hours at all. It flew by. I still prefer Alien, Thelma and Louise and Blade Runner but Gladiator is up there with my favorite Ridley movies.
So yeah, great way to start a long weekend.
Movie is an epic classic. I’m not a big Crowe fan but he was fantastic in this along with Joaquin Phoenix as commodus. It has everything, amazing technical shots, wonderful acting, superb action, and heart wrenching drama
8.5/10.
Very good movie, but very classic.
A lot doesn't age so well. Good story and some fun action sequences. Couple so-so performances. I'll just say my 17 yo self loved this much more than I did on the rewatch.
Once again, and now in 4K and in an extended version. 20 years after its premiere, the film has not aged yet. Well done Ridley. ;>
"Death smiles us all. All a man can do is smile back."
The story is about a man robbed of his name and his dignity strives to win them back, and gain the freedom of his people, in this epic historical drama from director Ridley Scott. In the year 180, the death of emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) throws the Roman Empire into chaos. Maximus (Russell Crowe) is one of the Roman army's most capable and trusted generals and a key advisor to the emperor. As Marcus' devious son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) ascends to the throne, Maximus is set to be executed. He escapes, but is captured by slave traders. Renamed Spaniard and forced to become a gladiator, Maximus must battle to the death with other men for the amusement of paying audiences.
For once the Oscars got something right with giving Best Picture to "Gladiator" and well deserved it was. I remember getting goosebumps watching this movie with the epic fights scenes and the timeless quotes the characters say. You can rather hate or love this movie and if you hate this movie that's fine. I'm not like one of those ass-holes that will yell at people because they didn't like this one movie I like, listen you probably got good reason to dislike the movie, at least you got you're reasons, But for me I loved it.
It was pretty good, liked Russel Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix
A number of giant, career-making performances (plus another impressive turn in the director's chair for Ridley Scott) fuel this rich, hard-hitting saga of betrayal, grief and revenge in imperial Rome. The dueling fates of Maximus (Russell Crowe) and Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) share the front and center, twin note-perfect parts that continuously clash over the spotlight, but dozens of supporting players also deserve recognition. Richard Harris as the guilt-ridden sage, Marcus Aurelius. Oliver Reed chewing scenery as a grizzled, cynical combatant-turned-slaver. Djimon Hounsou and Ralf Moeller, comrades in arms who convey an intimate, crucial sense of kinship. As an intensely emotion-driven story, Gladiator can't function without this level of acting power. In less capable hands, it might be laughed off the screen. With Crowe, Phoenix and company in command - and, again, Scott there to expertly piece it all together amid an appropriately epic score by Hans Zimmer - we're swept off our feet.
It's an enveloping film; a thick flood of sights, sounds and moods. We marvel over the bustling Roman Colosseum, tense our muscles in the raging chaos of battle, find peace in the metaphor of golden wheat fields as an afterlife. Maximus's justified outrage becomes our own, Commodus (with his barely-contained mania) our bane, and once it's got those hooks in, the script doesn't give an inch. An exceptionally powerful production, damn near perfect in all respects.
Watched it again after a few years and boy is that a great movie. I forgot both how lenghty the first half and how gory the second is. The opening shots in the corn field and that battle against the Germans is still staged so great. I have a feeling everything in this movie aged very well. Except for the slow motion effects, they are really stuttering. But I guess that's what you get when you watch a movie that's 20 years old, so I don't mind about that.
Gladiator is one of those films that no matter how much have you watched it never gets boring, one superb film that never gets old!
The film manages to maximize the era of ancient Rome in every way, taking care of all the details. The first thing I thought was that I was seeing a new "Ben-Hur". But it's not like that…, many digital effects were used, but who cares? The important thing is that it would be based on real events, however, many changes caused it to move away from reality. It is a pity that it is the winner who writes the story, in this case Hollywood.
Still; to this day; my all-time, favorite film.
This was a really good movie. The plot was good and the acting was 10/10. I was really impressed with this movie in general because the CGI in this film was done really well. I thought this film was made in the 2010's because of how good the CGI was, but damnnnn they killed it back than too. This movie was really fun to watch and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Finished this one in my Ancient History class at 11:40PM.
are you not entertained...is this not why u watched this movie :)
"The Frost.. Sometime's it makes the blade stick !!!!"
Best of the best movies that is in its genre. ACTION, DRAMA, ADVENTURE. IT IS MY MODT WATCHED MOVIE OF ALL TIME. NEXT TO THE SHANKSHAW REDEMPTION. I CAN ALWAYS WATCH EITHER ONE.
Even though it received much critical acclaim I think that this was one of the more underrated movies of the last 20 years. follow me at https://IHateBadMovies.com
Definitely in my top 30 list.
Gladiator(2000)
2/2 Plot/Writing
1/1 Acting
1/1 Characters
1/1 Pacing
1/1 Dialogue
1/1 Directing
1/1 Theme/Message/Symbolism
1/1 Tone/Mood
1/1 Living Up To It's Genre
Absolutely Great Story From Beginning to End.. Also Love the Non Stop Action And Great Adventure.. I can See why Joaquin Phoenix is Playing The Joker he has a great look and great Heel Like Presence
I loved Every Character in this Movie and I love the end!!! Wasn't predictable But it was Fair 10/10 for this amazing film
"Death smiles us all. All a man can do is smile back."
The story is about a man robbed of his name and his dignity strives to win them back, and gain the freedom of his people, in this epic historical drama from director Ridley Scott. In the year 180, the death of emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) throws the Roman Empire into chaos. Maximus (Russell Crowe) is one of the Roman army's most capable and trusted generals and a key advisor to the emperor. As Marcus' devious son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) ascends to the throne, Maximus is set to be executed. He escapes, but is captured by slave traders. Renamed Spaniard and forced to become a gladiator, Maximus must battle to the death with other men for the amusement of paying audiences.
For once the Oscars got something right with giving Best Picture to "Gladiator" and well deserved it was. I remember getting goosebumps watching this movie with the epic fights scenes and the timeless quotes the characters say. You can rather hate or love this movie and if you hate this movie that's fine. I'm not like one of those ass-holes that will yell at people because they didn't like this one movie I like, listen you probably got good reason to dislike the movie, at least you got you're reasons, But for me I loved it.
Outstanding movie, seen it so many times!
Looks very good on blu-ray. whole years without seeing it. View extended version, . "My name is Maximus Decimus Meridio, commander ..."
It's true that this movie does pretty much follow the Braveheart formula. However, this movie includes some elements, such as the cinematography and the incredibly graphic battle scenes, that are spectacular in itself. Overall, a great movie that I highly recommend.
Excellent! Scenery and special fxs were on point! Wonderful cast!
Youhouuuuu, it's a awesom comment with spoiler
Youhouuuuu, it's a awesom comment
such a brilliant movie! its 13 years old but still oh so good..
I was hoping for a better work than this it didn't match my expectations at all ,boring action .poor music , and predictable story
My favorite movie!!!
Shout by Travis GosselinkVIP 10BlockedParent2015-03-12T22:04:12Z
Just rewatched this AGAIN and I still get teary eyed at the end of the movie because of how amazing it is.