Movie Review “Gladiator”
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Director: Ridley Scott
Writer: David Franzoni
Language: English
Star Cast: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, and others
Released in India: 1 September 2000
‘Gladiator’ set in ancient time of Rome around 180 AD. It was time human fighting each other to kill was enjoyed as sport. It was time when dictator emperor ruled with brutality but nobody dares to oppose him. This movie is about one such guy Maximus (played by Russell Crowe) who dares to fight the emperor. Maximus was General in Caesar of Rome’s army who fought for them against Spain and won the war for them. The ruling Caesar was so happy with his patriotism that he wanted to make him next Ruler. Obviously Caesar’s son Commodus (played by Joaquin Phoenix) wasn’t happy with this decision. So he kills his father and Maximus’s family brutally. Maximus is totally broken and enslaved. He is bought by Proximo (played by Oliver Reed) as slave. Proximo then train him to fight as a gladiator.
Slowly, Maximus uses his warring skills to win the popularity of those who come to cheer for his death, until he gains an appearance in the Coliseum before Commodus who has made himself the new Caesar. Instead of having Maximus killed off right away, Commodus slowly lets him woo the crowd of Rome as well, until the final battle between them.
Ridley Scott did amazing job directing this extravagant movie. Art director and costume designer did outstanding job to portray ancient Rome. Russell Crowe was brilliant as usual.
If I have to rate this movie 10 out of 10.
