"Are you not entertained?!" gladiator Maximus famously asked the bloodthirsty crowd. Nearly a quarter century after its release Gladiator remains every bit as entertaining today as it was when it first arrived in theaters. After over two decades of cinematic innovation the film's combination of visceral action and poignant themes continues to pack a formidable punch. At once calling back to classic sword and sandals epics and offering pointed commentary upon the corrupt nature of government and the power of celebrity, Gladiator is a film for the ages. For viewing hat is sure to earn a thumbs up every time step into the ring with Gladiator.
The story begins in the twilight of the Roman Empire. General Maximums enjoys the brief glory of a victorious battle against the tribes of Germania. Following the battle's success he is chosen to succeed his mentor, Emperor Marcus Aurelius. When the emperor's wayward son, Commodus, learns that his place on the throne has been given to Maximus he schemes to assassinate his father. He then demands that Maximus pledge loyalty to him as the new emperor. When Maximus refuses Commodus orders that he be arrested and his wife and son be executed. Maximus escapes arrest only to later be captured by slave traders and sold as a gladiator. So begins a journey from general to slave to legend the likes of which cinema was made for.
The film's sincere exploration of timeless themes ensures that it remains a crowd please over two decades after its release. Even as the film aptly utilizes its historical setting, its portrayal of loss, revenge, and redemption feel at once both personal and universal. Regardless of viewers knowledge of or interest in ancient Rome, viewers will be hard pressed not to empathize with Maximus; tragic loss. As a result, his quest for revenge becomes a search for justice for which viewers will be rooting every bloody step of the way. Similarly, the film's depiction of political corruption and celebrity culture remain startlingly relevant. The film's depiction of the ways in which the power players of the empire make and break alliances on a whim particularly resonates in today's fraught political climate. Similarly, the way in which the empire's elites focus upon the circuses of the coliseum while their subjects suffer could be ripped from today's headlines. The film also brilliantly explores the power of celebrity with Maximus' meteoric rise eerily mirroring the ascension of today's celebrities and influencers. Even as it shows the ways in which he uses his newfound fame to his advantage, however, the film is careful to highlight the fickle nature of celebrity in a scathing critique that serves as an apt warning for our own fame obsessed culture. Even as it contemplates weighty themes, the film delivers pule-pounding action and gritty realism that will make even today's cynical viewers squirm. Forget the sequels and imitators and let Maximus entertain you in
Gladiator.
The film transports viewers to the splendor and squalor of ancient Rome thanks to the work of its cast. Spencer Treat Clark captures the innocence and enthusiasm of childhood as Commodus' nephew, Lucius. Connie Nielsen is at once alluring and formidable as Commodus' sister and Maximus' former lover, Lucilla. Richard Harris personifies leadership in his brief turn as Marcus Aurelius. Joaquin Phoenix makes for one of the most memorable villains in modern cinema in a performance that blends menace, madness, and pitifulness as Commodus. Russell Crowe turns in a career defining performance as Maximus. In Crowe's hands Maximus is neither a historical figure nor a larger than life hero but instead an ordinary, believable, and all too relateable man. As a result, viewers will be certain to root just as hard as the Coliseum's crowds for his success in the face of overwhelming adversity.
In its depiction of one man's quest for justice Gladiator captures the grandeur of classic epics and the raw emotion of modern cinema. The script offers up plenty of bloody action while still tackling weighty themes that continue to resonate today. The star-studded cast bring the Roman Empire to vibrant and visceral life. For a truly epic entertainment experience step into the arena with Gladiator.
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