Gladiator
Gladiator: an army general turned slave must rise from the pits of the Colosseum and take down a false leader who murdered his family, friends, and previous employer. The cast is a jaw-dropping mix of ‘classic’ thespians, up-and-comers, bodybuilders, and comedians but everyone feels completely at home in their roles. The plot is simple, but packed with so much Shakespearean betrayal and deception that feels hypnotic in parts. Action scenes are huge, flashy, and bloody – but remain visceral & entertaining, and stand up against anything coming out today. It’s hard to find flaws in this: In fact, my only minor niggle is that some of the setup feels rushed and clunky; like how you can pick anyone off the ground and make ‘em a slave. You know a film is special when even after a handful of viewings and years of TV re-runs it still grips you, and the 155 minute runtime flies by. Everything about Gladiator feels truly ‘epic’ in the classic Hollywood sense – the sets, the action, the plot, the acting, the score – and it all comes together perfectly to create what’s arguably the perfect swords and sandals film.
Score: 9.5/10
Always loved the moment in the arena when Maximus reveals himself and gives the “I will have my vengeance” speech. THAT is an epic moment.
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I think the score behind that moment really pushes it from good to great. And Phoenix’s face… timeless!
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My top list of movies to always see… #Now we are free
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Yes! Every time I stumble accross this on the TV I’ll watch it for a while.
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Gladiator (the movie) is always an inspiration.
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Great movie
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Excellent film that I need to rewatch. It’s been too long since I’ve seen it.
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I was surprised how well the effects hold up, and how it still grips you even after years of DVD and patchy TV viewings.
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Really, really need to see Gladiator again. Probably among my all time favourite films. Glad to hear it’s aged well. Truly one of the best historical epics.
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If the Blu Ray isn’t a couple of bucks in Bahrain I’ll eat my hat! It’s been the cheapest Blu Ray in every shop in the world I’ve ever been in. Such good value!
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Just bought this at CEX for a pound. Highlight of the day.
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I got the Blu Ray in Asda for £3. Mental how it’s so cheap – must have well over-estimated the demand for 15 year old movies people probably own on every other format anyway. Enjoy the tiger mauling when you get to it.
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Haven’t seen this in years but it’s very entertaining.
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Definitely worth recording next time it’s on ITV7-2! Can’t imagine it’ll be too far away. :)
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