Gladiator

Maximus (Russel Crowe) was Rome's greatest general under Caeser Marcus Aurelias (Richard Harris). Marcus' son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) killed his father, took his title and ordered Maximus to be killed. Maximus kills his captors and escaped although he is wounded. Maximus went home to find his wife and son were murdered, and his house was destroyed. On the brink of death, Maximus was picked up by a slave trader and sold to Proximo (Oliver Reed) a gladiator trainer. Maximus becomes famous along with his companions Juba (Djimon Hounsou) and Vibius (Ralf Moeller). Commodus brings back the gladiatoral games to Rome, so Maximus and friends go to fight in the collasium.

Meanwhile Commodus has been making powerful enemies like Senator Gracchus (Derek Jacobi) because of his need for power. Commodus also has been controling his sister Lucilla (Connie Nielson) by threatening her with the death of her son Lucius (Spencer Treat Clark). A plot is hatched between Gracchus, Proximo, Lucilla and Maximus to kill Commodus and take over Rome. Commodus learns of this plot and tries many attempts at getting Maximus killed, for example bringing the undefeated Tigris (Sven-Ole Thorsen) back to fight him. At the end of the movie there is a battle between Commodus and Maximus for the future of Rome!

I thought this was an excellent movie. The action was amazing for the time it came out. The music and setting are also very interesting. The fights between the Gladiators are spectacullarly violent taking action movies to new height. The acting in the movie was pretty well done, but anyone can tell the main part of this movie is the action. Some of my favourite parts include, Commodus's busy little bee speech, when Maximus takes out five gladiators all by himself and the fights in the collasium. If you like historical action movies like Braveheart or the Last Samurai, this movie is for you.

More Reviews
Gladiator at IMDB
A Gladiator Historical Site
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