Gladiator

Released in 2000, (same year Almost Famous came out) “Gladiator” earned critical acclaim from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to praise, it became the second highest-grossing film of the year behind “Mission Impossible II.” Gladiator went on to win a few Oscars including “Best Actor,” (Russell Crowe) “Best Original Score,” (Hans Zimmer) and “Best Picture.” Gladiator reinvigorated the historic epic genre paving a new wave of notable epics set in ancient times. I give credit where credit is due.

• Troy
• The Last Samurai
• 300
• King Arthur (2004)
• Alexander
• Kingdom of Heaven
• The Last Duel
• The Northman

I have four reasons why I wanna share my thoughts on Gladiator.

1. Ridley Scott’s reuniting with Joaquin Phoenix (one of my Top 5 favorite actors) in an upcoming biopic of Napoleon Bonaparte. It’ll be released on November 22, 2023.
2. Mr. Scott’s also developing “Gladiator 2.” This time it focuses on Commodus’ nephew, Lucious with Paul Mescal. The sequel will be released on November 22, 2024. A year after “Napoleon.” Denzel Washington also has a role.
3. Russell Crowe signed on to play the father of Spider-Man villain, “Kraven the Hunter” with Aaron-Taylor Johnson as the titular character. The upcoming entry to Spider-Man’s Marvel Universe will come out on August 30, 2024.
4. Joaquin will reprise his role as “Joker” in a sequel to his Oscar winning performance known as “Joker: Folie a Deux.” It’ll be released on October 4, 2024. Five Years after the first film’s release.

This review contains no crucial SPOILERS. I’m some of you a chance to see my favorite film of 2000.

Victory & Defeat Aspects

Victory: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Oliver Reed, Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou and Richard Harris all did an excellent job for their respective performances.

Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Alien, American Gangster) did an amazing job directing.

Action Sequences are filled with intense combat showcasing Maximus fighting skills.

Hans Zimmer (The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, Interstellar) orchestrated the soundtrack.

Fun Fact: Henry Cavill mentioned Gladiator as his favorite film. He also worked with Russell in “Man of Steel.”

Fun Fact 2: Three people later played DC Comics character.

• Russell Crowe – Jor-El
• Connie Nielsen – Wonder Woman’s mother, Hippolyta.
• Djimon Hounsou – The Wizard in Shazam
• Joaquin Phoenix – Joker

Fun Fact 3: Before Russell won the role as Maximus, Tom Sizemore, Mel Gibson, Hugh Jackman, Tom Cruise & Antonio Banderas were considered for lead. They dropped out, due to scheduling conflicts.

Fun Fact 4: Russell confirmed Gladiator’s his favorite American film he’s worked on. Maximus is his favorite role.

Cinematography captures in-depth imagery of Ancient Rome.

Pacing didn’t take forever going from Point A to Point B. I was hooked since the Opening battle scene.

The Director’s Cut adds 17-minutes of additional scenes not included in the Theatrical Cut.

Practical Effects and C.G.I. were used to create battle scenes and authentic Set Pieces.

Costume Designs reflect Ancient Rome.

Oliver Reed died before he had a chance to finish his scenes. So, the effects team hired a body double and plastered C.G.I. on the stuntman to create Oliver’s likeness. A similar technique was also used to finish Brandon Lee’s scenes from “The Crow” and complete Paul Walker’s scenes from “Furious 7.”

Ridley mentioned the film’s influenced by classic historical epics including “Ben-Hur” & Stanley Kubrick’s “Spartacus.”

Opening Scene with Maximus commanding a Roman army in battle, indicates what you’re about to see, is gonna be one heck of an action-adventure historical epic. “At my signal, unleash hell.”

There are so many memorable quotes. My favorite one from Commodus is, “AM I NOT MERCIFUL!?” Joaquin ad-libbed that line. You cannot forget Maximus’ “ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!?”

Primary Themes are Loss, Revenge, Envy, Lust, Pride, Wrath, Ambition, Power & Betrayal. Each one’s handled carefully.

I can’t tell you how it ends. You’ll have to see for yourself.

“Now We Are Free” is played during the End Credits. Shame it lost “Best Original Song” to Sting’s “My Funny Friend and Me” from “The Emperor’s New Groove.” Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against Sting.

Defeat: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Ridley and his crew an Extra Point for making a flawless epic as possible.

The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!

“What we do in life echoes an eternity.” Gladiator’s an instant classic. It remains as my favorite film of 2000. All the positive stuff listed above, indicates why Gladiator deserved Best Picture. If you’re prepping up for Napoleon, Gladiator 2 or Joker: Foile a Deux,” watch the Director’s Cut. You’ll thank me later.