Gladiator

Plot

When a Roman general is betrayed and his family murdered by an emperor's corrupt son, he comes to Rome as a gladiator to seek revenge.

Release Year: 2000

Rating: 8.4/10 (401,208 voted)

Critic's Score: 64/100

Director:
Ridley Scott

Stars: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen

Storyline
Maximus is a powerful Roman general, loved by the people and the aging Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Before his death, the Emperor chooses Maximus to be his heir over his own son, Commodus, and a power struggle leaves Maximus and his family condemned to death. The powerful general is unable to save his family, and his loss of will allows him to get captured and put into the Gladiator games until he dies. The only desire that fuels him now is the chance to rise to the top so that he will be able to look into the eyes of the man who will feel his revenge.

Writers: David Franzoni, David Franzoni

Cast:

Russell Crowe
–

Maximus

Joaquin Phoenix
–

Commodus

Connie Nielsen
–

Lucilla

Oliver Reed
–

Proximo

Richard Harris
–

Marcus Aurelius

Derek Jacobi
–

Gracchus

Djimon Hounsou
–

Juba

David Schofield
–

Falco

John Shrapnel
–

Gaius

Tomas Arana
–

Quintus

Ralf Moeller
–

Hagen

Spencer Treat Clark
–

Lucius

David Hemmings
–

Cassius

Tommy Flanagan
–

Cicero

Sven-Ole Thorsen
–

Tigris

Taglines:
A general who became a slave. A slave who became a gladiator. A gladiator who defied an emperor.

Details

Official Website:
UIP [Japan] |

Release Date: 5 May 2000

Filming Locations: Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Morocco

Box Office Details

Budget: $103,000,000

(estimated)

Opening Weekend: $34,819,017
(USA)
(7 May 2000)
(2938 Screens)

Gross: $258,264,745
(Worldwide)
(except USA)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

155 min
 |
171 min
(extended version)

Did You Know?

Trivia:

The blur effect that appears halfway through the war scene between Maximus' army and the Germanic tribes was not originally intended. The scene was shot in the early evening, but continued too long and the light was drastically diminished. In order to keep the continuity of the scene's lighting and avoid shooting another day on the location, the DP chose instead to shoot the scenes with a very low frame rate. To compensate for the loss of frames, the frames that were shot were duplicated several times in post, and edited into the film in a way that made the switch look natural.

Goofs:

Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers):
When Maximus is on his horse, he shouts "Roma Victor!" He should have shouted "Roma Victrix."

Quotes:

[as an executioner tries to draw his sword but can't]

Maximus:
The frost, it sometimes makes the blade stick.
[kills the executioner]

User Review

Can't be missed!

Rating: 10/10


"Gladiator" definitely is a classic film as it combines a simple, but
moving, story with beautiful scenery, filming, direction and score – it
is truly a "complete" movie.

I am mostly compelled with the beautiful script which in a way reminds
me of poetry, though it is still everyday language. I love the acting
portrayed by the late Oliver Reed and also Richard Harris. Russell
Crowe, Djimon Housou and Joaquin Phoenix are also superb and the parts
suit them perfectly. There are also a number of less "popular" artists
who also deserve a big "bravo". Amongst them I have to mention ex-Mr
Universe Ralph Moeller who is mostly used as the comic relief of the
movie. In Gladiator we can also the beautiful and popular Maltese TV
Star and actress Ruth Frendo, who although has a small part, she is
totally brilliant and outstanding.

Actually I got to IMDb while I was looking for her name on the
internet, in fact on IMDb she has some very stunning photos. I was
lucky to meet Ruth Frendo whilst she was filming in another Maltese
production. Ruth Frendo is not only a gorgeous and talented actress but
she is also amazingly intelligent and very down-to-earth. We will
definitely be seeing more of her work in the future…

The scenery used for "Gladiator" is brilliant – and the opening battle
scene is definitely one of my top favorite scenes. The modern camera
technique contrasts sharply to the brutality of the gladiators actions
and blood shed during the movie; and I love the light contrasts thanks
to the lenses which most definitely have been used to create a surreal
feel to the entire movie.

"Gladiator" deserves all the awards and great reviews it has received,
and for those of you who still haven't gone and watched it – I can
assure you that it will be well worth your time and money. So go on and
rent it now!