Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen

In the final days of Marcus Aurelius' reign, the aging emperor arouses his son Commodus' anger when he makes known his wish that Maximus be his successor. Power-hungry Commodus kills his father and or...( read more  read more... )ders the death of Maximus. But the latter flees and hides his identity by becoming slave and a gladiator. Eventually, Maximus journeys back to Rome to confront his arch rival.

Flixster Users

85% liked it

32,502,985 ratings

Critics

77% liked it

154 critics

R, 2 hrs. 45 min.

Directed by: Ridley Scott

Release Date: May 5, 2000

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DVD Release Date: November 21, 2000

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Stats: 1,632,062 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,632,062)


  • October 31, 2007
    "Are you not entertained?" is the question you'll ask yourself if you are not entertained by this epic action drama.
  • August 25, 2009
    Apart from the wonderful last scenes of Oliver Reed, Gladiator has to be one of the most overrated films of all time!
  • April 22, 2009
    good acting
  • January 2, 2009
    Directed by: Ridley Scott.
    Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Richard Harris, Oliver Reed.

    << "My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true...( read more) emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife...and I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next." >>

    The story follows Seizer Marcus Aurelius in his final days of reign over Rome. His son, Commodus, a man with lack of moral, is to take his place only by Marcus' word, but when he turns and says that Maximus, a general, is to rule to restore the power to Rome, Commodus kills his own father, orders Maximus' family to death and Maximus is captured and used as a Gladiator, where Maximus aims to seek out revenge.

    'Are you not entertained?'...I still most certainly am after watching this film countless times, it is now time for me to review the film the way it should be. Now in many cases, I believe the film is terribly underrated and I go against people and agree with this film winning best picture for many reasons. I cannot judge how historically accurate this all is, a lot of it does feel stylized and modernized and people believe that the bloodshed makes the film....but that is never the case. Sure Ridley Scott shoots the film with skill and experience and his battle scenes are great and bloody, but its his distant shots of war and Rome; and the close personal conflicts of characters where he is at his most powerful.

    The screenplay delivers more than just memorable battle sequences, its a developed story of betrayal, honor, secrecy and the lengths we will go to to have our revenge. The dialogue is brilliantly written and strong in deliverance from its actors, there are many memorable lines that will last a long time. The cinematography is like another layer of the story, its reflects it so beautifully, from the lack of color during battle to represent life and hope lost, to the beautiful range of bright colors used to represent the hope and beauty of Rome.

    The acting is a major highlight of the film, with Russell Crowe delivering a commanding and powerful performance, Joaquin Phoenix tapping into the depth of his character and being quite captivating and strong supporting roles by Connie Nielsen and Oliver Reed...and the always outstanding Richard Harris.

    Another film I could go on and on about, many people are blinded by the violence and bloodshed that they don't see the true brilliance of this film. A masterpiece that will remain memorable for many years to come.

    89/100

    << "The general who became a slave. The slave who became a gladiator. The gladiator who defied an emperor. Striking story! But now, the people want to know how the story ends." >>

  • December 29, 2008
    Fun fluff. Russell Crowe is yummy.
  • December 6, 2009
    Great story. But still, sad ending.
  • December 6, 2009
    very historically interesting
  • December 6, 2009
    "Is Rome worth one good man's life? We believed it once... make us believe it again."

    Powerful, spectacular, one of the best films of the 20th Century. And how hot is Joaquin Phoenix!!!
  • December 6, 2009
    Probably overrated and kinda dated, but very good nonetheless.
  • December 6, 2009
    It's pretty good, Love you Russ.

Critic Reviews


January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

The film looks muddy, fuzzy and indistinct. full review

January 1, 2000
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

This Ridley Scott film, his best in years, re-envisions ancient Rome for the aughts and makes it safe to go back in the Colosseum. full review

January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, At the Movies

The film looks muddy, fuzzy and indistinct. full review

View more Gladiator reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • hendrickkapepa
    November 23, 2009
    Where have all the flowers gone is what Joni Mitchell would say........they don't make great movies like this one anymore. Best Movie i have ever watched and great performance from Russel. This is a Classic. Cheers
  • psrinivasulu07
    September 26, 2009
    ilike this movie very much, becoz koriyo graphy is exlent
  • wahidunforgiven
    August 26, 2009
    INTERESTING MOVIE
    I REALLY ENJOY IT
  • louimiles
    June 30, 2009
    "i love this movie,very interesting one.i got a copy of this..ilike action movies with sense....
  • karenclark15
    June 26, 2009
    an all action movie from beginning to end. I loved every minute of it.
  • kzmxms
    May 19, 2009
    This is my best movie of all time i tell u when i wached this movie i cried,i love the film n till now i still wache the film.is my name sake so i love it,MAXIMUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
  • sweetyhide
    May 13, 2009
    My favorite movie of all time.
    Can't count how many times I have watched this.
    Just noticed recently that during one fight sence the music sounds oddly similar to Pirates Of The Carribbean.
    Anyone else notice this?
  • hottans
    April 29, 2009
    th ultimate action film
    superb!!!!!!!!!!
  • omarhenri2002
    April 2, 2009
    russel done a lot in this movie and the most thing i like in this movie is how he died heroic .a man have to be soo
  • Daughteroftwilight
    March 19, 2009
    how i love this Movie

    Especially Russel Crowe

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Official Trailer

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Facts


  • Plot Keywords:
  • Tagline:
    A general who became a slave. A slave who became a gladiator. A gladiator who defied an emperor.
  • Tagline:
    A Hero Will Rise.
  • Tagline:
    Father of a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife and I shall have my vengeance in this life or the next
  • Fun Fact:
    Mel Gibson turned down the role of Maximus.
  • Fun Fact:
    The yak helmet worn by the gladiator who is slain by Hagen is the same one that the warrior slain by Sean Connery wears in "Time Bandits."

Gladiator : Watch Free on TV


Gladiator Trivia


  • Before Russell Crowe agreed to play Maximus in Gladiator, who did the film's creators originally approach?  Answer »
  • Johnny Cash chose Joaquin Phoenix to play him in the film "Walk the Line", based on Joaquin's performance in what film?  Answer »
  • In which order of positions did Russel Crowe proceed to in Gladiator?  Answer »
  • What movie is this line from- "How dare you show your back to me? Slave! I order you to turn around and tell me your name."  Answer »

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