Gladiator Movie Review
Gladiator is a 2000 historical epic film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who becomes a gladiator after being betrayed by Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). The film follows Maximus as he fights his way from slavery to fame in the Colosseum, where he seeks to avenge his family's murder and restore Rome's republic. Gladiator is a film that combines action, drama, and spectacle, but also deviates from historical facts in many ways.
The Movie's Historical Setting And Context
Gladiator takes place in AD 180, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his son Commodus. The film depicts the Roman Empire's wars in Germania, where Maximus leads the legions against the barbarian tribes. It also shows the political intrigues in Rome, where Commodus plots to seize power from his father and eliminate his rivals. The film also portrays the gladiatorial games in the Colosseum, where Maximus entertains the masses with his skills and courage.
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The film captures some aspects of Roman history accurately, such as the names and personalities of some historical figures, such as Marcus Aurelius, Commodus, Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), Gracchus (Derek Jacobi), Proximo (Oliver Reed), and Cassius (David Hemmings). It also depicts the costumes and weapons of the Romans and their enemies, such as the lorica segmentata armor, the gladius sword, the pilum javelin, and the scutum shield. It also reflects the culture and beliefs of the Romans, such as their religion, law, politics, entertainment, and social classes.
The Movie's Historical Inaccuracies And Fictionalizations
Gladiator also changes or invents many details of Roman history for dramatic purposes. The film alters the deaths of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. In reality, Marcus Aurelius died of natural causes in Vienna in AD 180. He had already made Commodus his co-emperor since AD 177. There is no evidence that Commodus killed his father or that Marcus Aurelius wanted to restore the republic. The film also invents many gestures and symbols of the gladiatorial arena, such as the thumbs up or down sign to decide the fate of a defeated gladiator. In reality, the gesture used by the Roman crowds was pollice verso, meaning "with a turned thumb". However, it is unclear whether the thumb was turned up, down, sideways, or hidden inside the hand. The film also shows Maximus making a gesture of defiance by throwing his sword at the imperial box, which is not attested in any historical source. The film also depicts Commodus as an avid and skilled gladiator himself, who fights Maximus in the final showdown. While Commodus did have a fascination with gladiatorial games and participated in some mock fights, he never fought in public or risked his life in the arena.
The Movie's Artistic Merits And Achievements
Gladiator is a well-made and well-acted movie that won critical acclaim and numerous awards. The film features impressive cinematography, production design, visual effects, musical score, and performances by Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and others. The film showcases Ridley Scott's directorial skills and vision, as well as the talents of the cast and crew.
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The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. It also won four BAFTA Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and many other honors. The film was praised for its realistic and immersive depiction of ancient Rome, its thrilling and emotional story, its memorable characters and dialogue, and its powerful themes of honor, freedom, and justice. The film also inspired a renewed interest in Roman history and culture among the general public.
Conclusion
Gladiator is a historical epic that mixes accuracy and fiction in its portrayal of Roman history. The film depicts the Roman Empire in AD 180, but changes many historical facts for dramatic effect. The film is also a well-crafted and well-acted film that won many accolades. Gladiator is a movie that appeals to both history buffs and action fans, as it offers a thrilling and captivating story of a gladiator's quest for revenge and justice.
FAQs
Q: Who directed Gladiator?
A: Ridley Scott.
Q: Who played Maximus in Gladiator?
A: Russell Crowe.
Q: When was Gladiator released?
A: In 2000.
Q: What was the name of Maximus' pet wolf?
A: The wolf's name is not mentioned in the film, but some sources suggest it was called Hagen.
Q: What was the name of the gladiator school where Maximus trained?
A: It was called Proximo's Ludus (school) in Zucchabar (a fictional city in North Africa).
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