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One of the most important aspects of a film is if you can lose yourself in it. In the summer of 2000, a season where "popcorn" movies rule the box office, a film that, seemingly, was a "popcorn" movie opened and to the shock of everyone it wasn't. Gladiator, was an amazing story of a powerful general, Maximus, who is sent down to slavery by a conniving emperor and his family is killed. Some may say that the movie is still a simple action film, but take away the action and you will notice that amidst all the battle scenes is a beautifully structured story. What really makes the movie work is the people behind and in front of the camera. Ridley Scott (known for Thelma and Louise and Alien, among others) directs with amazing enthusiasm and a true love for his topic. The man just simply keeps getting better. With great performances from Academy Award winner Russell Crowe as Maximus and Joaquin Phoenix as the evil emperor Commodus, the story of one man's fight for freedom transforms into a universal story that transcends time. Set in the era of the Roman Colliseum, the battle scenes are amazingly handled, with close combat swordplay and bravery. Gladiator stood out from the pack because of its rich characters, beautiful direction, and a story that can shake you down to your core. |