Directed by: Ridley Scott

Cast: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou

Runtime: 155 mins

Russell Crowe

This could have been one of those forgettable movies if it wasn’t for the performance of Russell Crowe. He changes this ordinary fare into something very spectacular. One of the strongest points in this film is introduction of the Gladiator in front of the King. He takes off his mask and hurls out one of the greatest dialogs in the history of cinema. Ridley Scott as a director is no artist but has a keen eye for special effects. This probably makes one of the most powerful directors in Hollywood. His movies are heavily stylized something I m not used to liking. But this film has some memorable scenes that have been replicated time and time again.

This film has become a part of popular culture like the Godfather and several in the same vain. Another reason for its entry into this list is its soundtrack. The soundtrack features a lot of vocals that make the movie feel ethereal. The tale is of vengeance but of a different kind of vengeance. There are some tremendous battles with tigers, People with two swords, chariots and wheels with knives. One dialog by a former Gladiator sums up this story of one mans quest of finding out who took the lives of those he loved “You have to win the crowd if you want to be free”. This is the price Russell had to work for but his persona made this too easy. Russell has an endearing quality that has made him better than the crop of actors who came during his time.

Russell is at times selfless to some of his characters he plunges into them without giving them any respite. The only other contemporary who comes close is Denzel Washington. Gladiator is a very simple story that has been reworked but in a different setting a Roman battle ground. It doesn’t have much to say except about Maximus who pushes the story forward. There are no parallels drawn here to the political situations of the American country. It is primarily a film that is made for our consumption. But in the depths of its pitfalls we willingly suspend ourselves into the story of this man Maximus. We are somewhat drawn to him, left at his mercy and cherish every moment he endears throughout the film. We don’t want him to go we are with our hands left open and the closing moments of this film. But this I guess is what they call “Great Cinema”.

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