An excellent movie with dynamic scenes and a moving epic. The story is positively riviting when you watch it as Maximus(Crowe) avenges his family and struggles with it throughout the movie. It seems the only thing his wishes is for death and revenge, and you will the character on in his battle for it seems he would give up. And then you also see Commodus’ struggle in glory and pride, which gives him(Phoenix) such a wonderful character to play. Quite an evil and tormented human, but it is ironically easy to emotionally connect with his purpose. The battle scenes are not for the weak stomach.
They are very graphic, but very real and delighting. There is some small talk in the beginning and in various areas throughout the movie, but you’ll keep interested, I assure you. The ending was perfect and the score for this movie was incredible. The music beats deep and hard with the sounds of war and then lightens with the warm sounds definately influenced by Lisa Gerrard. Special effects were absolutely spectacular. In something like this, you’ve got to have the best and they truly brought out the greatest for Gladiator. There’s no need for much use of CGI space technology here. Luckily, they knew when this movie needed the computer and when the actors had to take over. It seems so gripping and they bring back Rome to life in more ways than I could’ve imagined. This movie will move you very deeply. You love to hate Commodus and love to honor the heros-the Gladiators.