If you enjoy patriotism, this is your movie. It is about a man and his honor. It is about a man tested above and beyond the call of duty. Directed by Ridley Scott, the movie uses authentic scenes and Scott has done his homework. The movie stars Russell Crowe and Richard Harris. Joaquin Phoenix and Connie Nielsen support a well written script.
Characters:
~Maximus Merduis played by Crowe. {the ’gladiator’}
~Ceasar played by Richard Harris.
~Crasar’s daughter played by Connie Nielsen.
~Ceasar’s son, Commodus is played by Joaquin Phoenix.
The era is 180 A.D. and Rome is expanding its powerful rule. Maximus{Crowe} is a general in the Roman army and although he is of Spanish nationality, his heart is pure Rome. He is a man to earn your respect and has done so for Ceasar and the country. But, Ceasar’s son would have none of this. He would rid the country of Max and start by removing his father. A wimp in Roman togs, Commodus{son} takes a back seat to his sister for now, but not for long.
The movie plays out the reasons why and for Maximus being demoted to ’gladiator’. And he loses more than his standing in Rome as you see personal glimpses of his family. His heart is turned to stone and he can not feel emotion. The ingredients for a strong gladiator to survive the colosseums, Max decides he will feel the pain. At least he ’feels’ again. It is kill or be killed.
The final battle in the movie is sensational. With blades and tempers flying, Maximus and Ceasar’s son entertain holiday visitors in Rome. The games will be played. Are you ready? The movie does show killing as a sport and I would not recommend children under age 13 viewing and older children should view with an adult. It is to an advantage for an older child to have an understanding of the life style gladiators held.
Footnotes:
~Colosseums were arenas where sport was played.
~Gladiator fights were a main draw and men were selected to fight or die.
~Often, gladiators were prisoners or they were well trained killers.
~These bloody sport games were considered a highlight of Roman holiday.