Gladiator review

Gladiator:

            Justice, determination, power; these three elements share a common tendency to inspire people with a sense of excitement. All of these traits play major roles in driving Maximus (Russel Crowe) towards his destiny in Ridley Scott’s 2000 film Gladiator. After learning that his father, the king, has made Maximus his heir because of his virtues, the wicked Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) secretly arranges for the murder of Maximus and his family. Maximus escapes from his assassins and flees, but soon learns that his family was not as lucky, and he vows to return to Rome and exact his revenge. Before he is able to return, he is captured and forced to fight as a gladiator. Now his only hope is to rise through the ranks and earn a chance to fight in Rome…

            His weak physical state makes his captors doubt that Maximus can last long at first, but his determination to make Commodus pay gives him the power to survive. This is a great testament to the power of the human spirit and Russel Crowe does a perfect job of playing the part. So many times throughout the film, Maximus ends up covered in blood, dripping sweat, and barely able to stand; because of Crowe’s superb acting, I constantly had to remind myself that he was only acting and wasn’t in real physical pain.

            Another positive feature of Gladiator is its portrayal of the invincible spirit of justice. Maximus loses everything to the evil of Commodus, just because he had been recognized for his virtues. Such tragedy can never be forgotten; just as such injustice can never be forgiven. As Maximus rises through the gladiator ranks, he earns the trust of his superiors and even gets opportunities to get perks to make his predicament easier, but he continues to do things the hard way as if to remind himself of his purpose; he almost seems to want to keep building up pain to remind himself just how important his anger at Commodus is. The great power that Maximus receives just from his desire to enact justice is truly admirable; it inspires the audience by reassuring them of the indomitable spirit of righteousness.

Entertainment: 8; Plot: 7; Acting: 9