Gladiator (2000) Dir: Ridley Scott
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With a previously unexpected sequel now imminent, it felt like now was the perfect time to revisit one of the greatest films of this century; Ridley Scott's legendary historical epic. It's been one of my favourite films ever for the longest time, but, for some reason, I haven't watched it in a long time.
It has an utterly exquisite soundtrack, from the greatest film composer of all-time; Hans Zimmer. No one does it as well as Zimmer, and this score is nothing short of magnificent. It tugs at the heart strings, it rouses one to battle and it mourns for those lost.
Another hugely impressive part of the film is its intricate and incredible costume and set design. Of course, not everything will be historically accurate, but it all looks and feels the part. Few filmmakers can create an immersive and believable world like Ridley Scott, and this is one of his best.
The film boasts some marvellous physical effects, especially amidst its many epic action sequences and set pieces. The film has some of the most impressive uses of green screen and split screen, chiefly when shooting with real animals, which were not harmed during filming. Everything about this film's visuals and cinematography is impactful and effective.
The story is a grand tale as old as time; one of redemption, revenge, freedom and consequences. It has everything, from epic battles to intense emotions, both beautiful and sad. It has plotting and chivalry, hope and despair. It is one of the great narratives of modern cinema.
Russell Crowe was magnificent. He embodied everything a soldier and gladiator of the Roman Empire should be; determined, honourable, dexterous and highly damgerous. As far as I'm concerned, this is Crowe's best ever performance. He was immaculate.
Joaquin Phoenix made for a phenomenally petulant and detestable villain. He is all the worst qualities of a fictional man; a sly, childish coward who thinks too much of himself and too little of others. Phoenix plays this to perfection. It is impossible not to hate his character, thanks to the brilliance of his acting.
Connie Nielsen shon brightly in her key supporting role, exhibiting a wide array of emotions with a poignancy and grace which only made them hit harder. I thought she showed her character's evolution and subtleties quite marvellously.
There were a number of other very enjoyable and noteworthy performances from the supporting cast, chiefly Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, David Schofield, Tommy Flanagan, Spencer Treat Clark and Tomas Arana.
Overall, this is one of those special pieces of cinema, which everybody should watch at least once in their lifetime, but ideally more than that. It's a masterpiece in virtually every single way, and if the sequel is half as good as this one, it'll have done something extremely right.
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