Gladiator Review: Ridley Scott Revives the Epic

Olivia Smith
MoviesActionDramaAdventure
Gladiator (2000)

8.5/10 — Gladiator (2000)

Pros

  • Crowe's commanding performance
  • Thrilling arena action
  • Majestic score

Cons

  • Historically sloppy
  • Some dated CGI

Betrayed by the corrupt Commodus, the Roman general Maximus is sold into slavery and rises through the gladiator arenas, seeking revenge. Ridley Scott’s film revived the sword-and-sandal epic and won Best Picture.

What works

Russell Crowe is superb as the stoic Maximus, and Joaquin Phoenix gives Commodus a petulant, wounded menace. The arena battles are visceral, the opening German forest fight is a standout, and Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard’s score is hauntingly beautiful.

Where it falters

The history is loose, and a few of the CGI crowds and creatures have dated.

Verdict

Muscular, moving and hugely entertaining. ‘Are you not entertained?’ Yes, very.

Olivia SmithBy Olivia Smith