Movie: Gladiator

Release Date: May 5, 2000

Director: Ridley Scott

Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielson, Ralf Moller, Oliver Reed, Djimon Hounsou, Derek Jacobi, John Shrapnel, Richard Harris, Tommy Flanagan

Personal History: Watched Before

Rating: 9 Oscars out of 10

When ‘Gladiator’ is ranked with other Academy Award Best Picture winners by critics, it usually lands either in the middle or teetering on the back half of the (now) ninety-four winners. Maybe it is because it is more action than drama or that the themes of the film are not totally original. Whatever the reason, I tend to disagree.

There are three things I look for most when watching a movie. First, are there interesting characters telling an interesting story? Secondly, is the film well made? Thirdly, am I entertained? ‘Gladiator’ answers all three of those questions with a resounding ‘yes.’

Since its release, ‘Gladiator’ has become one of my favorite movies of all time. It appeared as part of my 365 Movie Day Challenge back in 2020. Here is what I had to say about the movie back then.

From A Movie a Day Keeps the Doctor Away February 5, 2020:

 ‘Gladiator’ was a pretty big box office hit in the summer of 2000 and was well received by both critics and audiences. I was not one of the lucky ones to see it in theaters. I first saw it as a rental sometime after it was released on DVD later that year. After watching it, I wished I had seen it in theaters.

I instantly loved the story and was moved by the screenplay, acting and directing. But it is such a visually, beautifully shot movie, I would have loved to have seen it on the big screen. Some of the scenes and visuals were so impressive it must have made for a wonderful theatrical experience. With that said, it was still very entertaining on the “smaller screen” and did not take away from my falling in love with it.

Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix excel in ‘Gladiator.’ I was aware of both of them from past films (‘L.A. Confidential’ and ‘The Insider’ for Mr. Crowe and ‘To Die For’ for Mr. Phoenix), but very impressed by their performances in this. That is true especially of Joaquin Phoenix. He is a character the viewer absolutely loves to hate. And boy, do you end up hating him.

The film was nominated for twelve Academy Awards and won five, including Best Picture in early 2001. Although it wasn’t my favorite nominated film that year (two more movies (‘Chocolat‘ and ‘Erin Brokovich‘) that were nominated that year will be showing up very soon on this list), it is still one that entertained and moved me enough to watch it quite a bit throughout the years.

I can’t mention the name of this movie around my husband without him screaming “Gladiator” a la a drunk Elizabeth Taylor at the Golden Globe awards in 2001. After which I of course always laugh. In fact every every time I read it or type it, I hear it that way as well. So thank you Elizabeth Taylor (and Jim) for that lasting memory. If you do not know what I am talking about, please go search it out on YouTube. It’s worth the watch. Afterwards, you too will always hear “Gladiator” in that way. (You’re welcome.)

Watching it today, I felt as though I was watching a really great “Game of Thrones” episode, especially that first battle scene. Different time periods, yes, but it’s almost as if the creators and directors watched this movie and took notes before filming some of that show. Kudos to Ridley Scott, who I hope one day will take home an Academy Award for Best Director. I am a fan of his work and this is the first of two movies of his on my list. His next one won’t be watched until much later this year.

I still think what I love most about ‘Gladiator’ is Joaquin Phoenix’s performance. It must be fun to play the “bad guy.” And this character is definitely one of the worst. At the same time, I can’t help but feel a little sorry for him (very little), and I think that has everything to do with his performance. He makes a monster somewhat human, a very flawed human, but human nonetheless.

Russel Crowe is quite amazing in this movie as well. He’s just a really good actor, period. This is his second of three films that appear on my list. I still think that his best acting is in ‘A Beautiful Mind’ (see 350. A Beautiful Mind), but a totally different character here that at times thrills you and at times makes you cry.

Yes, the Kleenex box made a return while watching this movie. How can you not with that scene at the end of the film “seeing” his son running toward him? Not to mention the last line of the film: “And now we are free. I will see you again, but not yet. Not yet!”