Russel Crowe's Gladiator

889 Words4 Pages

The Roman Empire in the second century is an historical period that is just captivating. As an action fanatic, it’s exhilarating to watch the wars and long battles to conquer a massive empire. Thus, I have chosen Gladiator (2000) for this film review. In addition, this movie is my ultimate favorite of all time. When I first watched Gladiator, I was in awe of the story. Each time I watch Gladiator, which I have seen countless times, I always feel like it is the first time. I still feel the intensity of each scene as if I had not seen it before. The actor Russel Crowe (A Beautiful Mind, Noah) who played the protagonist, the Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius, fits perfectly for the role. His voice, eyes, physique, and his total package, perfected …show more content…

The emperor had a son (Commodus) and a daughter (Lucilla). The emperor did not have the confidence in his pompous son, who never had an actual battle. Whereas, General Maximus is an honorable and loyal servant to the emperor. The film shows how the Romans conquer empires through the army’s invincible leader, General Maximus Decimus Meridius. Maximus earned the respect and love of Marcus Aurelius. The emperor saw the kind of son he never had in Maximus. He treats the general like his own son. Likewise, Maximus treats the emperor with utmost respect almost like a father. This results in conflict between Maximus (Crowe) and Commodus (Phoenix). Upon the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Harris), the corrupt son Commodus succeeded the emperor’s position. Whereby, Maximus became a slave and then turned into a gladiator. Furthermore, the root of the conflict is greed for power. Commodus knew that Maximus stood in his way, and that he should eliminate him. When Maximus appeared in Rome, the conflict between Maximus and Commodus was resurrected. The young emperor tried different schemes to eliminate the great warrior, …show more content…

This took place in the second century when the Roman Empire was vanquishing nations to become the Great Rome. First, some events took place in Germania which is the North-Central Europe where the battleground was. Germania became part of Roman Empire in 218 B. C. Second, the marketplace in Morocco. This is where Maximus (Crowe) ended up as a gladiator. Third in Rome, where the grand Colosseum was situated. In addition, Rome looked intimidating with its impressive architecture. This place is significant because the gladiators fought in this arena. Also, the Colosseum looked domineering with gladiators under its mercy, while in the background the mob watches the barbaric form of entertainment to commemorate Marcus Aurelius. Last setting which appeared briefly was in Spain, the place where Maximus’ (Crowe) family