I'll be the heretic here. I was VERY disappointed with the film. The story was a Roman retread of Braveheart, the editing was sorry, the use of the skip-frame technique from the beginning of Saving Private Ryan was a bad idea (especially when coupled with fast cuts; who knew what was going on?), and as the story progresses, it becomes more and more silly until a finale that, sorry, just could, would, and should have never happened. I'm still waiting for Ridley to return to his prior powers.
Just my opinion... The acting was good, for what that's worth.
I've been told (by my brother the Roman history buff) that the end DID really happen. The Emperor Comidus (however you sp. that) really did get into the gladiatorial ring. So complaints about the ending should be directed towards history.
As to the fight scene my boyfriend (a fan of these things) really admired it. And I admired the movie for Crowe's acting and the simultaneous revulsion and excitement generated by the gladiatorial scenes.
Actually, with all respect, I will direct my complaint to the film. Commodus was a warrior well before he was emperor. He knew of warfare, and from all evidence, was an excellent fighter, never losing a fight to the best gladiators or wild beasts. The emperor in the film, goaded by his cowardice, went to pains to avoid military involvement. Despite this, he jumped in the ring to fight the greatest general in the land. True, the general was wounded but still... I found it very unbelievable. If you didn't, cool. Just one person's opinion here, and I am definitely in the minority.
As for the fight scenes, I still say they were weak. The sound editing was excellent, and the clashing of swords and spears might almost make one skip over the fact that the editing was rotten. Almost...
And yes, I also enjoyed Crowe's acting. I enjoyed all the acting. I just didn't feel that it was enough to carry the film.
I never really answered your question regarding the comparison to Braveheart. On the whole I preferred Braveheart (even if it did butcher history) but that is probably just personal preference. Galdiator is top shelf, and worth seeing on the big screen.
It's freaking fantastic. As my friend said, it should be renamed to "Russell Crowe Kicks Much Ass".
That's just my opinion, but it's a great all around hero story, and the computer-generated shots of Rome (especially the Colosseum)are soooooo nice. It is a bit bloody, of course (he was the general of Rome's Northern Armies), but if you don't have a problem with that, I'd recommend the movie wholeheartedly.
hmm... tough call. I personally would say that I liked Gladiator a little better, but I'm more interested in Roman history than Celtic. I'd guess that most would go for Braveheart over Gladiator.
I saw the film this weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. Russell Crowe is one my favorites ever since he played Officer Bud White in LA CONFIDENTIAL. The scenes of Rome were outstanding also.
Yeah, he first came to my attention as the bad guy in Virtuosity with Denzel Washington. He was excellent, and the movie was a decent rental. Since I also thought he was terrific in L.A. Confidential, he has been a favorite of mine as well. In addition to seeing Gladiator, I'm looking forward to renting The Insider.
I'll be the heretic here. I was VERY disappointed with the film. The story was a Roman retread of Braveheart, the editing was sorry, the use of the skip-frame technique from the beginning of Saving Private Ryan was a bad idea (especially when coupled with fast cuts; who knew what was going on?), and as the story progresses, it becomes more and more silly until a finale that, sorry, just could, would, and should have never happened. I'm still waiting for Ridley to return to his prior powers.
Just my opinion... The acting was good, for what that's worth.
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
I've been told (by my brother the Roman history buff) that the end DID really happen. The Emperor Comidus (however you sp. that) really did get into the gladiatorial ring. So complaints about the ending should be directed towards history.
As to the fight scene my boyfriend (a fan of these things) really admired it. And I admired the movie for Crowe's acting and the simultaneous revulsion and excitement generated by the gladiatorial scenes.
Actually, with all respect, I will direct my complaint to the film. Commodus was a warrior well before he was emperor. He knew of warfare, and from all evidence, was an excellent fighter, never losing a fight to the best gladiators or wild beasts. The emperor in the film, goaded by his cowardice, went to pains to avoid military involvement. Despite this, he jumped in the ring to fight the greatest general in the land. True, the general was wounded but still... I found it very unbelievable. If you didn't, cool. Just one person's opinion here, and I am definitely in the minority.
As for the fight scenes, I still say they were weak. The sound editing was excellent, and the clashing of swords and spears might almost make one skip over the fact that the editing was rotten. Almost...
And yes, I also enjoyed Crowe's acting. I enjoyed all the acting. I just didn't feel that it was enough to carry the film.
Thanks for the comments. I enjoyed them.
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
I never really answered your question regarding the comparison to Braveheart. On the whole I preferred Braveheart (even if it did butcher history) but that is probably just personal preference. Galdiator is top shelf, and worth seeing on the big screen.
It's freaking fantastic. As my friend said, it should be renamed to "Russell Crowe Kicks Much Ass".
That's just my opinion, but it's a great all around hero story, and the computer-generated shots of Rome (especially the Colosseum)are soooooo nice.
It is a bit bloody, of course (he was the general of Rome's Northern Armies), but if you don't have a problem with that, I'd recommend the movie wholeheartedly.
Cool. I've heard it compared favorably with Braveheart. Fair comparison? Did you prefer one over the other?
hmm... tough call. I personally would say that I liked Gladiator a little better, but I'm more interested in Roman history than Celtic.
I'd guess that most would go for Braveheart over Gladiator.
I saw the film this weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. Russell Crowe is one my favorites ever since he played Officer Bud White in LA CONFIDENTIAL. The scenes of Rome were outstanding also.
Yeah, he first came to my attention as the bad guy in Virtuosity with Denzel Washington. He was excellent, and the movie was a decent rental. Since I also thought he was terrific in L.A. Confidential, he has been a favorite of mine as well. In addition to seeing Gladiator, I'm looking forward to renting The Insider.
Tee hee. My favorite critic really liked it. But I'd still like to know what you have to say . . .