The First of Many to Come! "Gladiator"

    When the Roman general, Maximus is betrayed and his family murdered by an emperor's corrupt son, he finds himself captured by slave traders and made to fight as a gladiator. He soon proves himself a fierce fighter and is sent to Rome to fight in the Colosseum where he can finally get revenge for his family.
  
    "Gladiator" is directed by the brilliant Ridley Scott who got inspired for the movie by the painting by Jean-Lèon Geròme Pollice Verso. The film stars Russell Crowe as Maximus, Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus, Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, Djimon Hounsou as Juba and Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius . This film has to be my #1 favorite movie of all time! The acting is moving and heartfelt and the music, composed by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard, is beyond genius!
   
     This action packed drama is filled with everything from a sadistic king to government conspiracies to bloody fights in the Colosseum. Joaquin Phoenix does such an amazing job playing Commodus, the mentally unstable king, that it's scary!! While Richard Harris (when I first watched the movie I said  "it's Dumbledore" haha) does a masterful job being Marcus Aurelius, the old king and father of Commodus and Lucilla. While Russell Crowe brings an amazing strength and vulnerability to his character.

    Alright here is some back story on this film. It's actually loosely based on historical events. *Spoilers* Though in the movie Marcus Aurelius was killed by his son Commodus, in real life Marcus died from the plague. Also unlike the movie where Marcus tried to give the throne to Maximus he actually allowed his immoral son to become emperor, even while knowing of his moral faults. Maximus's character is actually fictional though he does hold similarities to Narcissus, who was actually Commodus's killer in real life. 

     Another amazing part of the film was its script written by David Franzoni! My favorite quote from the movie is "What we do in life echoes in eternity". It means that someones action whether they be big or small can and will effect you, those around you and even the world for the rest of your life and beyond. It's about making the right choices and its about dealing with the consequences when you get it wrong. It's about doing something good in the world and not just sitting still waiting for someone else to take a stand.

      I would highly recommend this movie!! Although I wouldn't watch it if you are at all squeamish when it comes to blood and guts..... Its Rated R for intense, graphic combat.

I give this movie a 9.5 out of 10 stars.

Peace,  
Jake