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Ridley Scott (Blade Runner) vividly recreates the waning days of the Roman Empire in this lavishly mounted epic directed in the grand manner of sword-and-sandal sagas such as Ben Hur and Spartacus. Gladiators' sweeping narrative focuses on battle-weary Roman general Maximus (Russell Crowe), bent on returning to his family despite the urgings of aging emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) to remain in Rome's service. After his wife and son are executed by the ruthless Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who has also murdered Marcus and seized power, the recently enslaved Maximus becomes the empire's most celebrated gladiator -- and waits for an opportunity to avenge himself on the deranged usurper. Crowe's sullen demeanor and massive physique perfectly suit him to play this brooding, taciturn warrior, and Phoenix (equally convincing as the spoiled, petulant young tyrant), Harris, Connie Nielsen,and the late Oliver Reed provide able support. Richly atmospheric, Gladiator is shrouded in muted colors and dark tones, but Scott's penchant for moody lighting doesn't inhibit the film's dynamism at all. The brutal, chaotic battle scenes that regularly punctuate the episodic plot are truly spectacular. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

A man robbed of his name and his dignity strives to win them back, and gain the freedom of his people, in this epic historical drama from director Ridley Scott. In the year 180, the death of emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) throws the Roman Empire into chaos. Maximus (Russell Crowe) is one of the Roman army's most capable and trusted generals and a key advisor to the emperor. As Marcus' devious son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) ascends to the throne, Maximus is set to be executed. He escapes, but is captured by slave traders. Renamed Spaniard and forced to become a gladiator, Maximus must battle to the death with other men for the amusement of paying audiences. His battle skills serve him well, and he becomes one of the most famous and admired men to fight in the Colosseum. Determined to avenge himself against the man who took away his freedom and laid waste to his family, Maximus believes that he can use his fame and skill in the ring to avenge the loss of his family and former glory. As the gladiator begins to challenge his rule, Commodus decides to put his own fighting mettle to the test by squaring off with Maximus in a battle to the death. Gladiator also features Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, and Oliver Reed, who died of a heart attack midway through production. Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 097360715842
• Source: DREAMWORKS VIDEO
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: DTS 5.1-Channel Surround Sound, Dolby AC-3 Surround Sound
• Language: Français
• Editions: Special Edition
• Time: 2:51:00
• Sales Rank: 1,297

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Best Picture Academy Award Winners Collection

Features: