Gladiator

Name: Gladiator
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, History
Released: May 5, 2000
Duration: 155 min
Rating: 67
Cast: Connie Nielsen, Joaquin Phoenix, Russell Crowe

2000

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 46 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 1027 Ratings

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8.8

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8.8	User Score Universal acclaim based on 1027 Ratings

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Gladiator

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Movie Details & Credits

DreamWorks Distribution | Release Date: May 5, 2000 | R

Starring: Connie Nielsen, Joaquin Phoenix, Russell Crowe

Summary: Before Maximus (Crowe), the heroic Roman General, can honor the wishes of his dying emperor Marcus Aurelius (Harris) by assuming the emperor's role, the emperor's cruel and corrupt son Commodus (Phoenix) orders the execution of Maximus and his family. Escaping death, Maximus assumes the life of an anonymous gladiator, fighting his way backBefore Maximus (Crowe), the heroic Roman General, can honor the wishes of his dying emperor Marcus Aurelius (Harris) by assuming the emperor's role, the emperor's cruel and corrupt son Commodus (Phoenix) orders the execution of Maximus and his family. Escaping death, Maximus assumes the life of an anonymous gladiator, fighting his way back to the Roman Colosseum where he seeks revenge and a return to justice for Rome.… Expand

Director: Ridley Scott

Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Drama, History

Rating: R

Runtime: 155 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Desmond Ryan

It's a stunning Roman triumph.

William Arnold

It lives up to the hype. Gladiator has its creaky moments, but it delivers a particular kind of visceral historical spectacle that movie audiences haven't seen in decades. Read full review

James Berardinelli

Gladiator is designed not just to entertain, but to enthrall. It draws audiences in and immerses them in a reality that is not their own. A boisterous reaction is expected every time the protagonist defies the odds and wins a conflict, or changes the tide of battle in his favor. This is filmmaking on a grand scale. Read full review

Keith Phipps

In the end, Gladiator is overdrawn and too insubstantial for its own good, just like the old days, but it satisfies as entertainment on a grand scale. Read full review

TNT RoughCut J. Rentilly

What elevates Gladiator to the near-greatness it occasionally achieves is the performance of Russell Crowe as Maximus.

Jonathan Rosenbaum

The script by producer David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson is serviceable but not exactly inspired. Read full review

Stephen Hunter

Friends, Washingtonians, countrymen, I come not to praise Gladiator but to bury it. Read full review

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User Reviews

JaredB.

Nov 10, 2007

Wow. This movie is terrific. Everything, from the writing to the acting, is sheer perfection. The battle scenes are extremely graphic, but awesome nonetheless. If you have never seen this movie, I strongly suggest checking it out as soon as possible. Trust me, you'll love it.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

EllenS.

Sep 6, 2006

This movie captured the brutal life of Romans and how honor and fame could be accomplished by being the best gladiator. Russel Crowe did a brillant job.

2 of 2 users found this helpful

jakep

Dec 24, 2009

The best movie i have ever seen (and I am a film critic). It is an inspiring, mesmerizing, beautiful, action packed flick. It is about strength, honor, courage betratal, ruthlessness, survival, and even incest! This is the type of movie thatll motivate you to fight for what you live for The best movie i have ever seen (and I am a film critic). It is an inspiring, mesmerizing, beautiful, action packed flick. It is about strength, honor, courage betratal, ruthlessness, survival, and even incest! This is the type of movie thatll motivate you to fight for what you live for because as gladiator said it best "what we do in life, echoes in eternity".… Expand

14 of 17 users found this helpful

garyoldmenrover

May 16, 2004

Darn good movie. I especially liked the emotionality of Maximus (Russel Crowe). Russel Crowe acts fascinating and in mine opinion ONE of the best (nothing can top Robert de Niro! although he is slowly going down). His dialogue with his rusty voice is impressive. The dialogue between MaxmusDarn good movie. I especially liked the emotionality of Maximus (Russel Crowe). Russel Crowe acts fascinating and in mine opinion ONE of the best (nothing can top Robert de Niro! although he is slowly going down). His dialogue with his rusty voice is impressive. The dialogue between Maxmus and his new black-skinned friend is entertaining. Talking about their family, heaven, god etc. It is a shame that Gladiator 2 will leave Russel Crowe out (he died in the end of the first part), he was the hightlight of the movie. Oh well......… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

MediaCritic

Nov 4, 2011

This is a classic and an amazing movie that could have nearly managed a 9. The score/ soundtrack is one of the best I've heard in any movie, and the fast paced action scenes are intense and violent. The set and the storyline is brilliant and really well done. The movie is a bit overrated inThis is a classic and an amazing movie that could have nearly managed a 9. The score/ soundtrack is one of the best I've heard in any movie, and the fast paced action scenes are intense and violent. The set and the storyline is brilliant and really well done. The movie is a bit overrated in some ways but never the less, this movie is one that you have to say you've seen.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

MattGSM

Jul 20, 2019

Great movie. Amazing music and soundtrack. I'm only upset about the ending which is meant to be emotional but it didn't work for me. Also the historical inaccuracies irritated me throughout the movie

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

AshH.

Dec 22, 2009

Some people are calling this the best film of all time. W. T. F. This film's characters were absolutely terrible. The acting was decent, especially from Phoenix, but everything else about it was quite lacking. Watch it with the professional eye and you'll see that the editing is Some people are calling this the best film of all time. W. T. F. This film's characters were absolutely terrible. The acting was decent, especially from Phoenix, but everything else about it was quite lacking. Watch it with the professional eye and you'll see that the editing is in fact, quite non-professional and sloppy. The writing was without a doubt the worst thing about it. I don't know what some people see in it, all they look for in movies are action, which this film delivers solidly along with the acting, but does not do so with anything else.… Expand

1 of 14 users found this helpful

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1	#1 Most Discussed Movie of 2000
3	#3 Most Shared Movie of 2000