Gladiator (2000) Review: The Roman Blockbuster
The movie begins with General Maximus defeating Germanic tribes. He then wishes to return to his family, but is told by the emperor, Marcus Aurelius, that his son Commodus is unfit to succeed him. Marcus Aurelius asks Maximus to succeed him as emperor to save Rome. Commodus finds out about this and kills his father. Commodus names himself emperor and arrests Maximus. Maximus escapes but returns to his home to find his family has already been killed. He is then captured and forced to become a gladiator. Maximus does well as a gladiator in North Africa, and is sent to Rome to fight in the Colosseum for the gladiator games that Commodus puts on to commemorate his father’s death. Maximus is dressed as a Carthaginian to re-enact the battle of Rome vs. Carthage. Using his military skill and strategy, Maximus is able to lead his team of gladiators to victory. Maximus reveals himself to Commodus and is saved by the crowd. Maximus’ next fight is against an undefeated gladiator. He wins and spares the life of his opponent, defying the orders of Commodus. Maximus then meets with an old friend from the army and devises a plot to take back control of Rome from Commodus. Commodus then challenges Maximus to a public duel. Maximus defeats Commodus in combat, but ultimately succumbs to his wounds. Before Maximus dies, he asks for political reforms, and is honored as a soldier of Rome.
Overall, I really enjoyed this movie. I thought that it did a good job of portraying Ancient Rome while also delivering as an entertaining blockbuster movie. I thought that it was really interesting to see Maximus in the role of Hannibal, as a leader who was able to use superior strategy and skill to defeat Roman soldiers. Another important part of the movie was its portrayal of pursuit of individual glory versus service to the state of Rome. Commodus is clearly portrayed as the villain due to endless pursuit of power, glory, and status for himself. He has no desire to serve Rome, he only wants to further his own agenda. Meanwhile, Maximus is the ideal Roman soldier. He is not loyal to any one man, he fights in service to Rome.
