Suffice to say, I was surprised I had not previously suggested Gladiator (2000), which transcends a mere action/adventure film on many levels.
Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix lead this Oscar-winner for Best Picture (Crowe won Best Actor while Phoenix was nominated for Supporting Actor). The estimable Ridley Scott won Best Director, deservedly so for turning what could have easily been a run-of-the-mill historical action film into a classic piece of cinema.
When a Roman general is betrayed and his family murdered by an emperor’s corrupt son, he comes to Rome as a gladiator to seek revenge.
The opening scenes give you a feel of the ” shock and awe” the Roman army had in it’s day. Gave me chills in the theater at the time.
I must say I am not a huge Scott fan…but this is excellent.
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… I prolly need to see this again !!!
I enjoyed it … worthy of a repeat viewing for sure !!!
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Nice selection, chess !!!
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Joaquin creeps me out..he looks retarded or something..his dead brother was a much better actor ..Ridley would be just another hack director without his DP. Plus there’s just too much Kodak color! I need sunglasses!
How funny. This was also featured at Fidel Saturday night cinema. One of my favorites
Also Joaquin Phoenix actually lost out to Denzel Washington (Training Day) for best supporting actor that year. I would have given the nod to Joaquin but they were both great in their roles.
Gladiator has some of the best 3 word quotes of any movie:
“Strength and Honor”
“Maximus the Merciful!”
“Win the crowd”
“Are You Not Entertained?” okay 4 words
Everything you need to know about integrity, life, and the character of honorable men can be learned from Roman History.
Moments away from being declared the most powerful human being in history (arguably), he instead ends up a slave with his family murdered. What a set-up.
Do you guys ever watch any John Wayne movies?
Actually Benicio Del Toro won for Traffic that year but Joaquin should have won just like every other time he has been robbed.
Fixing it now, Thanks Celeste.