Gladiator

The Ridley Scott epic that started the 21st century off in style, Gladiator, is now 25 years old and, before I get round to watching the sequel, I wanted to revisit this having not watched it in many years. This was the film that brought back the sword-and-sandals epics from the golden age of Hollywood, and through this we would go on to have The Last Samurai, Troy, Kingdom of Heaven and many imitators that failed to come close to the likes of this.

Gladiator sees a highly decorated Roman general betrayed by his emperor's son, left for dead and his family murdered. By chance, he is saved but sold into slavery as a gladiator where he no longer fights for honour but to merely entertain the crowds. However, an opportunity for revenge begins to appear as his talents attract the elite of Rome. 

Having struck gold in 1979 with Alien and then with Blade Runner in 1982, the only film of any real note between then and 2000 for Sir Ridley Scott would be Thelma & Louise while everything else is largely forgotten today. But Scott's fortunes would change with Gladiator which became a major box office success and won multiple Oscars, including one for his leading man, Russell Crowe. 

25 years on and Gladiator is still the same thrilling action adventure you may know and love. I've said it before but this time in Hollywood was the perfect time for such epics. CGI hadn't quite taken over so there was still a reliance on practical effects and filming on location which keeps this film from feeling fake and dated. Instead, it feels earthy and tangible. The opening battle sets the scene well with its chilly, tense atmosphere as everyone prepares to fight and it had me instantly immersed. 

But none of that would matter if the cast were not there to sell it and they are all terrific. Crowe looks and acts the part of the Roman general, Maximus Decimus Meridius, with his stoic yet charismatic performance. The supporting cast are also flawless with the fantastically evil Joaquin Phoenix, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, Connie Nielsen and Djimon Honsou. It really is hard to offer Gladiator anything but praise because it is just a great film from start to finish. So much so that even Scott has failed to deliver an historical epic quite like this since, and apologies to the Kingdom of Heaven Director's Cut fans out there. This really is peak Scott. 

Gladiator is the kind of perfect film which has no need for a sequel. Sure, a few more films about gladiators and ancient Rome would be nice but this one was best left alone. The story and pacing is incredibly tight making for just such a entertaining experience. Time has not diminished this but I do worry what the sequel might do when I come to watch it.