Cheap Gladiator (3 Disc Extended Special Edition) [Pal, Region 2, Import] (DVD) (Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, Derek Jacobi) (Ridley Scott) Price

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Customer Reviews of Gladiator (3 Disc Extended Special Edition) [Pal, Region 2, Import]

TWO THUMBS UP FOR GLADIATOR...
This is a very good, well acted movie. The story centers around a general in the Roman legion who is enslaved and becomes a gladiator of reknown, called the Spaniard.<
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>The general, Maximus, esteemed by all the legionaires that he commands, is a favorite of the Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. The Emporer has a son, Commodus, and a daughter, Lucilla. While Lucilla is clearly the worthier of the two to inherit her father's empire upon his death, she cannot by virtue of her gender. The Emperor knows his son to be unworthy to rule in his stead, as Commodus is totally devoid of character and craven. So, Marcus Aurelius, knowing that his health is failing, tells Maximus of his wish to declare him protector of Rome upon his death, in hopes of returning Rome to the people, as a Republic. Unfortunately, Marcus Aurelius makes the mistake of telling his son the same, thereby bringing about his death at the hands of Commodus.<
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>Commodus, now Emporer, extends the olive branch to Maximus who refuses, knowing that something unsavory has happened to Marcus Aurelius, for whom he had great affection. Rebuffed, Commodus has Maximus arrested with an order for his execution, as well as the ravaging of his lands and the slaughter of his wife and small son. Maximus escapes execution, but does not make it home in time to save his family. Captured by slave traders, he is sold and becomes a gladiator known as the Spaniard. This is all I will tell you about the plot. Watch the movie and see for yourself.<
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>Suffice to say that Russell Crowe gives a masterful and powerful perfomance as Maximus. Yet, I think Joaquin Phoenix gives an extraordinary performance as the the evil and sinister Commodus. His role is not a majestic, heroic one, but for that reason alone, his performance is, to my mind, the more compelling one, as it is stangely moving. If there are any Oscar recognized performances to be eked out of this film, he should certainly receive strong consideration for best supporting actor. As to the special effects, I was disappointed because, at times, the special effects were noticable; that is, you could occasionally tell when special effects were being employed. It does not necessarily detract from the film; it is just a little jarring to be aware of it.