GladiatorA big-budget summer epic with money to burn and a scale worthy of its golden Hollywood predecessors, Ridley Scott's Gladiator is a rousing, grisly, action-packed epic that takes moviemaking back to the Roman Empire via computer-generated visual effects. While not as fluid as the computer work done for, say, Titanic, it's an impressive achievement that will leave you marveling at the glory that was Rome, when you're not marveling at the glory that is Russell Crowe. Starring as the heroic general Maximus, Crowe firmly cements his star status both in terms of... screen presence and acting chops, carrying the film on his decidedly non-computer-generated shoulders as he goes from brave general to wounded fugitive to stoic slave to gladiator hero. Gladiator's plot is a whirlwind of faux-Shakespearean machinations of death, betrayal, power plays, and secret identities (with lots of faux-Shakespearean dialogue ladled on to keep the proceedings appropriately "classical"), but it's all briskly shot, edited, and paced with a contemporary sensibility. Even the action scenes, somewhat muted but graphic in terms of implied violence and liberal bloodletting, are shot with a veracity that brings to mind--believe it or not--Saving Private Ryan, even if everyone is wearing a toga. As Crowe's nemesis, the evil emperor Commodus, Joaquin Phoenix chews scenery with authority, whether he's damning Maximus's popularity with the Roman mobs or lusting after his sister Lucilla (beautiful but distant Connie Nielsen); Oliver Reed, in his last role, hits the perfect notes of camp and gravitas as the slave owner who rescues Maximus from death and turns him into a coliseum star. Director Scott's visual flair is abundantly in evidence, with breathtaking shots and beautiful (albeit digital) landscapes, but it's Crowe's star power that will keep you in thrall--he's a true gladiator, worthy of his legendary status. Hail the conquering hero! --Mark Englehart [show more]
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Double bill of Ridley Scott films starring Russell Crowe. In the historical action adventure 'Robin Hood' (2010), after the death of Richard the Lionheart (Danny Huston) in the Crusades, Sir Robin of Loxley (Crowe) returns from war to his home in the north of England. There, he comes up against the oppressive regime imposed by the tyrannical new Sheriff of Nottingham (Matthew Macfadyen). Robin summons up a group of supporters and puts his formidable archery skills to use in an effort to free the people from corruption and political injustice. Cate Blanchett co-stars as Maid Marian. 'Gladiator' (2000), Scott's Oscar-winning take on the Roman epic, lavishes the genre with the very latest in computer-generated effects technology. After the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris), Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) betrays the Emperor's beloved General Maximus (Crowe) and takes the throne for himself. Maximus is sold as a slave and then trained as a gladiator, keeping himself strong with thoughts of revenge. Eventually he is taken to the Colosseum, where he prepares to fight in a contest presided over by the corrupt Commodus. Will he suffer the ultimate humiliation and die for the entertainment of his enemy or will he survive the rigours of the arena and find a way of exacting his revenge?
Please note this is a region B Blu-Ray and will require a region B or region free Blu-Ray player in order to play Robin HoodRussell Crowe stars as the legendary figure known by generations as "Robin Hood" whose exploits have endured in popular mythology and ignited the imagination of those who share his spirit of adventure and righteousness In 13th century England Robin and his band of marauders confront corruption in a local village and lead an uprising against the crown that will forever alter the balance of world power And whether thief or hero one man from humble beginnings will become an eternal symbol of freedom for his people The film chronicles the life of an expert archer previously interested only in self-preservation from his service in King Richard&39;s army against the French Upon Richard&39;s death Robin travels to Nottingham a town suffering from the corruption of a despotic sheriff and crippling taxation where he falls for the spirited widow Lady Marion (Cate Blanchett) a woman sceptical of the identity and motivations of this crusaderfrom the forest Hoping to earn the hand of Maid Marian and salvage the village Robin assenbles a gang whose lethal mercanary skills are matched only by its appetite for life Together they begin preying on the indulgent upper class to correct injustices under the sheriff With their country weakened from decades of war embattled from the ineffective rule of the new king and vulnerable to insurgencies from within and threats from afar Robin and his men heed a call to ever greater adventure This unlikeliest of heroes and his allies set off to protect their country from slipping into bloody civil war and return to glory to England once more GladiatorThe great Roman General Maximus (Russell Crowe - LA Confidential) has once again led the legions to victory on the battlefield The war won Maximus dreams of home wanting only to return to his wife and son; however the dying Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris - Harry Potter And The Philosopher&39;s Stone) has one more duty for the general - to assume the mantle of his power Jealous of Maximus&39; favour with the Emperor the heir to the throne Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix - Walk The Line) orders his execution - and that of his family Barely escaping death Maximus is forced into slavery and trained as a gladiator in the arena where his fame grows Now he has come to Rome intent on avenging the murder of his wife and son by killing the new emperor; Commodus Actors Russell Crowe Cate Blanchett Danny Huston Mark Strong Matthew Macfadyen Kevin Durand William Hurt Max von Sydow Joaquin Phoenix Connie Nielsen Oliver Reed Richard Harris Derek Jacobi Djimon Hounsou & David SchofieldDirector Ridley ScottCertificate 15 years and overYear 2000 ; 2010Languages English
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