Gladiator is on Netflix in October. Does it still hold up?

Ridley Scott’s epic historical drama the Gladiator remains one of the best films in his long and distinguished career. Russell Crowe plays Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who takes the side of the ailing Emperor Marcus Aurelius. However, he is betrayed by the emperor’s jealous son, Commodus, who kills Marcus Aurelius and seizes the throne of Rome. After escaping arrest and discovering that his family has been murdered by Commodus’s men, Maximus is sold into slavery, and becomes a famous gladiator on a quest to avenge his family and kill Commodus.

the Gladiator It won the Best Picture Oscar at the 2001 ceremony, with Crowe winning Best Actor. The film has aged like fine wine, with many considering it one of the best films of the 2000s. It successfully reinvented the sword-and-sandal genre and revived mainstream interest in ancient Greece and Rome. Furthermore, it significantly influenced the historical genre in the new millennium and set the standard for what was to come. the Gladiator That, coupled with the already announced sequel starring Oscar-nominee Paul Mescal, which is back on Netflix in October, should be reason enough for fans to check out this timeless gem. and they should the Gladiator is an epic, riveting, cathartic film; There are plenty of reasons to watch it, but here are three that should be more than enough.

amazing production values

the Gladiator Not historically accurate – it fictionalizes many real-life events and takes considerable dramatic liberties with its real-life figures, particularly with Commodus. However, fans should judge it not as a history lesson, but as a larger-than-life film that thrills and challenges – and in that regard, the Gladiator Passes with flying colours.

The film also successfully paints a complete picture of its time and place. It features lavish and detailed production values ​​that effortlessly recreate the 2nd century, from the beautiful, highly detailed, Oscar-winning costumes to the physical sets that gorgeously bring the Roman Empire to life. History buffs may have problems with this the Gladiatornarrative approach, but those who want to immerse themselves in the action will do so with ease, thanks to the film’s stunning costumes, set design, and cinematography. Production values ​​are a big part of historical films because they can either make or break an illusion; the Gladiator Succeeds at almost every level that matters.

Joaquin Phoenix is ​​the true MVP of the movie

Russell Crowe may be the hero, but so is Joaquin Phoenix the GladiatorIs a true star. The Oscar-winner gives a tremendous performance as the cowardly, insecure and downright terrifying Commodus, who almost steals the film from under Crowe’s nose. Phoenix offers a captivating, broken portrayal of weakness, jealousy, lust and ambition that is both compelling and unflinching.

Yesradiator Phoenix received its first Oscar nomination, and it’s easy to understand why; He’s a brilliant villain from start to finish, serving as a counterpoint to Crowe’s stoic, hunky Maximus. Phoenix embraces Commodus’s weaknesses, filling his every scene with a talented mix of fear, pity, and sadness. They say a hero is only as good as his villain, and Commodus proves it. He’s a big reason for this the Gladiator‘s success, fans love to hate his anarchic, well-polished, neurotic guts.

Rich and timely subtext

“are you not entertained?” Maximus famously asked questions of his audience after single-handedly slaughtering several opponents. has become synonymous with quotation the Gladiator And one of the most famous lines of modern cinema; However, it holds more thematic significance than initially appears. The film is a study of violence as a source of mindless entertainment and a cycle of crimes taught, learned and repeated. Maximus’ quest for vengeance leads him to commit all kinds of atrocities against untrained, frightened slaves, and he is not afraid to do so; However, he is also not blind to their fear and pain and the cruel, senseless cruelty displayed in the arena.

the GladiatorIts bleak tone and famous bittersweet ending were divisive upon its original release but are now widely celebrated. The film is a surprisingly effective blend of commercial and thought-provoking entertainment, presenting a compelling, thrilling and clever take on violence, masculinity and revenge that never becomes tiresome or obvious.

the Gladiator Now streaming on Netflix,