Gladiator

Alternate Title(s):

*NOTE: GLADIATOR was originally released in 35mm theaters in May of 2000. On November 22nd, 2000, it was re-released in selected Large Format Theaters nationwide. Gladiator was not shot in 70mm format.

STORY: It has been four decades since chariots raced and swords flashed across movie screens in epic dramas of a time long past. Now, director Ridley Scott brings the glorious battles of the ancient Roman arena back to the big screen in a sweeping story of courage and revenge.

The great Roman General Maximus (Russell Crowe) 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) has one more duty for the general-to assume the mantle of his power.

Jealous of Maximusí favor with the emperor, the heir to the throne, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), 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.

Maximus has learned that the one power stronger than that of the emperor is the will of the people, and he knows he can only attain his revenge by becoming the greatest hero in all the empire. Oscar nominee Russell Crowe (The Insider) heads up an international cast that includes Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou and Oscar nominee Richard Harris (The Field).

A DreamWorks Pictures and Universal Pictures Presentation. Director: Ridley Scott. Screenplay by David Franzoni, John Logan and William Nicholson, from a story by Franzoni. Producers: Douglas Wick, David Franzoni and Branko Lustig. Executive Producers: Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald. Distributed by DreamWorks SKG.

Outside Reviews:

"Gladiator" By Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

"Gladiator" By Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com

"Synthetic Dreams" By Lucas Hilderbrand, PopMatters

"'Gladiator' Triumphant" By Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

"Gladiator" By Stephen Farber, Movieline

Gladiator and Perfect Storm: First Hollywood Big Movies? By Ryan Kresser (Dec 2000)

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