Gladiator (2000)

I’ve heard of Ridley Scott's Gladiator in passing before; about how it’s a well-loved tale of betrayal, courage, and redemption that has earned a place among the most celebrated films of its time – and now I can finally see why. However, while its plot shines with emotional depth (displaying true human vulnerability) and storytelling, I found that some aspects of the cinematography were lacking.

The story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a revered Roman general betrayed and reduced to slavery, is nothing short of gripping. The film masterfully weaves a narrative of loss, vengeance, and triumph, drawing viewers into the brutal yet fascinating world of ancient Rome. Russell Crowe's Oscar-winning performance as Maximus adds an extraordinary layer of authenticity and intensity to the character, making his journey truly inspiring. The iconic screenplay, rich in emotion and dramatic tension, keeps the audience invested from the first battle to the final showdown in the Colosseum.

And the supporting cast also deserve their flowers! Joaquin Phoenix stands out as the menacing, petulant and deeply flawed Commodus, delivering a chilling performance that complements Crowe's stoic heroism. The dynamic between the two characters is electric, driving much of the film's emotional weight. Meanwhile, Hans Zimmer's iconic score (which reminded me, at times, of the Pirates of the Caribbean score he would later compose) elevated every moment and perfectly captured the epic scale of the narrative.

However, the cinematography, while ambitious, is not without its flaws. The battle scenes are occasionally marred by an overuse of shaky camera work and choppy/low frame rate slow-mos. While this technique may have been intended to immerse viewers in the chaos of deadly combat, it sometimes detracted from the clarity and coherence of the action and brought me out of my immersion. Additionally, the color grading, with its muted and desaturated tones, felt overly bleak at times, which might dampen the visual grandeur one would expect from a film of this scale.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Gladiator remains a monumental achievement in storytelling. Its exploration of themes like honour, loyalty, and the human spirit resonates on a universal level, making it more than just a historical drama. For some, it's a deeply emotional experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

And for those who can overlook some imperfections in the cinematography (and have somehow managed to avoid seeing this movie for so many years), Gladiator is a must-watch! Its compelling narrative, unforgettable performances, and stirring music make it a modern classic worthy of its accolades.