This past weekend, I rewatched an old favorite. Well it’s not just an oldie-but-goodie, it’s perhaps one of my top 10 favorite of all time: GLADIATOR. It’s the one cinematic masterpiece Ridley Scott’s been trying to replicate ever since, to no avail. After seeing the trailer for Exodus: Gods and King, well it seems that Mr Scott’s glory days is behind him. Ah well, we’ll always have Gladiator. Amazing that even fourteen years later, this film still holds up extremely well, everything about it is perfect, absolutely perfect.
I’ve written an extensive appreciation post on it a few years back, as part of a ‘Movies that made going to the movies suck‘ blogathon. Yes I think that blogathon name is a hoot, but once you read people’s posts on it, it totally make sense. Anyhoo, it’s supposed to be a wordless post so I’ve said enough already. Here are some of my favorite scenes from the Roman epic:
First Battle in Germania
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My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius
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“The time for honoring yourself will soon be at an end…”
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Commodus Enters Rome
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“Are you not entertained?!”
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Ending scene – w/ Now We Are Free score
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Gracchus on the Gladiatorial Games
I couldn’t find the exact scene for this but I LOVE Derek Jacobi‘s scene here. His lines is one of my favorite movie quote ever, but most importantly, it’s how he delivered it.
[SCENE: Gaius and Gracchus at a restaurant, discussing the games which Commodus revived to lure the mob. Outside can be seen a juggler, merchants calling out their wares (wine), and the crowd visiting and moving about.]
GAIUS: Games! 150 days of games!
GRACCHUS: He’s cleverer than I thought.
GAIUS: Clever. The whole of Rome would be laughing at him if they weren’t in fear of his Praetorian.
GRACCHUS: Fear and wonder. A powerful combination.
GAIUS: Will the people really be seduced by that?
GRACCHUS: I think he knows what Rome is. Rome is the mob. He will conjure magic for them and they will be distracted. He will take away their freedom, and still they will roar. The beating heart of Rome is not the marble floor of the Senate, it is the sand of the Colosseum. He will give them death, and they will love him for it.
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These are just a sampling of my favorite scenes from GLADIATOR. What do you think? Feel free to share yours.
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Good stuff! It’s a personal all-time favorite of mine as well. I love everything about it!
Thanks Keith, glad we’re on the same page on this one!
Dang, hard to believe it’s 14 years old already. But Gladiator really is a classic that still holds up. Good stuff here, Ruth. 🙂
I know, don’t I feel old, ahah. But everything about it still feels fresh though, the cinematography, production design, music, etc are still amazing, but best of all, the story & acting are still top notch!
I can’t say I love the film as much you but it’s definitely a good flick. I remember I didn’t really care for it after I saw it in theater. But after I bought the DVD months later and watched it again that I thought it’s a good movie. My favorite scene is definitely the My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius. I love the soundtrack of this film though.
I’m glad you gave it another shot, Ted. For me, it’s love at first viewing. I’ve always been fond of swords ‘n sandals films, but the humanity of the story here is what makes it indelible.Yep, that scene you mention is definitely a highlight. I also think this is one of Hans ZImmer’s best work ever.
Of course, you know I love and agree with all of your selections for this film, Ruth 😀
Yes I do! You are a man of exquisite taste Michael 😀
I’m probably in the minority when it comes to this film as I’m one of those that didn’t really like it. I was bored by it and it kind of add to my like-dislike relationship with Russell Crowe.
Oh no, bored by this one?? Ah well, to each their own I suppose. I’m not always in love w/ all of Crowe’s work but I think he’s tremendous here, definitely Oscar-worthy.
Ahhh it’s been too long since I saw this! I really need to find some time to give it another watch soon.
It’s been ages since I saw this one last too Eric, in fact, I probably hasn’t seen this since I bought the bluray a few years ago. Hope you get to rewatch it soon, it’s just soooo good!
I haven’t rewatched this one in a while, love the part where the tigers come out from beneath the ground!
Yeah that’s an awesome scene! Must be pretty scary for the actors filming it tho 😛
Ah, Gladiator! My favorite Russell Crowe movie (with A Beautiful Mind coming a close second). It’s hard to pick which of these 7 scenes are my favorite. I like them all!
This is my favorite role from Crowe, w/ The Insider a close second. Hard to pick just 7 from this epic, if only Mr. Scott could replicate this in his future films.
Gladiator has an epic score by Hans Zimmer that fits perfectly with all the action and emotion on the screen. Great post.
The score is truly one of the greatest things about this film. Like you said, it fits the sentiment perfectly!
Truly an epic film, the visuals, the story, the acting. All stellar 😀
Stellar indeed Tim, glad you agree!
So…while I do not consider it the best movie or anything, Gladiator has been my FAVORITE film for a very, very long time. Like, 14 years. I’m obsessed with this movie (la’Crowe, duh) and I actually fought with my wife last year when our son was born because I sincerely wanted to name him Maximus Decimus Meridius. I’m not lying, not even a little bit. My last name is Russian and long and flows beautifully.
She didn’t allow it, because she’s awful, but whatever. I’ll win next time.
Not the best movie? Come on Drew 😉 Ahah well now that’d be a name that’s impossible to live up to! Even in the movie, Djimon Honsou said ‘It’s a great name. You better kill that name before it kills you.” What’s your Russian name? I’m curious now.
I rewatched this fantastic film only a few weeks ago after a few years. It just gets better every time; Russell Crowe is magnificent, Joaquin Phoenix makes you want to boo and hiss at the TV, Ridley Scott’s direction is brilliant and as for Lisa Gerrard and Hans Zimmer’s score, well it’s perfect. Gladiator takes the triumph over adversity template and turns it into an epic, but wonderful film, one of my faves!
Hi Andy! I kept hissing at Joaquin too, he’s sooo deliciously sinister. “I’m vexed. I’m terribly vexed.” That line is a hoot!
“Gladiator takes the triumph over adversity template and turns it into an epic…” Amen!
Agreed I loved Gladiator! That DVD for me has travelled everywhere with me. I love it! Great post Ruth!
Woo hoo! I knew we are indeed kindred spirits girl! Btw, are u gonna write about the EMMY noms, GoT got a bunch of noms. Sadly no nomination for my Toby 😦
I was just thinking about that you read my mind. All my fave shows got nominated! Woot woot, but there are a lot of dumb nominations out there as well. I just feel sad that Downton Abbey won’t win anything this year. 😦
Oh then you absolutely do an EMMY recap girl! I’ll be sure to check it out. I don’t watch enough TV to know who’s snubbed, ahah. Dame Maggie (my dream mother-in-law, ahah) is nominated again, has she ever won before?
Oh yes then I definitely will! You know I watch my shows lol. Yes mam I believe she has won for Downton and Golden Globes as well for her performance. She’s a rock star!
I kinda feel bad for Toby that his mum kept getting all these awards, even the honor from the Queen and all that, but none for him 😦
Most of the clips aren’t available 😦 You made me want to see this one again. I was obsessed with it a few years back. What a great film!
Hi Fernando! Glad you’re a fan too! Yeah, some of my fave clips aren’t available. I wish I had time to make youtube vids as I have the Blu-ray. I’m still blown away how good this film is!
Definitely a very epic and grand experience. The acting, the costumes, the set design; everything is superb.
Amen! Even Sir Ridley still can’t replicate his own epic. He’s trying now w/ EXODUS but it doesn’t look too good. I cringe and wince just watching that trailer.
I actually liked it! I’ve hope for that one.
Well I hope Ridley proves me wrong. I mean I like the cast and I LOVE Biblical-themed films but this is not the Moses depicted in Scripture. He’s not a bad-ass warrior.
Hope you like it when it comes out.
Yeah I hope so too! 🙂
Oh I only saw it once but enjoyed it greatly. Especially that actress who played the main female character, she was so memorable and her character’s story was so sad. I think Scott is done, though, Exodus trailer looks so bad.
You mean Connie Nielsen? Yes she’s fantastic as Lucilla. Very memorable indeed, right up until the end. Yep, Scott’s glory days is over it seems. The Exodus trailer is embarrassingly bad!! The poster is even worse, ghastly is the only word I have for it.
Yep, Connie Nielsen 🙂 Scott used to be able to create wonderful female heroines, I always thought that until I saw how much he gutted Eva Green’s screentime from director’s cut to theatrical of Kingdom of Heaven.
The posters are worse than those Marvel does that are always the same.
I haven’t seen Connie in a while, at least not in a prominent role like this. Last time I saw her she had a small role in 3 Days To Kill w/ Kevin Costner. I still need the director’s cut of Kingdom of Heaven! He should’ve made Eva the lead instead of Orlando Bloom!
Classic! Excellent post Ruth; great choices.
Thanks Mark! I think Gladiator is one of those films I’d still enjoy years from now.
Hi Ruth! Awesome list here! Mine would probably look the same. 🙂
Glad to hear Josh! Wish someone had posted the clip w/ Derek Jacobi, I really like that scene.
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