Gladiator is the perfect (revenge) movie.

I've been on a revenge-movie spree lately and few movies nail the atmosphere, setpieces, dialogue, and cast screen presence like Gladiator.

I last saw this movie as a child two decades ago, but my recent rewatch cemented this as a favorite.

Russell Crowe is marvelous as Maximus. His screen presence is incredible, and the muted despair from the first scene, even before tragedy strikes him, is palpable throughout.

Joaquin Phoenix as a detestable murderous brat is second only to that Lannister offspring in the period-drama-idiot-child department.

The story is simple enough, but the music, incredible dialogue, and scenes (like 'The mob is Rome' or Maximus sparing his opponent just to spite his emperor) elevate it to classic status.

Even though its themes are not necessarily relevant in the modern world, the Shakespearean misery juxtaposed with raw action, simple dialogue, and a very satisfying ending make the $500m it made at the box office fully justified.

I think the only movie that comes close in the satisfying-revenge genre is 'I Saw the Devil', although the misery, tragedy, and consequences of the protagonist's revenge are leagues worse in the latter.

This is why we go to the movies. I was entertained.

Submitted December 29, 2023 at 03:27AM by monk-punk https://ift.tt/CM3Lizr