Crescent Shadows On-Line Newsletter of the Hudson Valley Pagan Network, Inc.

Australian actor Russell Crowe stars in this exciting epic drama set in the autumn years of the Roman Empire.  Helmed by director Ridley Scott  (Alien, Blade Runner), the film follows the heroic events of disgraced Roman General Maximus (Crowe) and his fight to regain his freedom  from slavery and to avenge the slaughter of his family.

Scott opens the film with an exciting battle in the northern forests of Germania, where Maximus leads his troops to victory.  This being his final battle, he hopes to return to his home in Spain and spend the rest of his life with his family whom he has not seen in many years.  But this is not to be.  The current Emperor (Richard Harris) is dying a slow death, and asks Maximus to take over as Emperor after  he passes away, not trusting his own son Commodus  (Joachime Phoenix).  Maximus is hesitant, and later that night Commodus learns of his father’s plan.  In a fit of despair, Commodus accidentally kills his father.  When asked to support the new emperor, Maximus refuses, and is stripped of his command and sent into the forest to be killed.  Maximus makes quick work of his would-be assassins, but is wounded and later captured and sold into slavery.  The rest of the film is filled with brutally violent battle scenes in the Gladiators Coliseum, involving tigers, and warrior filled chariots.

Many critics groused about the extensive use of CGI  (Computer Generated Images), but I think that is pure nonsense.  The vistas of Rome and the Coliseum are breathtaking, and the use of CGI allowed the filmmakers to finish the scenes that the late British actor Oliver Reed (who died during the filming) was unable to complete.  The acting is superb, and the action scenes were truly exciting.  I particularly liked the opening battle sequence.   This is truly a must see film.   Out of five stars, five being the best, I give it  ****1/2                                             — GREENMAN
 

Return to HVPN Home Page

This page visited  times.

Last Updated: January 30, 2002
Copyright 2001-2002 - Hudson Valley Pagan Network