Rating: R | Runtime: 155 minutes
Release Date: May 5th, 2000 (USA)
Studio: DreamWorks Distribution
Director(s): Ridley Scott
Writer(s): David Franzoni and John Logan and William Nicholson / David Franzoni (story)
We mortals are but shadows and dust.
After watching it for the first time in twenty-five years with my partner (it’s one of her all-time faves), I think we got to the matter of why Gladiator never resonated with me: the self-serious nature underlying everything proves quite corny. It undercuts the drama for me.
It’s still a very good film. I liked it more now with hindsight than I did in 2000 as a teenager, but that self-important, Oscar-bait-y, “epic” quality feels overwhelmingly manipulative to a degree that forces me to involuntarily push against it.
Great performances (Joaquin Phoenix was my favorite part then and remains as much now). Great action. Great pace (it might actually move too quickly). Deserves the accolades—just doesn’t quite earn that “masterpiece” status for me.
Winner:
Motion Picture, Lead Actor, Sound, Costume Design, Visual Effects
Nominee:
Supporting Actor, Director, Original Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, Score, Art/Set Direction
Joaquin Phoenix and Russell Crowe in GLADIATOR.
jaredmobarak.com 
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