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Widescreen Edition EssayMy name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, com mander of the Armies of the North, everyday of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a slay son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next. These stirring words by General Maximus epitomizes the vengeful nature of Ridley Scotts prizefighter. A true revenge movie for the ages, it uses like a shots computer-generated imagery influenced with Hollywood yesteryears sword-and-sandal epics to produce a stunning and spectacular saga. Russell Crowe plays Maximus, a faithful and successful Roman General in the service of Marcus Aurelius (aptly vie by the late Richard Harris). His loyal and selfless servitude is rewarded by the Emperor with a pledge of being attracter in his place when he dies, until Rome again becomes a republic. This pledge is betrayed by the Emperors son, Commodus (played by Joaquin Phoenix), who murders his avouch f ather and usurps the throne. Aware of the promise made to Maximus, Commodus orders Maximus execution and has his lands taken, his title stripped, and his family murdered.Maximus narrowly escapes his pursuers, is left for dead and exchange to slavery. In North Africa, Proximo (Oliver Reeds last, though excellent, on-screen performance) purchases the fazed former general and enlists him as a gladiator. With nonhing left to live except a quest for vengeance, Maximus ferociously fights in arenas, harming every(prenominal) his battles and eventually working his panache to the Coliseum in Rome, where he plots to have his revenge. The snap won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Its epic scope (set in 150 A. D.), savage battle scenes, arousal soundtrack and superb performances by the cast were well-received in the global box-office, raking in almost half a trillion U. S. Dollars. Its influence is felt with the revival of the historical epic in Hollywood, with subsequent rel eases of Troy, Alexander, 300 and Ridley Scotts experience Kingdom of Heaven. Given the superlative success that the film had, it is quite surprising to discover that the film encountered many hiccups during production. For instance, the script had to be rewritten numerous times and the plotline needed several revisions.There was even talk of Russell Crowe, the histrion playing the star role, walking out of the set when not getting what he wanted. There is in like manner the tragic death of Oliver Reed during filming which editors had to fix in post-production using clever computer superimposing and body-doubles. Nevertheless, the film delivers a heroic display worthy of past Hollywood greats such as Spartacus and The 300 Spartans. Critics remonstrate of the lack of depth in the characters as the main protagonists often deliver scenes of depression and moroseness.Others counter that a hero is supposed to undergo such catharses in order to contrast it with developments later on i n the movie, of which this writer agrees. The set, albeit designed and executed using sophisticated computer imagery, was not in any way intrusive to the story being told. In fact, the canground was more than sufficient in suspending disbelief and even adds to the fervor with its monstrous crowds and impressive panorama. There were those who questioned the brutal blood and gore displayed in the battle scenes and the arenas as being over-the-top and bordering on gratuity.They however fail to mention that, unlike the famous Hollywood yarns of the past, todays sagas are more compelling due to the realism employed. It is impossible for you to realize the barbarity and desperation of gladiatorial combat if the setting omits the consequences of blood and gore that face those in defeat. All in all, Gladiator attains the rank of immortality to the movie-going public due to its enlivening account of the vindication of a judicious and honorable man wronged by the greedy ambitions of a damnab le nemesis.Its distinctive gift to its watchers of being able to reach back to hallowed antiquity and see the triumph and spectacle of a worthy warrior win his quest is deserving of all the accolades given to it. For, if such a spectacular and captivateping show as Gladiator is, if it still fails to grip the viewer into vicarious entertainment, there may be a need to ask Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here? Works Cited1. Gladiator Widescreen Edition. Dir. Ridley Scott. Perf. Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed and Richard Harris. 2000. Universal Studios, 2003.