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Aaaah man of culture over here knowing a great like berserk haha rip the writer 🙏 now I must ask you know vinland saga? 🙂 As a story I've read it all over the what 8 years since I found it but to me it's up there with berserk 👌 and my request is "inside man" band robbing done smart haha and that's all I'll say haha
According to the director, the Emperor died because he knelt and somehow seeing his father on his knees pushed him over the final edge. Still, if he believed his son was no good, maybe have a guard around when he broke the news, and to several folks. Then you do your attempt to mend your relationship, just saying :)
The gladiator trainer was played by Oliver Reed, a legendary British Actor. This was his last role as he passed away shortly before the movie's release but won a posthumous BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor for the role.
On his last night, Oliver Reed downed over eight pints of lager, twelve double rums and half a bottle of whiskey, won an arm-wrestling content against many members of the British Royal Navy crew, HMS Cumberland, and insisted on paying for the entire round.
"My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next!" Also, I friggin' HATED Commodus in this but that just means Joaquin absolutely killed the role.
He totally killed the villain role! Both he and russell crow were spectacular in this movie! An instant classic that you just can’t pass on when it’s on tv.
he has, but i feel like he has also picked really bad roles for the last 15 years or so. Maybe those are the only calls he gets, but he's got a great presence and should be in big, epic films, not just doing bit parts is crap movies.
Yes? Agreed. I would like to add that the true cherry on the cake is when Hans Zimmer said 'this music needs something... a voice...' and then gave us this end credits gift: ruclips.net/video/o2ZiIPEorP0/видео.html
I think the moment just before were she says "go to them" and he finally closed his eyes is powerful seems like he refused to die until he was formally relieved of his duties. This goes back to the beginning to the movie where Caesar askes him what he wants to do and he says "go home" but the Caesar says not yet and gives him his final order. And he only closed his eyes when Caesar's daughter said he could go and he was relieved of his duties...
The craziest battle reenactments in the Roman colosseum were the mock sea battles. They actually flooded the arena for small naval ships of the time...
I attended The World Of Hans Zimmer tour in 2019 and listening to Lisa Gerrard herself sing live Maximus' theme in the Gladiator part of the show gave me CHILLS!
This was a wildly ragtag production, and Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe were kind of putting it together along the way. When it started getting serious awards buzz, and furthermore winning Best Actor and Best Picture, plus others, they were insanely shocked. Look up Russell Crowe winning on RUclips, and his face says it all.
Your comment about this film feeling like a myth is pretty spot-on. Many people these days seem to have forgotten that historical films aren't really meant to be historical in terms of accuracy. They're modern day myths. Braveheart, Gladiator, 300, none of these or others like them are loved for their accuracy. They're loved for how they inspire the imagination and for their themes.
Yes. That’s something I love about these kinds of movies. They don’t show you the true history of the story, they TELL the story in a way similar to how it passed through history. And they tell it in way that makes it as impactful and intense as the myths were told
Fun fact: when the directors were dealing with the tigers, it was a real struggle to manage them in the scenes where they would roar in anger. "Tigers don't act, so when they act mad they ARE mad!"
@@gdo3510 i know, but this was back then when they used the real thing instead of CGI. its admirable, but i really wish those amazing animals didnt have to be used for humans enjoyment
Every video game stole that "hand-over-grass" motion from Gladiator. It's in every Assassins Creed since then and also Ghost of Tushima and a whole lotta different open world games.
There are videos on youtube with historians tearing that scene apart. They've identified the kind of wheat in that field, and they're angry that this kind of short wheat didn't exist 2000 years ago.
@@temper44 they’re right though, good movie but should have had left some more realism to capture the audience even more at the time, surely in Italy it would have been much better as we already seen with the dubbing
The Hero and Antagonist are just perfectly balanced in this story. I also remember reading how Joachim was nervous about his role and Oliver Reed talked to him and gave him advice.
I read at the time how Crowe was filming The Insider (an Oscar worthy performance and film) with Michael Mann and was so focused on his performance he wouldn't return Ridley Scott's phone calls. Scott finally called Mann and asked "what's this guys problem?" Michael Mann had to go to Crowe and say "I think you should take his call"
Welcome to one of the greatest films ever made. I don’t care how much I cry at the end. Man, is it so satisfying to witness Maximus’s journey. I love this film so much and yes the soundtrack is great. Especially during the 3rd act
Interesting fact: the actor playing Proximo (Oliver Reed) died before all his scenes were shot. They created a digital body double for the remaining of his scenes and they rewrote his ending. Proximo was actually supposed to be the one who buries the figurines of Maximus' wife and son in the Colosseum at the end instead of Juba. His last scene were he says ''shadows and dust'' is the same scene were he talks to Maximus before going out in the arena earlier in the movie, they just cut it out of that scene and used it as the characters end.
i love the story of Oliver Reed's death, so badass: According to witnesses, he drank eight pints of German lager, a dozen shots of rum, half a bottle of whiskey and a few shots of Hennessy cognac, in a drinking match against a group of sailors on shore leave from HMS Cumberland at a local pub. His bar bill totaled a little over 270 Maltese lira (almost 450 GBP; about 590 USD). After beating five much younger Royal Navy sailors at arm-wrestling, Reed suddenly collapsed, dying while en route to hospital in an ambulance.He was 61 years old
Quick fact about the dog in the beginning battle, it's job riding with the horses was to find the safest and least fire-affected part of the firewall, for the horses to then follow through
Love this movie, the story is so good, it makes up for the historical inaccuracy, another film that tells a great story (also detached from historical accuracy) is Braveheart, with Mel Gibbons. If you haven’t seen it, do, it’s a must.
After this movie came out suddenly everybody wanted to make movies about ancient rome and the middle ages. It is similar to the matrix this way. Some movies just change the zeitgeist I dont know if thats a good thing but it is what it is.
This film will always be considered one of the greats. Actually shocked you never seen it before but glad to be able to see your reaction. You really are going through my top 10 list these past couple weeks.
That’s cause epic literally is quite fitting in this context. Epic (noun): 1. a long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the past history of a nation.
That Griffith reference caught me off-guard R.I.P Miura. I fricking love Djimon Hounsou as an actor especially in roles where is isn't pigeon holed into a bad guy character. If you haven't seen it already you really should check out Blood Diamond his performance was incredible and Leo didn't do so bad himself :)
4:53 Funny you should say that. Before production, Ridley Scott was looking for a good location for the battle scene and heard that the UK's Forestry Commission was planning to remove a section of some forest that was perfect for the scene. Scott persuaded them to allow him to burn it down for them instead, if he could film there in return.
Great movie. This movie has one of my favorite quotes "I don't pretend to be a man of the people but I do try to be a man for the people" by Gracchus. You know the actor who play Gracchus played Claudius the emperor that is mention in the movie in a great mini series I, Claudius. Other great Russell Crowe movies you should see is A Beautiful Mind, L.A. Confidential ,The Next Three Days. Other great period movies are Rob Roi 1995 with Liam Nissan and The Count of Monte Cristo 2002
A really good period drama to watch is "Amistad", by Spielberg, starring Hounsou (among others). Joaquin Phoenix is really phenomenal in "Her" as well. And a must-watch, more easy-going movie starring Crowe is "the Nice Guys".
Couldn't believe that you hadn't seen this one. This movie is the definition of a modern epic. Amazing cinematography throughout, the soundtrack was very moving at times and definitely enhanced the emotions of a scene. This was Joaquin's big breakout role and he did an amazing job as the antagonist. Really showcased his acting skills. Oliver Reed was the real star of this and I would have loved to have seen a scene or 2 with him and Joaquin. Years of experience and skill were oozing in his performance. The script and storyline were next level. Really gripping stuff. Saw this in the cinema when it came out and would love to see it again on the big screen. Quite an experience.
Incredible film, my personal favorite from Ridley Scott is the directors cut of Kingdom of Heaven. Just such a remarkable film. It’s not the most historically accurate film but I do believe it does a fantastic job at dealing with the charged political and religious climate of the 12th century. Plus one of the few films where the main character actually wears a helmet in battle! It’s a fun watch. I also highly recommend you read meditations by marcus aurelius
@@jordimelis4463 it truly is, the directors cut of the film fixes a lot of gaps in the narrative. When the film was released the studio cut I think a little more then an hour out of the film which as you could imagine would complicate things. The directors cut is a masterpiece.
As a history nerd I hate that they glossed over the battle Hattin, which was the one of the greatest battles in the wholes crusades while focusing on the siege of Jerusalem. In real life Jerusalem surrender quickly and without much bloodshed.
@@nazarsinkovitch6779 As someone who has the BA in history and is currently working on getting their MA in Medieval Studies I would agree with you but when it comes to historical films like this, it’s important to remember they can’t show or do everything. Take the film for what it’s worth and judge it on what it attempts to do. I have my degrees in history and yeah sometimes it’s hard to watch films like this but at the end of the day that’s all it is, a movie.
acting chops for sure but hes not pretty enough as far as visuals a live action berserk would be so impossible to cast. guts is like 7 feet tall and jacked out of his mind fighting god and griffith needs to be a kind of wirey prettyboy that you can believe is one of the strongest people in universe (not in the same realm as war god guts but better then any normal human)
Gladiator made Russell Crowe a superstar. Deservedly so. He’s just incredible at the smallest nuances of a performance. He may not be as over the top as Joaquin in this movie, but he has such a strong, yet controlled presence. His other amazing performances: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, Cinderella Man, 3:10 to Yuma, L.A. Confidential, A Beautiful Mind, and even the very early Romper Stomper. One of the best actors of our time.
Hey bro, I am really glad that you mentioned the dope armor of the legendary gladiator Maximus fought with the tigers, because I like that design and the mask so much and all other reactors said nothing about it. :)
Oliver Reed so great in this also my favorite Musketeer from the 70s movie and also Played Bill the villain in Oliver always stole every scene he was in thanks James
There were actual wardog breeds back then, but they were much bigger than Maximus's. Mastiff's are descended from the types the Gauls had iirc, and their jaws were big enough to fit around a man's skull. They were frequently given types of armor as well. They were useful both on the battlefield and in camp guarding supply stores.
@Karl Zaraiva I get that but I'm old enough to remember when Olli had the fall from grace and became a drunken chatshow punchline. He didn't do himself any favours and it's a shame that he only seemed to find his muse again not long before he died.
Gladiator is definitely one of those timeless films. No matter how much time goes by it’ll always be one of the greats in my opinion. Used to listen the soundtrack a lot - I need to back and revisit it. Thank you for another great reaction, can’t get enough of your commentary! 😊
I don’t think we got to see this scene but I like how Maximus used his knowledge of the environment and climate to escape being beheaded when that Praetorian Guards sword get stuck inside the scabbard
Such a cool scene. Don't know how accurate it is but seems plausible for metal blade to get stuck and freeze up slightly. Its such a cool moment because it shows that the protagonist doesn't just use brute force to win battles but rather Maximus uses his intellect and years of experience on the battlefield.
Definitely should check out the movie Zulu. It’s a great film about a battle between British colonials and the Zulu. It’s really well done and respectful to both sides
This is one of my all time favorite films! I saw it when it first came out (I'm old) and had a serious Russell Crowe obsession for quite a while. He was also excellent in another excellent film: LA Confidential. If you haven't seen that, I highly recommend it for a reaction video. I think you'd really like it. Very well done - on all levels. Great reaction!
Yes! My favourite movie reaction channel and one of my favorite movies! Been waiting for you to react to this for a long time! You have to watch braveheart too, would make my year
If you're more curious about Roman times, I highly recommend seeing the HBO Series Rome, about Julius Caesar, one of the best series ever made, in my opinion.
Amazing movie. Quite surprised you hadn’t seen it. When I was younger I used to use the Battle of Carthage scene (with chariots) to show off my dads surround sound system. Sound design, acting, writing, cinematography, score, plot, just all top notch in this movie. Definitely in my top ten.
Hans Zimmer was clearly inspired by Gustav Holst's "The Planets" for these soundtracks. This one in particular is very similar to the first movement "Mars, the Bringer of War".
The composer used big chunks of Holst's Planet Suite, specifically Mars. The Holst estate actually ended up suing him for copyright infringement. Go listen to Mars on RUclips - it's unmistakable
Love this movie and the soundtrack. I remember watching it twice in theaters. Even though Russell Crowe got recognition from LA Confidential, this is the movie that blew up his career.
Wow! I love how you perceive the details and go introspect like in the dialog between the old emperor and Maximus when they talk about his home for example. You‘re a good reactor sucking in every moment of the movie! Keep it up mate
I have always loved this movie and watch it from time to time and have never thought of Maximus as winning the people as becoming the real leader of Rome until you said it. It just makes the story all the more epic, so thank you for that
The big guy that fills out the trio is played by Rolf Moeller (sp). Before he was an actor he was a bodybuilder, competing for the Mr. Olympia title. At 6’7” he was the tallest IFBB professional competitor ever.
In the Roman Colosseum, the cheapest seats (that were at the top) were also the ones who got the most shade when the sails would drop. They also used elevators to bring out the animal cages, AND the type of gladiator you got to be depended on where you were from, some of the most agile came from fishing countries and they used tridents and fishing nets to fight. Food would be provided and there were also wine fountains, as well as baseball card versions of gladiators that people collected.
"These romans aint loyal" is possibly the thing on this channel that cracked me up the most since I started watching you James. Seriously cracking up here :)
This is one of my favorite movies if ALL TIME. The discussions of life & meaning are so tremendous at the beginning. It has some of the best declarations stated by the characters. And then the sneaky politics that play out, throughout the movie, as well. Btw, When the ads for this movie came out, there were football scenes thrown in to imply football as "gladiators".
Yes! One of my favorites of all time. Love hearing your insights as always. You always point out things I’ve never picked up on over the many times I’ve seen these movies. Keep it up man!
"why do you look like you spit bars?" lol nice homie. I did the same thing rewatching it when I knew what was up. like hold up, what the fuck? hah excerpt from interview - “You know the movie Gladiator? Well around that time, they started selling these ‘gladiator masks’ that were replicas from the movie. So what it was is that a friend of mine told me he saw this mask that would be perfect for the DOOM character. I trusted him, even though it was kinda expensive [laughs]. So he went and bought the mask, which was this collector’s item thing that came on a wooden stand and all that. It was a total replica that came on a stick with a stand for displaying and shit. There was this top piece on it too that my friend just tore off [laughs]. He took off the stick and everything else and just kept the faceplate. You know how construction hats have a plastic thing on the inside that you can tighten? Well, he just took one of those and fastened it to the mask. So he rigged it up for me. Since then, I chromed it out, added a ruby to it too. That’s how the mask came about.”
Haha its a great film to have not watched haha love to see you watch "inside man" it's a Bank robber film unlike anything else I can think of I highly recommend checking that out 🙂with that I'll continue watching 👌
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Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema
SUPERBAD FIRST TIME REACTION will be uploaded Thursday! Enjoy the day!
i love this movie so bad that i wonder what happened to ridley for going from this masterpiece to craps like robin hood and exodus
Aaaah man of culture over here knowing a great like berserk haha rip the writer 🙏 now I must ask you know vinland saga? 🙂 As a story I've read it all over the what 8 years since I found it but to me it's up there with berserk 👌 and my request is "inside man" band robbing done smart haha and that's all I'll say haha
According to the director, the Emperor died because he knelt and somehow seeing his father on his knees pushed him over the final edge. Still, if he believed his son was no good, maybe have a guard around when he broke the news, and to several folks. Then you do your attempt to mend your relationship, just saying :)
This reminds me.... you should definitely check out Noah with Russell Crowe. Same director as the Fountain movie.
Should watch the count of monte cristo. Another great movie
The gladiator trainer was played by Oliver Reed, a legendary British Actor. This was his last role as he passed away shortly before the movie's release but won a posthumous BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor for the role.
He actually passed away during the filming & some shots were completed using cgi to manipulate what footage they had.
His character was actually suppose to live in the end but they killed him off as a result of his passing before filming completed.
On his last night, Oliver Reed downed over eight pints of lager, twelve double rums and half a bottle of whiskey, won an arm-wrestling content against many members of the British Royal Navy crew, HMS Cumberland, and insisted on paying for the entire round.
@@micamojo Apparently the owner of the bar still has his unpaid tab to this day.
@@micamojo And Crowe hated him to boot
Joaquin should have won an Oscar for this performance. He still makes my blood run cold
Agreed, I think it to take a lot of talent to portrait a detestable vilain that is that much memorable.
23:31 he is so iconic and disgusting
Its one of the best single acting performances of all time.
The fact that he is able to make everyone hate him so much pays homage to his skill!!! So awesome!!!
"My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next!"
Also, I friggin' HATED Commodus in this but that just means Joaquin absolutely killed the role.
Best character name reveal ever.
same, i fucking HATE him, well done Joaquin, really well done
@@BDogg2023 well he probably comes off that way because how anxious and socially awkward he is in real life he hates doing interviews
I was young when I watched this, I hated Joaquin for so long lmao
He totally killed the villain role! Both he and russell crow were spectacular in this movie! An instant classic that you just can’t pass on when it’s on tv.
"Are you not entertained!?" is such an epic line from this movie that I feel still gets used so much today lol
Hahaha it’s beyond iconic in culture haha
"Strenght and Honour" is used too, and with a lot less sarcasm that anyone would expect. Some things hit you hard.
“Am I not merciful?” Is just as good
@@JamesVSCinema I guess this movie is one of the best movies you have ever watched? Its incredible.
I've heard "what we do in life echo's in Eternity" used around as well. I don't know if it's also an original line from the movie though.
This film introduced me to Djimon Hounsou and is why I'm convinced that he's wasted on many of the roles he's been in since.
Have you seen him in Push??
Loved him in blood diamond
@@TheRealBacon2 epic film
The one that made him big was "Amistad" from Spielberg, I think...
he has, but i feel like he has also picked really bad roles for the last 15 years or so. Maybe those are the only calls he gets, but he's got a great presence and should be in big, epic films, not just doing bit parts is crap movies.
The shot when they carry Maximus away and leave their emperor lying in the dirt is just... *Chef's kiss*
Yes? Agreed.
I would like to add that the true cherry on the cake is when Hans Zimmer said 'this music needs something... a voice...' and then gave us this end credits gift:
ruclips.net/video/o2ZiIPEorP0/видео.html
...because he wasn't their emperor hehe titles mean nothing if your people aren't behind you and you cannot make them fear you.
I think the moment just before were she says "go to them" and he finally closed his eyes is powerful seems like he refused to die until he was formally relieved of his duties. This goes back to the beginning to the movie where Caesar askes him what he wants to do and he says "go home" but the Caesar says not yet and gives him his final order. And he only closed his eyes when Caesar's daughter said he could go and he was relieved of his duties...
Oliver Reed, who played Proximo, died during the filming of this epic. He was a legendary drinker and allround bad boy of cinema.
“The finest people you ever meet... are all in pubs.”
~Oliver Reed
They did a helluva job with the visual effects as there are alot of scenes he wasn't actually in
He died out drinking a British navy crew! The whole crew. He payed for every drink. Both in cash and health.
Add he was Bill Sykes in the movie/musical Oliver! Such a scary character!
Gave me my name.
The craziest battle reenactments in the Roman colosseum were the mock sea battles. They actually flooded the arena for small naval ships of the time...
Hans Zimmer makes a soundtrack like no other
He’s a legend!
I attended The World Of Hans Zimmer tour in 2019 and listening to Lisa Gerrard herself sing live Maximus' theme in the Gladiator part of the show gave me CHILLS!
Up there with John Williams and Danny Elfman in my opinion.
@@ryanhalawani2637 Joe Hisaichi comes to mind aswell, different kind of music but just as good imo
@@ryanhalawani2637 don't you know the name Ennio Morricone?
This was a wildly ragtag production, and Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe were kind of putting it together along the way. When it started getting serious awards buzz, and furthermore winning Best Actor and Best Picture, plus others, they were insanely shocked. Look up Russell Crowe winning on RUclips, and his face says it all.
Will do!
“Those who are about to die salute you” was a thing that gladiators truly used to say before fighting, which survived into our modern era
Actually it was 'WE who are about to die salute you"...:-)
Hollywood has actually gotten the thumbs up and down signal reversed. The emperor or crowd would put their thumbs up for KILL and down for DONT KILL.
Your comment about this film feeling like a myth is pretty spot-on. Many people these days seem to have forgotten that historical films aren't really meant to be historical in terms of accuracy. They're modern day myths. Braveheart, Gladiator, 300, none of these or others like them are loved for their accuracy. They're loved for how they inspire the imagination and for their themes.
Excellent point here
Yes. That’s something I love about these kinds of movies. They don’t show you the true history of the story, they TELL the story in a way similar to how it passed through history. And they tell it in way that makes it as impactful and intense as the myths were told
Those are not historical movies, no a historical movie should be accurate but this is historical fiction not historical
@@Cosmo-Kramer Almost every “historical” film ever made is dramatized to a large extent and not a single one is completely accurate.
Fun fact: when the directors were dealing with the tigers, it was a real struggle to manage them in the scenes where they would roar in anger. "Tigers don't act, so when they act mad they ARE mad!"
Fun fact: tigers aren’t to be managed lol
@@gdo3510 i know, but this was back then when they used the real thing instead of CGI. its admirable, but i really wish those amazing animals didnt have to be used for humans enjoyment
@@IsaacJRoberts so you are not entertained?
Every video game stole that "hand-over-grass" motion from Gladiator. It's in every Assassins Creed since then and also Ghost of Tushima and a whole lotta different open world games.
Hahaha makes sense now!
I’ve seen it in movies and tv shows as well.
There are videos on youtube with historians tearing that scene apart. They've identified the kind of wheat in that field, and they're angry that this kind of short wheat didn't exist 2000 years ago.
Where in AC?
@@temper44 they’re right though, good movie but should have had left some more realism to capture the audience even more at the time, surely in Italy it would have been much better as we already seen with the dubbing
The Hero and Antagonist are just perfectly balanced in this story. I also remember reading how Joachim was nervous about his role and Oliver Reed talked to him and gave him advice.
"He's giving me Griffith vibes." I see you.
RIP Miura
Man..
Now Im sad again
now i have to check if the author is back from his decade long break.....
I read at the time how Crowe was filming The Insider (an Oscar worthy performance and film) with Michael Mann and was so focused on his performance he wouldn't return Ridley Scott's phone calls. Scott finally called Mann and asked "what's this guys problem?" Michael Mann had to go to Crowe and say "I think you should take his call"
Welcome to one of the greatest films ever made. I don’t care how much I cry at the end. Man, is it so satisfying to witness Maximus’s journey. I love this film so much and yes the soundtrack is great. Especially during the 3rd act
It’s a great journey indeed!
@@JamesVSCinema glad you enjoyed your experience man. You never forget your first. Hope you’re having a awesome day 🤘🏻
He was a soldier of Rome, honor him. I get goosebumps every time. You smashed this one James. Love from the U.K. 👍👍👍
Interesting fact: the actor playing Proximo (Oliver Reed) died before all his scenes were shot. They created a digital body double for the remaining of his scenes and they rewrote his ending. Proximo was actually supposed to be the one who buries the figurines of Maximus' wife and son in the Colosseum at the end instead of Juba. His last scene were he says ''shadows and dust'' is the same scene were he talks to Maximus before going out in the arena earlier in the movie, they just cut it out of that scene and used it as the characters end.
i love the story of Oliver Reed's death, so badass: According to witnesses, he drank eight pints of German lager, a dozen shots of rum, half a bottle of whiskey and a few shots of Hennessy cognac, in a drinking match against a group of sailors on shore leave from HMS Cumberland at a local pub. His bar bill totaled a little over 270 Maltese lira (almost 450 GBP; about 590 USD). After beating five much younger Royal Navy sailors at arm-wrestling, Reed suddenly collapsed, dying while en route to hospital in an ambulance.He was 61 years old
Either ending would have worked terrifically. No complaints on what they chose to do
Quick fact about the dog in the beginning battle, it's job riding with the horses was to find the safest and least fire-affected part of the firewall, for the horses to then follow through
One of my favourite endings and movie scores ever!!
Super good!
I will have my vengeance in this life or the next.
CHILLS
Are you not entertained?
James: Yes
Love this movie, the story is so good, it makes up for the historical inaccuracy, another film that tells a great story (also detached from historical accuracy) is Braveheart, with Mel Gibbons. If you haven’t seen it, do, it’s a must.
@@amirscharf3306 Its in my top 3 movies ever. Such an legendary film.
I love the Berserk references you were throwing out there, I can totally see that now
After this movie came out suddenly everybody wanted to make movies about ancient rome and the middle ages. It is similar to the matrix this way. Some movies just change the zeitgeist I dont know if thats a good thing but it is what it is.
Maximus and Commodus is legit one of the greatest hero/villain rivalries in all of cinema.
This was Oliver Reeds (the slave owners) last film. He died before it was finished. They had to use out takes and CGI to complete his scenes.
Yes quite groundbreaking considering when the movie came out, clever and seamless I believe audiences in general didn't find out till years later.
and the back of one of the crews head!
This movie is the very definition of Cinema.
Oliver Reed gave a great final performance. A shame he didn’t finish the film, but he went out like the badass he was.
This film will always be considered one of the greats. Actually shocked you never seen it before but glad to be able to see your reaction. You really are going through my top 10 list these past couple weeks.
The word EPIC has been overused to death, but it is a fitting description of this movie. "Not yet".
That’s cause epic literally is quite fitting in this context. Epic (noun):
1.
a long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the past history of a nation.
That Griffith reference caught me off-guard R.I.P Miura. I fricking love Djimon Hounsou as an actor especially in roles where is isn't pigeon holed into a bad guy character. If you haven't seen it already you really should check out Blood Diamond his performance was incredible and Leo didn't do so bad himself :)
PROXIMO The legend that was Oliver Reed RIP.
4:53 Funny you should say that. Before production, Ridley Scott was looking for a good location for the battle scene and heard that the UK's Forestry Commission was planning to remove a section of some forest that was perfect for the scene. Scott persuaded them to allow him to burn it down for them instead, if he could film there in return.
"My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius........" Probably the greatest reveal of all time in any film.
Great movie. This movie has one of my favorite quotes "I don't pretend to be a man of the people but I do try to be a man for the people" by Gracchus. You know the actor who play Gracchus played Claudius the emperor that is mention in the movie in a great mini series I, Claudius. Other great Russell Crowe movies you should see is A Beautiful Mind, L.A. Confidential ,The Next Three Days. Other great period movies are Rob Roi 1995 with Liam Nissan and The Count of Monte Cristo 2002
A really good period drama to watch is "Amistad", by Spielberg, starring Hounsou (among others). Joaquin Phoenix is really phenomenal in "Her" as well. And a must-watch, more easy-going movie starring Crowe is "the Nice Guys".
Couldn't believe that you hadn't seen this one. This movie is the definition of a modern epic. Amazing cinematography throughout, the soundtrack was very moving at times and definitely enhanced the emotions of a scene. This was Joaquin's big breakout role and he did an amazing job as the antagonist. Really showcased his acting skills.
Oliver Reed was the real star of this and I would have loved to have seen a scene or 2 with him and Joaquin. Years of experience and skill were oozing in his performance.
The script and storyline were next level. Really gripping stuff. Saw this in the cinema when it came out and would love to see it again on the big screen. Quite an experience.
"Wait...what?!" was my first reaction when he said he never saw the film.
Oliver Reed passed away before this movie was release, i think. What a loss and what a great actor!!
@@hainstol He died during production sadly...
This film had a big effect on me as a young man. Lisa Gerrard’s vocals on the soundtrack are fantastic too.
Incredible film, my personal favorite from Ridley Scott is the directors cut of Kingdom of Heaven. Just such a remarkable film. It’s not the most historically accurate film but I do believe it does a fantastic job at dealing with the charged political and religious climate of the 12th century. Plus one of the few films where the main character actually wears a helmet in battle! It’s a fun watch.
I also highly recommend you read meditations by marcus aurelius
Weird, the only time I've fallen asleep in a movie theatre was in Kingdom of Heaven haha. Is the directors cut that much better?
@@jordimelis4463 it truly is, the directors cut of the film fixes a lot of gaps in the narrative. When the film was released the studio cut I think a little more then an hour out of the film which as you could imagine would complicate things. The directors cut is a masterpiece.
As a history nerd I hate that they glossed over the battle Hattin, which was the one of the greatest battles in the wholes crusades while focusing on the siege of Jerusalem. In real life Jerusalem surrender quickly and without much bloodshed.
@@nazarsinkovitch6779 As someone who has the BA in history and is currently working on getting their MA in Medieval Studies I would agree with you but when it comes to historical films like this, it’s important to remember they can’t show or do everything. Take the film for what it’s worth and judge it on what it attempts to do. I have my degrees in history and yeah sometimes it’s hard to watch films like this but at the end of the day that’s all it is, a movie.
Kingdom of Heaven is the only film I think where the directors cut makes the original film incredibly better.
God damn i just imaged Joaquin playing Griffith after you said it he'd nail that for sure.
Right!!
acting chops for sure but hes not pretty enough as far as visuals a live action berserk would be so impossible to cast. guts is like 7 feet tall and jacked out of his mind fighting god and griffith needs to be a kind of wirey prettyboy that you can believe is one of the strongest people in universe (not in the same realm as war god guts but better then any normal human)
"I will see you again, but not yet. Not yet." Ugh such a great movie.
This movie is incredible.
It gets me so hyped!
Russell Crowe plays such a fantastic part, as does Joaquin Phoenix.
Marcus Aurelius was one of the great philosophers. You should definitely read his Meditations if you haven't already.
When you said you watched Spartacus I thought you meant the 1960 Stanley Kubrick directed movie .
Gladiator made Russell Crowe a superstar. Deservedly so. He’s just incredible at the smallest nuances of a performance. He may not be as over the top as Joaquin in this movie, but he has such a strong, yet controlled presence. His other amazing performances: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, Cinderella Man, 3:10 to Yuma, L.A. Confidential, A Beautiful Mind, and even the very early Romper Stomper. One of the best actors of our time.
Always makes me feel good watching this. The characters are so well drawn.
Hey bro, I am really glad that you mentioned the dope armor of the legendary gladiator Maximus fought with the tigers, because I like that design and the mask so much and all other reactors said nothing about it. :)
Yeah I love attire like that! So I tend to notice those things more so than others which is fine!
Oliver Reed so great in this also my favorite Musketeer from the 70s movie and also Played Bill the villain in Oliver always stole every scene he was in thanks James
There were actual wardog breeds back then, but they were much bigger than Maximus's. Mastiff's are descended from the types the Gauls had iirc, and their jaws were big enough to fit around a man's skull. They were frequently given types of armor as well. They were useful both on the battlefield and in camp guarding supply stores.
Sounds like this is the first time James has seen Ollie Reed in action?
Such an underrated actor.
@Karl Zaraiva sure, he was a big name back then but I think he tends to get overlooked now, compared to a lot of his peers.
@Karl Zaraiva Yeah even Fonda, Newman, Redford group is overlooked. Brando kind of holds up, but still..
@Karl Zaraiva I get that but I'm old enough to remember when Olli had the fall from grace and became a drunken chatshow punchline. He didn't do himself any favours and it's a shame that he only seemed to find his muse again not long before he died.
@Karl Zaraiva Yeah sure, but I'm kinda sad that Newman is overlooked nowadays. He is my favourite for so many reasons, so I am just biased lol
6:32 - Griffith really is the high watermark for great villains, isn't he?
RIP Kentaro Miura.
The wad fact this was kind of a comeback for Oliver Reed, who's career was hindered by being a hellriaser who made Charlie Sheen swwm a noob.
Gladiator is definitely one of those timeless films. No matter how much time goes by it’ll always be one of the greats in my opinion. Used to listen the soundtrack a lot - I need to back and revisit it.
Thank you for another great reaction, can’t get enough of your commentary! 😊
The quintessential historical epic, they dont make them like this anymore. Troy is another great one if you havent seen it. Great reaction.
this is one of those movies that whenever you put it on you are entertained the entire time
The soundtrack use to be my life back in the day. One of the best!!
So good!!
Seriously, you only ever do thoughtful, nuanced reactions! I love how much you love movies, filmmaking and storytelling.
I don’t think we got to see this scene but
I like how Maximus used his knowledge of the environment and climate to escape being beheaded when that Praetorian Guards sword get stuck inside the scabbard
Such a cool scene. Don't know how accurate it is but seems plausible for metal blade to get stuck and freeze up slightly. Its such a cool moment because it shows that the protagonist doesn't just use brute force to win battles but rather Maximus uses his intellect and years of experience on the battlefield.
@@ryanhalawani2637 he’d been fighting in that climate for a while an the Praetorian guard had literally just turned up
This one was one of the first r-rated movies I ever watched, it definitely is a part of why I love movies so much today.
Definitely should check out the movie Zulu. It’s a great film about a battle between British colonials and the Zulu. It’s really well done and respectful to both sides
A movie that is "respectful to both sides" when one side is an evil, genocidal empire, is an insult to the side that is not.
The instrument you mention is called a "rainstick", its a cilindrical tube with beads on the inside to imitate the sound of rain.
This is one of my all time favorite films! I saw it when it first came out (I'm old) and had a serious Russell Crowe obsession for quite a while. He was also excellent in another excellent film: LA Confidential. If you haven't seen that, I highly recommend it for a reaction video. I think you'd really like it. Very well done - on all levels. Great reaction!
Yes! My favourite movie reaction channel and one of my favorite movies! Been waiting for you to react to this for a long time! You have to watch braveheart too, would make my year
If you're more curious about Roman times, I highly recommend seeing the HBO Series Rome, about Julius Caesar, one of the best series ever made, in my opinion.
Agreed. HE WAS A CONSUL OF ROME!!!
1000% agree!
@@brandonvaughn7255 a true comment for all “ true romans”
The child actor who played the bad guy's nephew also played the son of David Dunn (Bruce Willis) in Unbreakable and Glass.
Gotta watch Kingdom of Heaven Directors cut, same director and another awesome epic!
Amazing movie. Quite surprised you hadn’t seen it. When I was younger I used to use the Battle of Carthage scene (with chariots) to show off my dads surround sound system. Sound design, acting, writing, cinematography, score, plot, just all top notch in this movie. Definitely in my top ten.
Maybe just me, but I’m pretty sure that pirates of the Caribbean nicked its theme tune from that cavalry charge at the start of gladiator.
Gladiator seems to have nicked the chant the Zulu warriors do in Zulu an given it to the Germanic tribes 😂
Same composer, it is just one of his sounds
Same guy wrote them both, so it's kind of assumed.
Hans Zimmer was clearly inspired by Gustav Holst's "The Planets" for these soundtracks. This one in particular is very similar to the first movement "Mars, the Bringer of War".
The composer used big chunks of Holst's Planet Suite, specifically Mars. The Holst estate actually ended up suing him for copyright infringement. Go listen to Mars on RUclips - it's unmistakable
The show you were thinking of where they pitted warriors of different times against each other was Deadliest Warrior. I loved that show too!
Joey, do you like movies about gladiators?
Hahaha
Love this movie and the soundtrack. I remember watching it twice in theaters. Even though Russell Crowe got recognition from LA Confidential, this is the movie that blew up his career.
I would recommend watching: Ironclad, Centurion, The Eagle,
all have this kind of a theme, also all the best.
All are absolutely awesome.
This right here is what it's all about. Idc what people say. This movie is a masterpiece. Good seeing you James. Hope you good.
Super good my brother!
This film (and Signs) put Joaquin Phoenix on the map for me
I remember him from the movies Space Camp, and Parenthood.
Wow! I love how you perceive the details and go introspect like in the dialog between the old emperor and Maximus when they talk about his home for example. You‘re a good reactor sucking in every moment of the movie! Keep it up mate
RIP The legend Oliver Reed.
I have always loved this movie and watch it from time to time and have never thought of Maximus as winning the people as becoming the real leader of Rome until you said it. It just makes the story all the more epic, so thank you for that
James you should definitely react to Prisoners underrated masterpiece
I did! It’s on the channel 🙏🏽
The big guy that fills out the trio is played by Rolf Moeller (sp). Before he was an actor he was a bodybuilder, competing for the Mr. Olympia title. At 6’7” he was the tallest IFBB professional competitor ever.
James you do know that somehow the Romans were able to flood the colosseum so they could re-enact naval battles right??
In the Roman Colosseum, the cheapest seats (that were at the top) were also the ones who got the most shade when the sails would drop. They also used elevators to bring out the animal cages, AND the type of gladiator you got to be depended on where you were from, some of the most agile came from fishing countries and they used tridents and fishing nets to fight. Food would be provided and there were also wine fountains, as well as baseball card versions of gladiators that people collected.
If you really liked this try Kingdom of Heaven, also a Ridley Scott movie... but only watch the Extended Edition... the regular was pretty meh...
directors cut is best version
You opened my eyes to the berserk parallels for sure. Especially that final fight with their outfits ooof nice watch
It’s so similar in that regard hahaha!
Stay on the Russell Crowe train and watch "The Nice Guys". Big contrast to this movie but he has such good chemistry with Ryan Gosling.
@Kelli Franklin I think it's a very underappreciated, under the radar great movie
"These romans aint loyal" is possibly the thing on this channel that cracked me up the most since I started watching you James. Seriously cracking up here :)
Fun Fact: the real life Commodus was assassinated while using the bathroom.
@ila1964 lol there's no specification as to whether he was on the toilet or in the bath. History records only that he was strangled in the bathroom
@Karl Zaraiva Umm I never said he died on the toilet....but thanks for added info
This is one of my favorite movies if ALL TIME. The discussions of life & meaning are so tremendous at the beginning. It has some of the best declarations stated by the characters. And then the sneaky politics that play out, throughout the movie, as well. Btw, When the ads for this movie came out, there were football scenes thrown in to imply football as "gladiators".
olliver reed up there with the best actors our little country ever produced. he died while making this film
ok so happy yu see this classic , this movie deserve to be watched by all generations , pure acting and story. just chills .
Yep, MF Doom thought that mask would be perfect for his 'character'.
@@MegaMerdeux he died on Halloween but no one knew until New Year’s Eve
Yes! One of my favorites of all time. Love hearing your insights as always. You always point out things I’ve never picked up on over the many times I’ve seen these movies. Keep it up man!
James: This is basically Berserk
Me: So Commodus did nothing wrong?
"why do you look like you spit bars?" lol nice homie. I did the same thing rewatching it when I knew what was up. like hold up, what the fuck? hah excerpt from interview - “You know the movie Gladiator? Well around that time, they started selling these ‘gladiator masks’ that were replicas from the movie. So what it was is that a friend of mine told me he saw this mask that would be perfect for the DOOM character. I trusted him, even though it was kinda expensive [laughs]. So he went and bought the mask, which was this collector’s item thing that came on a wooden stand and all that. It was a total replica that came on a stick with a stand for displaying and shit. There was this top piece on it too that my friend just tore off [laughs]. He took off the stick and everything else and just kept the faceplate. You know how construction hats have a plastic thing on the inside that you can tighten? Well, he just took one of those and fastened it to the mask. So he rigged it up for me. Since then, I chromed it out, added a ruby to it too. That’s how the mask came about.”
Just came here to post that same quote!
Gods I would love to see a reaction to Spartacus (TV show) really underrated but absolutely fantastic
I 2nd that!!!!!
Hahahaha so much nudity
Outstanding performances in this film....When Maximus says 'are you not entertained', it is almost like it is directed at the audience (us) also.
Haha its a great film to have not watched haha love to see you watch "inside man" it's a Bank robber film unlike anything else I can think of I highly recommend checking that out 🙂with that I'll continue watching 👌
I’ll save that!
@@JamesVSCinema winner you should enjoy haha its a great film :)
Inside Man, starring Denzel Washington
The lines “Strength and Honor” and “What we do in life echoes in eternity” have been tattooed on my psyche since I saw this film in the theater.
Really crappy history but really freakin' epic movie making!