One of my favorite bits of cast trivia about this film is that the Costa Rican actress who portrayed Maximus' ill-fated wife fared much better in real life. She married Ridley Scott in 2015.
You are so right! Never a more perfect pairing than Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard. I listen to this soundtrack a lot and her glorious vocals reduce me to a blubbering heap every damn time! Really enjoyed your commentary and your knowledge; added so much to what is an already spectacular film.
Great reaction as ever folks, I feel fortunate to watch alongside a someone with so much knowledge of Rome and film, always a fun experience for me, a history geek!
FYI- The thumbs up/down wasn't used to indicate life or death in gladiatorial fights (it was likely used to by some to show their preference) but it was also used in reverse of how we use it now, Thumbs up (bad) would have meant 'Death - up to heaven with him' or thumbs down (good) 'Life - he stays here on Earth'.
@@bdleo300 According to Anthony Corbeill, a classical studies professor who has extensively researched the practice, thumbs up signalled killing the gladiator while "a closed fist with a wraparound thumb" meant sparing him.
Now I want to watch this with Nick's audio commentary. As a Germanian myself, it's kind of embarrassing how little I know about all of this. In school, we just learned about 12 years of German history, and not a word about what came before. Oh, and Braveheart: yes. Historically, it's hilariously inaccurate, but as a movie, it's fantastic.
Your mom stole the show in this one, she reacted just like my mom. It’s such a great film and very interesting trivia and tidbits at the end. Nick’s Roman nerd came out and I was SUPER IMPRESSED about his knowledge on all things Roman(Roma Victor…. That was inspired 😂). Nick mentioned that you and your dad picked this for your mom. Maybe one day we might get a cameo from dad? That would be incredible! I write you guys every video I watch, you know how addicted I am to this channel. Keep up the great work! I’m on the verge of losing my right foot permanently so your content keeps me focused and positive! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
I think it's because Braveheart has pretensions of being historical, even to the point of calling out historians who pick fault with it. Whereas Gladiator feels much more romanticised and fantastical, like a repeatedly embellished epic tale tale told around a campfire. An accurate Year of the Five Emperors movie might be pretty interesting though, even if it'd be a mostly political drama!
Also, it's funny you compared Commodus to Joffrey because the actor who played Joffrey, Jack Gleeson, specifically chose Joaquin's performance to inform his own choices on screen.
so many reactors admit to not having seen any films so can understand them not seeing most of my favorites but you both having seen lots amazes me the ones you have not seen especially ones that BOTH of you have not seen.. also want to mention that i like that you have the subtitles on the film.. so many reactors do not and the film volume is much lower than the reactions making it hard to set volume
Without the most massive "manipulation" Maximus would have won the fight against Commodus after about 10 seconds. There's a difference between fighting against people who aren't even allowed to hurt your opponent, or against an absolute master class soldier with his motivation. Change, more like 8 seconds.
Winner of 5 Oscars including Best Picture. Before Russell Crowe was cast as Maximus, Hugh Jackman, Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Tom Sizemore, and Antonio Banderas were considered for the role. Interestingly enough, Crowe was considered to play Wolverine but turned it down. Jackman took the role. Oliver Reed, who played Proximo, died of a heart attack on May 2, 1999. The film was dedicated in his memory. The opening battle scene was filmed in Surrey England, the gladiator training school was filmed in Morocco and the scenes involving Ancient Rome were filmed in Malta for 19 weeks. Crowe sustained several injuries during filming and almost died as a direct result of them The scene where Maximus is fighting Tigris Of Gaul, the tiger almost killed him.
I want to thank you for mentioning Lisa Gerrard. You're the only reactor I've ever seen who even seems to know who she is. And it can be argued that her pairing with Brendan Perry is at least as good as her pairing here with Hans Zimmer, but either way you're getting an amazing tandem.
A short explanation of the Gracchi brothers may be helpful, despite their intermittent parts and brief mentions in the film. Marcus Aurelius did things in the wrong order; he should have committed his wishes, commands to paper, then told Commodus that Maximus would take the reins to return Rome to its people.
Technically they didn't appear here, since they were killed around 300 years before the timeframe of the movie. But their goals and deaths at the hands of greedy politicians are relevant to the film's plot.
awesome reaction, your mom was in tears at the very end of the movie. I would like to suggest 2011 Immortals staring Luke Evans and Henry Cavill. Thank you.
Love your channel! Another Joaquin and Sigourney recommendation: "The Village", M. Night film that's quite underrated in my eyes! Framed as a horror film, but actually quite a moving love story with many great performances.
Try watchin the TV mini-series (4 episodes) entitled "Masada", starring Peter O'Toole and Peter Strauss. It chronicles "the stand of 960 Hebrew Men, women, and children against the 5000 men of the Roman 10th Legion".
You said that was sad after he stabbed maximus in the lung and heart and "that's the way he had to win" no that's the way he had to lose this movie its the shit
Ah, a fellow Marcus Aurelius fan! I frequently recommend people to read his _"Meditiations"!_ 😀 While ol' Marcus and I might not agree on everything (he was an emperor after all, while I lean a bit more towards a libertarian direction), there are lots of food for thought to be found amongst his words! He was a stoic philosopher and while he had access to all the luxuries his station offered, he seemed to enjoy the simpler things. Good point about the war chariots in the Colosseum. When I first watched this, I actually got confused for a moment and thought that Maximus and his merry band of friends were supposed to take on the role of the Romans during the "reenactment". While the Roman army was an extremely efficient war machine, it was not by any means one of the first professional armies. It's believed that Sargon of Akkad formed the first such some 2500 years before the event in this film. Fast-forwarding a "bit", the Neo-Assyrian Empire rose to power a few hundred years before Rome was founded. The Neo-Assyrian military eventually evolved from an army of conscripts to where the main part of the army consisted of professional soldiers. It is believed that at the height of its military power, the Neo-Assyrian Empire could field some 300,000 men. An insane amount for the times and it's no wonder that some cities surrendered at the mere sight of the Neo-Assyrian army! By the way, Gracchus is portrayed by the great British actor Sir Derek Jacobi. Those interested in Roman history might enjoy one of his earlier works, _"I, Claudius",_ where he plays the title character. It's very much a studio production, as often was the case in the 70's, but I think it's well worth watching. It's fairly historically accurate, too! I guess I am a bit of a history buff and as such films with a lot of historical inaccuracies tend to annoy me. For some weird reason, "Gladiator" (which certainly isn't historically accurate) seems to be a bit of an exception - in fact, I quite enjoy the film and have seen it several times. The first time was actually in the theatre with _my_ mum! ☺
Interesting you call yourself a 'Roman nut",that being the case,you would know how historically inaccurate,,and wrong on so many levels,this film is. Still,it has a certain charm,I guess.
If you just want the movie, then go watch the movie. The point of reactions and commentary is additional perspective. Sorry you don't enjoy mental stimulation 🤷🏻♀️
Just thinking the same. So nice to find erudite reactors who know their stuff as opposed to those who just go "wow!" and "oh my God". Very rare these days.
I would like to think since I have seen this movie every year since I was 12 years old and 1974 I think I know a thing or two about this movie. So when you say that he has to Preside over his own mother's funeral that's not what he's doing. He is just having a regular Catholic Church. Service for some reason you did do that he was He's presiding over his own mother's service and that's not the case
One of my favorite bits of cast trivia about this film is that the Costa Rican actress who portrayed Maximus' ill-fated wife fared much better in real life. She married Ridley Scott in 2015.
nice one Ridley
And one of the actresses was in Devils Advocate who was Keanu Reeves characters sister .
This is still one of the best movies ever made. Also loved all the history facts you shared 😉 oh and definitely watch Braveheart. It's awesome
You are so right! Never a more perfect pairing than Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard. I listen to this soundtrack a lot and her glorious vocals reduce me to a blubbering heap every damn time! Really enjoyed your commentary and your knowledge; added so much to what is an already spectacular film.
Such a brilliant and legendary film. So well made....cinematography, writing, the cast, etc. were all amazing! Great reactions from you and your mom.
Great reaction as ever folks, I feel fortunate to watch alongside a someone with so much knowledge of Rome and film, always a fun experience for me, a history geek!
FYI- The thumbs up/down wasn't used to indicate life or death in gladiatorial fights (it was likely used to by some to show their preference) but it was also used in reverse of how we use it now, Thumbs up (bad) would have meant 'Death - up to heaven with him' or thumbs down (good) 'Life - he stays here on Earth'.
That's not exactly true either.
@@bdleo300 According to Anthony Corbeill, a classical studies professor who has extensively researched the practice, thumbs up signalled killing the gladiator while "a closed fist with a wraparound thumb" meant sparing him.
One of my all time favorite movies and soundtracks EVER!! I may have seen this 100+ times over the years but the ending always brings a tear.
Same! It definitely stands the test of time.
Now I want to watch this with Nick's audio commentary. As a Germanian myself, it's kind of embarrassing how little I know about all of this. In school, we just learned about 12 years of German history, and not a word about what came before.
Oh, and Braveheart: yes. Historically, it's hilariously inaccurate, but as a movie, it's fantastic.
Your mom stole the show in this one, she reacted just like my mom. It’s such a great film and very interesting trivia and tidbits at the end. Nick’s Roman nerd came out and I was SUPER IMPRESSED about his knowledge on all things Roman(Roma Victor…. That was inspired 😂). Nick mentioned that you and your dad picked this for your mom. Maybe one day we might get a cameo from dad? That would be incredible! I write you guys every video I watch, you know how addicted I am to this channel. Keep up the great work! I’m on the verge of losing my right foot permanently so your content keeps me focused and positive! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
❤
I haven't got past your intro and enjoying it already
Jen's reaction of "What a pissant, eh?" made me chortle. What a way for someone to react to Commodus's stabbing.
You two should definitely watch 'Braveheart'.
I second this ! Pleaseee do Braveheart!
THIS
This film is about as historically accurate as Braveheart yet doesn't get a fraction of the criticism. I still love it though.
I think it's because Braveheart has pretensions of being historical, even to the point of calling out historians who pick fault with it. Whereas Gladiator feels much more romanticised and fantastical, like a repeatedly embellished epic tale tale told around a campfire.
An accurate Year of the Five Emperors movie might be pretty interesting though, even if it'd be a mostly political drama!
First time I saw this movie was during my stay at the Plaza Hotel in NYC in June 2001. ❤
How Great! I'm a Roman history buff too. :)
Great Movie Will Visit This Movie Every Now And Then
Shadows and dust.
Richard Harris, Also known as a 'Man Called Horse.' Which is a movie you and Mom should definitely watch.
Good film.His best role though,was in "Cromwell".playing the lead role.
Also, it's funny you compared Commodus to Joffrey because the actor who played Joffrey, Jack Gleeson, specifically chose Joaquin's performance to inform his own choices on screen.
he was a soldier of Roma, honor him
... correction: Brian Blessed. Robin's dad, AND Prince Vultan 😉
so many reactors admit to not having seen any films so can understand them not seeing most of my favorites but you both having seen lots amazes me the ones you have not seen especially ones that BOTH of you have not seen.. also want to mention that i like that you have the subtitles on the film.. so many reactors do not and the film volume is much lower than the reactions making it hard to set volume
Great reaction and really enjoyed the behind the scenes gossip 😊❤❤
Without the most massive "manipulation" Maximus would have won the fight against Commodus after about 10 seconds. There's a difference between fighting against people who aren't even allowed to hurt your opponent, or against an absolute master class soldier with his motivation. Change, more like 8 seconds.
Winner of 5 Oscars including Best Picture.
Before Russell Crowe was cast as Maximus, Hugh Jackman, Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Tom Sizemore, and Antonio Banderas were considered for the role. Interestingly enough, Crowe was considered to play Wolverine but turned it down.
Jackman took the role.
Oliver Reed, who played Proximo, died of a heart attack on May 2, 1999. The film was dedicated in his memory.
The opening battle scene was filmed in Surrey England, the gladiator training school was filmed in Morocco and the scenes involving Ancient Rome were filmed in Malta for 19 weeks.
Crowe sustained several injuries during filming and almost died as a direct result of them
The scene where Maximus is fighting Tigris Of Gaul, the tiger almost killed him.
Antonio Banderas looks much more believable
@@radicalreactions1633 why? he is more accurate as Italian than Russel Crowe
Thanks...Good reaction guys 💯
Braveheart is an excellent movie! If you still haven't watched it, please do! I love the music as well. ❤
It’s on the list! 😊
Juaquin Phonex range of acting compare this to the movie Signs with Mel Gibson and Connie Nielson is great in Soldier with Kurt Russel
Oh yes definently watch Braveheart...."..excellent!"
34:00 And feeding them Christians. Lest not forget
Yes please watch Braveheart... From (my) Ireland😜
if you have not seen it the 1959 Ben Hur is one of my favorites
not too impressed by the new remake
We’ll add it to the list, thanks! 😊
if you both haven't seen 1917 (2019) i would love to see your reaction. 🙏🏼🙂
Added to the list! 😊
@@Jen-Mom the list is a magical, mysterious thing. 🙂
Magnificent movie!
I want to thank you for mentioning Lisa Gerrard. You're the only reactor I've ever seen who even seems to know who she is. And it can be argued that her pairing with Brendan Perry is at least as good as her pairing here with Hans Zimmer, but either way you're getting an amazing tandem.
YESSSSSS you absolutely have to do Braveheart! The Patriot too if you haven’t seen it!
Hmm! So Mom's ready for 'Rome' season 1 at least or is it TO MUCH?
32:15 YAY! Go Denmark 😀
A short explanation of the Gracchi brothers may be helpful, despite their intermittent parts and brief mentions in the film. Marcus Aurelius did things in the wrong order; he should have committed his wishes, commands to paper, then told Commodus that Maximus would take the reins to return Rome to its people.
Technically they didn't appear here, since they were killed around 300 years before the timeframe of the movie. But their goals and deaths at the hands of greedy politicians are relevant to the film's plot.
@@Flix2Us Many thanks for the brief history!
Can you watch Devils Advocate?
How dare you jump scare me with Denethor! 😂
😂
Please react also to “The Last Samurai “. By Tom Cruise. Thanks ❤❤
We watched this a while ago but there were technical difficulties with the recording so we couldn't post it. 😭 It was incredible!
You guys should do Alexander the great next
awesome reaction, your mom was in tears at the very end of the movie.
I would like to suggest
2011 Immortals staring Luke Evans and Henry Cavill.
Thank you.
Love your channel! Another Joaquin and Sigourney recommendation: "The Village", M. Night film that's quite underrated in my eyes! Framed as a horror film, but actually quite a moving love story with many great performances.
Caligula is the most provocative movie ever made
You should definitely look into it
Not really, it's p0rn basically
For me, Joaquin Phoenix's best performance.
Ahh yes, Kurt Russell was fantastic in Gladiator! :)
Slip of the tongue! 😄
😂
Please watch Thelma and Louise! Another Ridley Scott movie.
Yes the forest fight was filmed in England (Surrey) which is why it’s so good 😂
Okay, now you must do braveheart! Excellent movie as well!
Wondering....might Dad be inclined to join you in a special Father's day reaction?
If dad is a baseball fan ...Field of dreams.
That would be fun! Unfortunately he isn't able to appear on the channel. But thanks for thinking of him!
We do love having your mom on the channel...she is great fun.
Definitely watch Braveheart.
Wakeem did a great job portraying an insane emperror type..is " The Last Of the Mohicans " on the list ? It's another epic type of film
Yes! Last of the Mohicans is a beautiful film, I hope they watch that one as well.
Joaquin* lol. I know, it doesn't look how it sounds at all 😅
Not much has changed in politics and the elites in 1900 years, has it.
I recommend La La land it earned a top 10 in my list as soon as I finished it, the director also made whiplash another great movie :)
Zack Snyder really has an amazing style of creating great movies. Hope you guys enjoyed it!
He really does! BTW, this is a Ridley Scott movie! 😉
Barley men
Try watchin the TV mini-series (4 episodes) entitled "Masada", starring Peter O'Toole and Peter Strauss. It chronicles "the stand of 960 Hebrew Men, women, and children against the 5000 men of the Roman 10th Legion".
Ehh😂😂😂😂😂
You said that was sad after he stabbed maximus in the lung and heart and "that's the way he had to win" no that's the way he had to lose this movie its the shit
last time you heard an American accent in a Classical era movie?
31:50 Glasgow smile he got. Gang thing, terrible. Nolan modeled the Joker after it.
Ah, a fellow Marcus Aurelius fan! I frequently recommend people to read his _"Meditiations"!_ 😀 While ol' Marcus and I might not agree on everything (he was an emperor after all, while I lean a bit more towards a libertarian direction), there are lots of food for thought to be found amongst his words! He was a stoic philosopher and while he had access to all the luxuries his station offered, he seemed to enjoy the simpler things.
Good point about the war chariots in the Colosseum. When I first watched this, I actually got confused for a moment and thought that Maximus and his merry band of friends were supposed to take on the role of the Romans during the "reenactment".
While the Roman army was an extremely efficient war machine, it was not by any means one of the first professional armies. It's believed that Sargon of Akkad formed the first such some 2500 years before the event in this film. Fast-forwarding a "bit", the Neo-Assyrian Empire rose to power a few hundred years before Rome was founded. The Neo-Assyrian military eventually evolved from an army of conscripts to where the main part of the army consisted of professional soldiers. It is believed that at the height of its military power, the Neo-Assyrian Empire could field some 300,000 men. An insane amount for the times and it's no wonder that some cities surrendered at the mere sight of the Neo-Assyrian army!
By the way, Gracchus is portrayed by the great British actor Sir Derek Jacobi. Those interested in Roman history might enjoy one of his earlier works, _"I, Claudius",_ where he plays the title character. It's very much a studio production, as often was the case in the 70's, but I think it's well worth watching. It's fairly historically accurate, too! I guess I am a bit of a history buff and as such films with a lot of historical inaccuracies tend to annoy me. For some weird reason, "Gladiator" (which certainly isn't historically accurate) seems to be a bit of an exception - in fact, I quite enjoy the film and have seen it several times. The first time was actually in the theatre with _my_ mum! ☺
disciplined Roman soldiers who couldn't discipline themselves to shave their beards? remind me how does that work again?
This was probably a Spanish legion. The Celts did not normally shave.
Interesting you call yourself a 'Roman nut",that being the case,you would know how historically inaccurate,,and wrong on so many levels,this film is.
Still,it has a certain charm,I guess.
Too bad the movie portrays so badly the legions fighting.
HBO Rome shows it much better.
"Pullo, FORMATION!"
Rome is so good!
@@radicalreactions1633 hbo rome is trash? lol
Derek jacobi 🩷 love him
But he had pure blood....
Dude don't need the history lesson please just watch the movie thanx
I enjoy listening to someone who has some knowledge about history, for once. Some people need to learn it. HINT.
If you just want the movie, then go watch the movie. The point of reactions and commentary is additional perspective. Sorry you don't enjoy mental stimulation 🤷🏻♀️
Just thinking the same. So nice to find erudite reactors who know their stuff as opposed to those who just go "wow!" and "oh my God". Very rare these days.
Oliver reed died not long after this.....
He actually died before the film wrapped. some of his scenes were digitally done and his lines dubbed!
Yep! Ridley spent $2 million on CGI to finish the film with Oliver in it.
I would like to think since I have seen this movie every year since I was 12 years old and 1974 I think I know a thing or two about this movie. So when you say that he has to Preside over his own mother's funeral that's not what he's doing. He is just having a regular Catholic Church. Service for some reason you did do that he was He's presiding over his own mother's service and that's not the case