GLADIATOR

This is an excellent movie, but very graphic. Gladiator (2000) is the story of Maximus (Russell Crowe), a Roman general whose wife and son are brutally murdered by the evil Roman prince Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Maximus himself is betrayed and seeks his revenge as a Roman gladiator. He begins in the lower ranks, only fighting in outlying towns and villages because the gladiator games were outlawed by the former Caesar in Rome. Eventually, though, the evil prince reinstates the Roman games and Maximus fights there. The crowds love him for his personality and ultimate mercy as he seeks to win them over to his side against the prince.

This movie, though riddled with gore, is among the greats, I think. It's well done and true to history in its presentation. Even amidst the brutality, there is a thread of poignancy as you understand what makes this gladiator continue to fight the battles and risk his life.

Rated R for the graphic violence. Not a kids' movie by any means, nor for the squeamish. Still, I highly recommend this to you.