Everything GREAT About Gladiator! (Part 1)

[@Lettilovesyou]

History time: Gladiator's actually only had about a 20% (ish) death rate (some sources report as low as 10%). Training, feeding, housing, all costs money. That's an investment you're not going to just throw away in fights that are always to the death. They also ate high calorie food to build fat so they could be cut and bleed, but not have anything vital hit.

[@Meefs1]

Gladiator is more than just a sick bloody John Wick esc gladiator; it's a profoundly beautiful exploration of masculinity in its triumphs, complexities, and flaws. The film captures the essence of what it means to be a man in a world that values strength and power, while also delving into the emotional, vulnerable side of manhood that often goes unspoken. At its core, Maximus represents the archetype of the honorable man. He’s a warrior, a leader, and a protector-roles traditionally associated with masculinity. But what makes Maximus so compelling is not just his physical strength or combat prowess. It’s his unwavering loyalty, his deep love for his family, and his adherence to principles even when faced with unimaginable loss. These qualities remind us that true masculinity is not about dominance or violence, but about integrity, selflessness, and the ability to endure hardship with dignity. Yet, the movie doesn’t shy away from showcasing how masculinity, when corrupted, can become destructive. Commodus, in contrast to Maximus, represents the darker side of manhood: insecurity, obsession with power, and a fragile ego. His desperate need for validation and his inability to live up to his father’s expectations lead him down a path of cruelty and tyranny. Commodus is a stark reminder of what happens when masculinity is defined solely by external validation and unchecked ambition, rather than by internal strength and moral character. The gladiatorial arena itself is a powerful metaphor for this duality. It’s a stage where men are forced to prove their worth through violence, appealing to the basest instincts of the crowd. But for Maximus, it becomes a place of redemption and resistance. Even as he’s thrust into this brutal world, he refuses to lose sight of his humanity. His victories in the arena are not about glory or self-aggrandizement-they’re about survival, justice, and ultimately, finding a way to honor his family and his fallen emperor. What makes Gladiator truly beautiful is how it balances these themes with an emotional depth that transcends gender. Maximus’s grief, his longing for his wife and son, and his struggle to find meaning in a world that has taken everything from him resonate on a universal level. It’s a reminder that strength is not the absence of emotion, but the ability to face pain and still fight for what matters. In the end, Maximus’s journey is one of profound sacrifice and enduring legacy. His story challenges us to think about what it means to be a man in a world that often equates masculinity with dominance. Is it the ability to wield power, or is it the courage to act with honor and compassion, even in the face of overwhelming odds? Gladiator doesn’t provide easy answers, but it leaves us with a message of hope: that even in the harshest of circumstances, we have the power to choose the kind of legacy we leave behind. So yes, Gladiator is a stunningly beautiful film-not just because of its breathtaking visuals and unforgettable performances, but because it dares to explore the complexities of masculinity in a way that feels both timeless and deeply relevant. It’s a story of strength and vulnerability, of heroism and humanity, and ultimately, of what it means to live and die with honor. - Everything that the second film, Gladiator 2 decided to forget.

[@bolso4]

👏 Thanks for this

[@visualartsbyjr2464]

“Not yet” became two words where I could find something within me to continue forward.

[@qrangejuice8225]

I'm so early that I'm still fighting Persians at Thermopylae

[@Kujakuseki01]

Wrong civilization. This is Tomans, not Greeks.

[@SpartacusSPQ]

So early he’s Etruscan?

[@grantpowell4135]

HOLD lol

[@KevinLambertperfected]

Regardless of the statement's historical accuracy, it will go down in history as the only variation of "first!" to ever make me laugh out loud.

[@theguywhoisaustralian1465]

You're so wrong, clearly that was Númenor

[@qrangejuice8225]

3:12 No, thats the LEGION using the Testudo. The Phalanx was a formation used primarily by Hoplites.

[@jonathandrvol5241]

If we REALLY want to get technical it's a cohort, possibly even a century at this level.

[@FEDEXLuchs]

im still suffering from a aneurysm from that comment he made

[@spyros186]

maybe he meant Vanguard ...

[@CinemaWins]

I didn't say I remembered from school CORRECTLY haha. I was so confident I didn't even look it up. But they did use it, right? Wikipedia says they did lol. Before Legion... You were just supposed to laugh at the turtle line!

[@jonathandrvol5241]

@CinemaWins And pass up a chance to educate ya? No way! And let's be fair, this is hardly the worse slip up you've had. Such as forgetting to mention one of the greatest bad guy themes of all time, but who's keeping track /j Edit: And yes, Rome did use the phalanx but that was WAAAAAAAAAY before this point.

[@trinaq]

Apparently, Jack Gleeson based his performance of Joffrey in "Games of Thrones" on Joaquin Phoenix's character in this film.

[@wierdalien1]

Good choice

[@grantpowell4135]

Really that's neat? The tongue sticking out was such a creepy touch from Joaquin

[@Morfe02]

Of course ! The false King 😂

[@elmerzcosta]

I can see it, yeah.

[@philliptivis3082]

Watched this in a brand new theater with an upgraded sound system. That first battle we felt every catapult launch in our chests.

[@metallicasnake]

I saw it 14 times in theaters, the 14th time at an Oscar promotion screening with Russell Crowe himself in the audience. My ex-girlfriend had suggested it to me and the first 10 minutes of the movie was a way to deal with the grief and pain of our separation. The music has been a mainstay of mine even through to today.

[@sul1van406]

18:33 ALL CAPS WHEN YOU SPELL THE MAN NAME

[@dxftryuhjgft6986]

MF DOOM

[@sleufffff]

Ridley taking suggestions from Russell Crowe on the scene he kisses his wifes severed feet is legendary, felt way too real.

[@dstripedape978]

Remember when TBS used to play "Movies for Guys who like Movies" every weekend. They played Gladiator, Unforgiven, original Conan and Fight Club on rotation 😂😂😂

[@trinaq]

Joaquin Phoenix deserved to win an Oscar for his work here, but the Academy finally made it up to him almost a decade later. Also, Russell Crowe deservedly scooped up a golden statue.

[@bootz8775]

Heeeeey, Tony Curan was also Van Gogh in one of the best episodes of Doctor Who. His acting is amazing. Always cry at the end. And Marcus reunites with Victor in this episode. I love Gladiator. Watching this and Braveheart back to back is 5 hours well spent

[@thegreyinitiate3680]

I don’t normally buy the fancy popcorn buckets at the theater but when I went the other night they had a black and gold metal bucket with a full size replica of Maximus’ helmet as the lid…… I bought one immediately.

[@leonprowse5806]

I'd get that just to act out some MF Doom roleplay

[@5FtOfRage]

This is one of the movies that did not need a sequel

[@starwarsprequelsandsequels7582]

Ridley Scott: hold my beer

[@michaelcamit8316]

I always interpreted the beginning transition from Wheat Field to Germania differently. The movie ends with the wheat field, after he dies... so to me, the 'snap back' is hom reliving the last fateful months(?) of his life leading to his showdown with Commodus

[@jorgecarbajal8076]

I watched this movie for the first time ever two days ago in preparation to watch Gladiator II tomorrow, and it indeed left me entertained. I'll be looking forward to Part 2 of your analysis.

[@willowhofmann7409]

I’ve seen this movie once probably about when it was released as I am 44 and cannot remember in which decade I watched it, but it was long ago. I’m gonna go watch again now. Purpose = fulfilled.

[@IsaacxCasanova]

I’m so happy with every Gladiator video coming out, we need a new renaissance of Rome movies.

[@HFFCANADA]

Yes the series Rome is another amazing one too. There's also a series that I almost forgot about that was acted quite well. It was "Roman Empire This Netflix docudrama series is an anthology, with each season telling a different story. 3 seasons that play out alot like Rome and features each season with Commodus Ceaser and Caligula. Quite a good watch if you're a fan of history and Rome

[@magnusbane420]

Imagine Troy but more accurate to the actual poem, with gods and Patroclus and Achilles actually being lovers, and maybe seeing how Agamemnon sacrifices his daughter ...

[@DaniS398]

Saw this in middle school. I thought when he said "release hell" he was talking about the dog. I thought he named his dog Hell. I was and still am obsessed with dogs. Joined a jrotc like group in middle school because it was called Devil Dogs. Took me weeks to realize no dogs were involved. By then I had a uniform and was learning drills so I just stayed and got my sis and some other girls to join so I wouldn't be the only one.

[@lorenzogoglee1320]

6:46 russell crowe immprovise his speach about his home. he was describing his real home in sidney

[@lauroralei]

Oh interesting. I never saw the hand in the wheat at the beginning as a wish/fantasy - more that he had already died. The movie is like a flashback and he is already in Elysium.

[@BlakeAStoffel]

What’s funny is I was listening to a playlist of Hans Zimmer and I thought I was listening to Pirates of the Caribbean but it turned out to be parts of the “The Battle” from Gladiator. Crazy how they echo each other

[@wierdalien1]

Hans Zimmer

[@hansjeff9110]

Its the Battle music from Gladiator and the black Pearl Theme from PotC. They are actually quite simillar and i think its might be because Zimmer actually was working on Gladiator while he was offered Pirates. He the gave just some themes/motifs to the composer of the First Pirates Movie Klaus badelt, who composed the whole Score. Maybe the Motif of the black Pearl is based on the Battle sequence actually

[@BlakeAStoffel]

@ stupid autocorrect. Thanks

[@raidenthenctzenwithinsomni4961]

*Zimmer, not Zimmerman

[@ironladyerimuth]

What we score in cinema, echoes in eternity.

[@Demicki]

Dude, I love your channel everytime i see a new video, i am instantly happy. Keep spreading the cheer and love.

[@NendouHoudan]

Maximun speech has to be 50 wins at least

[@alfredsayers5969]

The gladiator soundtrack was my jam while studying for CFA exams.

[@Neptune0404]

Since you looked at Blue Eyed Samurai, I feel like there is a precedent for looking at Arcane? Because I *just* finished season 2 and despite a few flaws with the pacing of the final episode loved it as a whole and feel like there is a lot you could talk about. Also hell yeah Gladiator!

[@constantineparaskeva1676]

My Mum God rest her soul always thought “Unleash Hell” was in regards to the Dog 😂

[@RoninRaccoon30]

Bro dropped the entire first third of the movie and thought we wouldn’t notice

[@namugriff]

Fun little fact Derek Jacobi who plays one of the Roman senators also played the part of Claudius in I, Claudius.

[@Morfe02]

Joaquin should won an Award because this role LOL peak of his acting

[@raikun2963]

Why do people idolize ancient Rome? Then this movie makes me understand.

[@ther3aper561]

How did Crowe go from this to Thor: L&T, The Pope's Exorcist, and The Exorcism?

[@andrejmedvec6104]

0:22 why did I just think you are Ryan Reynolds

[@Sharkey1208]

I kept getting distracted cause parts of the score are very similar to The Pirates of the Caribbean theme

[@starwarsprequelsandsequels7582]

Same composer

[@Matkatamiba]

Oh damn never caught that line that they served together and he kept the secret

[@kildougu]

Me as an german speaking person just realising the guy with the head in his hand in the opening scene screaming "ihr seid verfluchte hunde" because of the subtitles for the first time 😂 pronunciation is a little bit off so just a little shame on me

[@graceskerp]

"What we do in life echoes in eternity." Rome's epitaph and promise.

[@giampaolomannucci8281]

yeah, I've been living in Rome for 40 years and I never heard that shit

[@PrinceIsot]

14:34 present a woman that can actually lead and answer a god damn question then you won't have to hold back tears 😂

[@PrinceIsot]

"how often do you think about Rome?" Me: Strength and Honor!!!!!

[@Kilonovae]

This movie is absolutely one of my favorites. Hesitant to see G2 because I am worried it will affect how I like this movie.

[@ParkerSutherell]

“ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED BY THIS VIDEO”

[@grantpowell4135]

Me - 😊

[@gojizillakong]

EGA Godzilla Minus One when

[@jordanlynch9683]

Oh i've been waiting for this one! Can you get Troy on the list?

[@grantpowell4135]

I watched this in my art class in high school cried in front of my classmates lol. Such a film

[@ryanli8371]

First he (Phoenix) kills his father with his chest via asphyxiation, then he kills his mother with a pillow via asphyxiation. Am I seeing a pattern?

[@Canadian_Zac]

I hate the opening battle Just because the tactics are... just so BAD Unleash the archers and balista, amazing, get them off their defence and towards you... Wh.. why are your guys advancing into the shooting? Why are the cavalry charging through a forest Why are they still shooting when they'e engaged!? It should be: Shoot them so they have to charge out of the forest, when they get close to the infantry, archers stop shooting, infantry launch Pila and Counter Charge After they're fully engaged, the cav charges OUT of the forest into the clearing to slam into the rear

[@CinemaWins]

All true, but also my understanding is that catapults are siege weapons for walls and castles and would be completely useless in the woods. So when I saw those it was just kinda like..."ohhhhh so we're just doing rule of cool here."

[@Arastraza]

Lee, I'm begging you since I'm so early but please do a EGA About The Nice Guys !! It needs so much recogniztion !

[@QuinnMillner]

I watched the movie yesterday night, a minor spoiler but I love how in opposition of the start of the original gladiator the main character starts as a “barbarian” being conquered by the Romans and how he is on the exact opposite side of the empire. The original started in the North, the second starts in the south

[@roundlakerailfan6853]

EGA An American Tail* EGA Balto EGA Bolt EGA Cats Don't Dance EGA Despicable Me 2 EGA Despicable Me 3 EGA Despicable Me 4 EGA Hotel Transylvania* EGA Ice Age* EGA Over the Hedge EGA PAW Patrol: The Movie EGA PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie EGA Ratchet & Clank EGA Robots EGA Shark Tale EGA Sing 2 EGA Space Jam EGA Star Wars: The Clone Wars EGA Thunderbirds EGA Tom & Jerry: The Movie (1993) EGA Trolls: World Tour EGA Trolls: Band Together (*And videos for the sequels)

[@kryger4840]

Impeccable timing lmao. I decided to watch Gladiator for the first time 4 hours ago. Thanks for the video :)

[@andrejmedvec6104]

Literally wathced it just 12 hours ago

[@baz8526]

is Hans Zimmer 'always a win', because he should be.

[@HFFCANADA]

There's a series that I almost forgot about that was acted quite well. It was called. "Roman Empire This Netflix docudrama series is an anthology, with each season telling a different story" 3 seasons that play out alot like Rome and features each season with Commodus Ceaser and Caligula. Quite excellent

[@Brockbuiltmore]

i can assure you: gladiator is not gorey. now maybe at the first arena battle yeah, but its not that bad.

[@Brockbuiltmore]

but that also the problem: OF COURSE it has to be a violent movie. you just cant make a movie about ancient rome and the history of gladiators with it.

[@MrEJC53-gj9fh]

Why Not All Parts?

[@li32150]

Beacuse it's that good!

[@TalesZuliani]

É ASSIM QUE MEU FUSCA ANDA

[@lucaslopesmedina3948]

É assim que ele vai parar!!

[@ZombieSalesman]

Just the first act of Gladiator alone is better than the majority of Gladiator 2. Nostalgia not withstanding, Gladiator is the better movie, ten times over. Maybe a director's cut can save 2 down the line.

[@RegularGuyism]

Nothing will save Ridley Scott. He's WASHED!

[@TheLanceUppercut]

I struggled to get through Gladiator 2. It's the same story as the first Gladiator, but with far less interesting characters. Also, Maximus is not Lucius' father. One of Maximus' defining characteristics is his love for his wife. He didn't father Lucius. Fuck that.

[@connorgonzalez4023]

Also, I think it's a fairly well-known story by now, but the "are you not entertained" line was ad-libbed. The story I heard is that Ridley made him keep doing that scene over and over again for a bunch of takes because it didn't quite feel right. Crowe got frustrated and basically rage-quit in character and it made it into the final cut.

[@patrickspencer6550]

You know, in case you’re doing the Back to the Future films next year for its 40th anniversary, I could give you a few notes.

[@JoeTheCroatian]

I rewatched this last night and came to the channel straight afterwards cause I assumed this film had been covered so this is definitely one of the best subscriber notifications I’ve gotten

[@HistoryfortheAges]

I am a History professor and made a movie review of Gladiator II. They did not have sharks in the water, or ride Rhinos! I know some folks don’t really care about historical accuracy of movies, but if you are curious and wanted to know what fact was and what was fiction you can give it a watch! Even if you are not planning on watching the movie, watching my video is a fun way to learn about some Roman History.

[@HistoryfortheAges]

I also have a video that does the same for the first Gladiator movie!

[@baileygroves6197]

Really hope we get a EGA about Deadpool & Wolverine soon.

[@jamesodwyer4181]

Looking forward to part two. My partner, friends, and I watched Gladiator 2 recently, then immediately went back to rewatch #1. 2 Was fun, an interesting extension to the story with some amazing combat set-pieces etc, but Gladiator 1 still stands in a league of its own. I look forward at some point in the future of watching them back-to-back.

[@PrinceIsot]

People get mad about Empires making lands "civil" but do you really want to worry about a feudal/tribal society and not knowing if the Tainos just visited to trade peacefully or if it's Aztecs that picked your tribe to sacrifice to the Sun God???

[@honeybunnyhanni1931]

I'm German and I needed the closed captions to even make out the words "Ihr seid verfluchte Hunde!" The pronunciation is terrible 😅 Verflucht actually means cursed but in this context it's more like "damned dogs". Though the f word is probably even more accurate here

[@TheLanceUppercut]

Why they'd be speaking any contemporary German in 180 A.D. is kinda silly

[@montelvontaviouspore]

Just Imagine Everything Great About Big Trouble In Little China ❤😅🙏

[@starwarsprequelsandsequels7582]

Yes

[@Shay-li3zv]

Week 14 of counting the number of times I've asked for Kimi no Na wa. Please do a video on it.

[@jwilliams3170]

Yep I’m watching Gladiator again

[@starwarsprequelsandsequels7582]

My favorite Ridley Scott movie that has only one flaw

[@dannybob42]

Prometheus wasn't human either though, he was a titan

[@connortownsend9153]

When will we get everything great about aliens !

[@joels5150]

Gladiator was a really good movie. As it happens my local theater has a secret movie screening offer where you pay a discount price a few weeks in advance and then just show up to find out what you paid for. Turned out that the secret movie I saw on Monday wound up being Gladiator II. 🙄. It was very much a member-berries experience. Several callbacks to this film, including just some overt scenes just being reused. There were a couple good performances and some entertaining spectacles, but overall, it was trying to hard to recapture the feel of this better film and it came up short, IMO. 🤷‍♀️

[@GasparGa]

I just came home from watching that actual hot garbage called Gladiator 2 and I need some of this nostalgia to feel better.

[@nathangonzalez9710]

Fun fact the chanting you hear from the germanic tribes prior to the battle is actually a sample from the movie "Zulu" staring sir Michael Cane about the battle of Roarks Drift. The movie used men from the actual Zulu tribe to do the war chants in that movie. Ridley Scott is a big fan of the movie and so am I tbh.

[@lukemurray6058]

3:57 that is the exact reason why I switched from him to you years ago. We should point out the good in movies, not the extreme critical bad of it

[@kischaa]

Gladiator is one the best movies ever

[@hamdialihassan1048]

Unpopular opinion but Marcus Aurelius is the true villain in this movie. He gave Maximus a job knowing full well his psycho son would loose his mind and do something crazy, he’s the one who raised Commodus so that should tell u something and like cinemawins pointed out he should’ve eased his son into it. Never thought Dumbledore could let me down so.

[@TheLanceUppercut]

I don't think that makes him the villain, that just makes him an exceptionally shitty father. He's a big reason (probably the biggest reason) why Commodus becomes the villain, but Commodus is still most certainly the villain.

[@averagejoe77_]

Just finished Gladiator 2!!! Can’t wait to watch this vid. Such a great channel!!!!!!

[@patricksmith2295]

Thank you for finally doing this, it's one my favorite movies!!

[@Samurai_maniac]

The world is at peace knowing you’ve finally made a gladiator video 😁

[@jonathanwhite5132]

The interesting thing is Jouqiun so under perform Commodus, also the Praetorian were the elite legionaries in the Roman army

[@TheSealDribble]

One of the greatest movies ever made.

[@coicenterofinsanity1770]

wins over sins

[@roelantverhoeven371]

should be roma victrix tho.... that's a sin against latin in a movie about rome ;p

[@McSomething15]

Sophomore year of high school, I convinced my government class teacher to watch this movie in class. Everyone was shocked that I managed a convincing argument.

[@user-wk7ve9bh4s]

Everything IS great with Gladiator.

[@starwarsprequelsandsequels7582]

Except only one thing

[@alexfrost2799]

In a similar vein to this movie, can you do 'the Last Samurai' next? It's a unique bit of historical fiction that is set in an extremely unique time in history: Meiji Restoration-Era Japan.

[@starwarsprequelsandsequels7582]

The movie in which an extra got kicked in the nuts by a horse?

[@Chris-rg6nm]

Stop making Parts 1 and 2 to get double views.

[@willowhofmann7409]

EGA Braveheart/Outlaw King, perhaps?

[@starwarsprequelsandsequels7582]

Braveheart is the only movie directed by gibson I have

[@DXGHunter]

Everything GREAT about Hellboy? (Ron Pearlman Hellboy)

[@blackmanta66]

Its so funny, i have been looking back into gladiator for first time in years only yesterday, and you blessed me with this video today, i was disappointed because i checked whether you had already done a video for this film and i was forced to look at the negatives with sins 😂

[@erichfiedler1481]

Everything GREAT about Transformers One and The Wild Robot and Wonka and Wish and West Side Story

[@ThatCanadianfilmmaker]

Day 5 of asking for the greatest showman

[@FIRE_BOMB1]

Everything GREAT About Hazbin Hotel!

[@poodlemeister22314]

Well, since you mentioned it.. When are we doing Last of the Mohicans?

[@lakibrain]

Please do Van Helsing (2004)

[@timbarney4941]

Deadpool Wolverine

[@grantpowell4135]

Cinemawins casually mic dropped cinemasins lol

[@starwarsprequelsandsequels7582]

?

[@grantpowell4135]

​@starwarsprequelsandsequels7582 at 3:51 he says not even the sins guys caught it. In case your wondering

[@starwarsprequelsandsequels7582]

@@grantpowell4135ok

[@RomeBernstein]

Love this movie and cant wait for part 2 and deadpool and wolverine

[@SPR-bk3tf]

Glorious video.