GLADIATOR - MOVIE REACTION - FIRST TIME WATCHING

Today we are watching Gladiator! Enjoy!
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I have no intent on claiming this footage as my own. I am simply providing commentary and constructive feedback.

[@watchoutjackie3063]

Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus was amazing! He did a fabulous job at making you hate his character. Beautiful movie, great cast, one of my favorite all time movies

[@jmwilliamsart]

When Commodus talked about what happed to Maximus’s wife and son, it made my blood boil 😡. I wanted to snatch the life out of Commodus right then and there ( I wanted to murder that guy). I can only imagine what Maximus must’ve been feeling.

[@znk0r]

He made me feel sympathy for him in certain scenes. He basically was always searching for love and respect but had no idea how to do it.

[@dsfddsgh]

I wonder if George R R Martin based Joffrey on Commandus? They have a lot in common and are horrible people.

[@krashd]

Joaquin is an incredible actor and one thing he can't stand is people telling him that. His stance is that a movie takes hundreds, or sometimes thousands, of people to come to fruition and it disgusts him that only actors and the top crew members (director, cinematographer, etc) get accolades and adulation. He believes that everyone who works on a movie from the carpenters that build the sets to the personal assistants that run errands should be given not just a credit at the end of the movie but an acknowledgement when awards are given. He hates the Academy awards for this reason and once called them 'bullshit' after being nominated to win one. Crew members on his movies love him because he often stays on set and chats with them during scenes whereas the majority of actors would normally head to their trailer.

[@Ezekielepharcelis]

@@krashd You just sadly cannot get a Focus on hundreds or thousands of people that have been working on a project... maybe as a special "making of".

[@joshuawoodbridge6267]

I love how everyone is willing to carry him at the end, rich, poor, soldier, leaders, slaves, brought together by his words, his actions and his cause.

[@MikeHesk742]

"Who will help me carry him?" is just one of those lines that makes people break. Up there with "I will tell you how he lived"

[@sirjohnmara]

And NO ONE carried Commodus.

[@calebcox3827]

Lucius was also one of the first to step up, young as he was.

[@zebrion5793]

Gladiator is a timeless movie. No matter how many times you watch it, there's always some new masterful acting to catch. EVERYONE killed it.

[@mikaelgelsingcarlsen9994]

Russel Crowe really takes on his role 500% in this movie

[@philipocallaghan]

THIS IS ROME!

[@jamesalexander5623]

Easily his greatest .... But Master and Commander comes really close and I mean a Hair's Breath!

[@bradpriebe9218]

This is one of those movies that surprises a lot of people that think it's not the kind of movie they'd normally watch. Brilliantly directed, fantastic cinematography and wonderful acting. The fact that at the end Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) is almost universally despised by anyone watching this movie is a testament to his acting ability.

[@Muck006]

A completely forgotten piece in a similar vein is "The Name of the Rose" with Sean Connery ... and a very weird plot.

[@Steve_Hickman]

Jack Gleason, who played Joffrey on Game of Thrones, says he modeled his performance off that of Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Commodus.

[@Crazy_Diamond_75]

@@Steve_Hickman Did he really? I mean, it's the perfect role to take inspiration from, given that character. Obviously he also did an amazing job, despite my otherwise mixed feelings for that series.

[@barniem3148]

The late great Oliver Reed did such a fantastic job as Proximo - one of my favourite character arcs in cinema, very well written. "Proximo, are you in danger of becoming a good man?" is still to this day one of my favourite movie quotes. For those that didn't know, he died mid way through shooting Gladiator, so the final shots of him during the jail breakout were essentially CGI using footage prior to his death. Shame he was never able to see the masterpiece he helped create in it's final form.

[@richardscanlan3167]

Oliver Redd was great playing drunkards - probably the best there's ever been. ofc,he wasn't acting,he was just being himself.

[@Michael-D.-Williams]

That means it wasn't 'very well written', doesn't it? It was well improvised later by the director and script editor, using footage of a great actor. Gladiator was a mess as a script, and had to be dramatically simplified to end up with a coherent story.

[@jlog1c]

I always remember this being the first time I truly appreciated someone playing a villain so well that I absolutely hated them. I was fairly young and found myself with feeling some spite towards Joaquin himself and it really clicked later that it was just because he did such an amazing job. He really made me look at actors differently.

[@unimatrix0169]

Denzel Washington as the cop in Training Day affected me the same way. I hated that character and couldn't wait for him to die. I remember I kept thinking 'somebody just shoot him already' throughout the movie.

[@Dash277]

“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” - Marcus Aurelius. A great movie and I always think of it as an excellent example of Stoicism. Maximus had a lot happen to him, and he was amazingly composed considering it all.

[@Ailurophile1984]

I would dispute that. If Maximus really were a Stoic then he wouldn’t be driven by vengeance, which is a passion

[@trevorlambert4226]

@@Ailurophile1984 Yup. Wouldn't have made a very satisfying movie for most people, however.

[@voltcorp]

modern readings of stoicism are just neoliberal coach-like washing of a deeply and systemically depressing and oppressive society. there is intelligence in passion and emotion just as much as in rationality. don't fall for made-up cultivated identities.

[@trevorlambert4226]

@@voltcorp "The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury" This is a direct quote from Marcus Aurelius, not a "modern reading of stoicism". Please explain how this sentiment is compatible with the themes presented in this movie.

[@eXcommunicate1979]

@@trevorlambert4226 I'm not that guy, but the moment @29:28 is one I'd consider a good example of Maximus being unlike he who performed the injury.

[@cjleach3442]

A sad story about the making of the movie. The actor for Proximo (the slave owner guy who was formerly a gladiator) died shortly after they finished filming. So they went back in and gave him a death scene to honor the actor. That's why his death scene was framed the way it was. His final lines, "Shadows and dust" was actually one of his earlier takes when he was yelling it to Maximus where he just said it quietly after Maximus entered the arena. They just edited the scene to be darker so it looks like he said it before they killed him for helping Maximus. They also added him walking to the cell in front of the centurions to give them a reason to kill him. The actor, Oliver Reed, was nominated posthumously for the BAFTA Best Actor in a Supporting role for his portrayal of Proximo in this movie.

[@fullmoonprepping4024]

I was pretty sure Oliver Reed died while filming and his death scene was done the way it was with a double. I'll have to look deeper.

[@Enrique-Garcia]

@@fullmoonprepping4024 pretty sure that's the case, I've never before heard this story about Reed being "honored" with a rewrite.

[@fullmoonprepping4024]

@@Enrique-Garcia BTW that guy was a frickin old school actor/soldier . . . . . he could out-party anybody!

[@Enrique-Garcia]

@@fullmoonprepping4024 oh I'm very aware, Reed's drinking is the stuff of legends 😁

[@PainInTheS]

I think there was some cgi involved in those last Proximo scenes.....like they did with Paul Walker in The Fast and the furious. Oliver Reed left on a high note with this one. Himself a gladiator actor of the old guard and a character scoundrel/gentleman without equal except for his buddy in drinking crime Peter O'Toole. Their stories are entertainment on par with their acting achievements......a riot to hear. 🤣

[@vetarlittorf1807]

There are a few historical inaccuracies in this movie. 1. Catapults were only used for sieges and would not have been used in a forest. 2. Rome was not founded as a Republic. It started as a kingdom. 3. Marcus Aurelius never wanted to restore the republic. 4. Gladiator games were never that bloody. They had rules, referees and people rarely died.

[@DjapeKostic]

It's so adorable how polite you are even when almost swearing

[@MusicalJackknife]

You mentioned the acoustics: Romans and Greeks were experts at building arenas and amphitheaters that would amplify the natural voice. I've heard there are some where you can stand in a certain place and speak at a normal volume, and be heard clearly at another spot at the opposite end!

[@jimphimister3351]

Epidaurus in Geece. I have sat at the top and heard every word.

[@NewBritainStation]

@@jimphimister3351 Yep. Same thing at Caesarea in Israel.

[@Reblwitoutacause]

"What a sweet dog!" Girl. 😂 that's not a dog. That's a War Hound. That said, he is a very good boy 🐶

[@eXcommunicate1979]

The goodest of bois, who is now catching Frisbees in Elysium.

[@OPlives]

"It's wild to me that this is entertainment" speaking of the fight scenes while getting entertained by the same fight scene 2 seconds later. I love it.

[@GeorgeTropicana]

Women

[@shredd5705]

@@GeorgeTropicana Difference is in ancient Rome it was real people dying, here we know it's effects. I wouldn't watch this, if it wasn't effects

[@OPlives]

@@shredd5705 That's a good point, except people back there did not have access to the infinite number of entertainment of today's world. Even if that doesn't matter, the fact that the fights have a story, people to root for, villians, and so on makes it easily seen as entertainment.. Short answer: different times different rules, are you not entertained?

[@shredd5705]

@@OPlives True, but this movie isn't very accurate. Gladiators didn't usually fight to the death, because training good gladiators wasn't easy or cheap. They ended the fight before death, after striking first blood, so the loser could fight again. Not always, but often. The weapons were also such, that hits created visible blood, but didn't actually cut deep at internal organs. Ancient Rome in general was very violent place, many emperors were murdered in coups, after they had first taken power by murdering someone else. Repeat ad nauseam. On the other hand, people watch drone videos from Ukraine as entertainment all the time. For example it seems the news outlet "The Sun" has struck a goldmine with that. When you think they deserve it, people are suddenly prepared to see real deaths. The footage is fuzzy though, I don't think it would be as popular if it was detailed close-ups. People are distanced from those brutal times, and I think it's a good thing

[@DavidGowers]

@@shredd5705 what?

[@yorkaturr]

This movie really hits home with all the old virtues of what it means to be a good man and how to act like one. Be strong, take care of your loved ones, have principles and die by them.

[@Cliffster420]

Exactly 👏 The men of today have lost their way

[@sportslife5129]

That ending hits so much more to me since my own daughter's passing 4 years ago. That and "The Shack." Both are extremely hard to watch given the hope that maybe one day I can see her again in a moment that is similar to what's depicted here.

[@ColvyMolvy]

I'm sorry for your loss ❤

[@pauldryburgh6346]

Oliver Reed played Proximo. He is a British Legend who died in a Maltese bar during filming whilst drinking with Royal Navy sailors. RIP Ollie. Hans Zimmer involved Lisa Gerrard for the singing language she created. Please watch Hans Zimmer Lisa Gerrard live in Vienna - Now We are Free. Beautiful. Keep expanding your reactions, they're a joy to watch. Be well, cheers from Scotland 🍻❤

[@Quixotic1018]

Wow I saw an interview with Richard Harris (Marcus Aurelius) where he said he got in a lot of bar fights. I wonder if Oliver Reed shared adventures with him. Souunds like a wild bunch

[@mrdavid42]

So satisfying to see them carry Maximus out with honor and left the emperor in the dirt.

[@Ccarnage8]

The man who played "Proximo" died during filming. They had enough footage that they superimposed his head into scenes filmed by others. They did an amazing job that many can't tell. Especially for 2000 and the lack of the possible digital effects

[@peppypaladin8842]

Still an absolutely LEGENDARY movie. P.S. Joaquin Phoenix yelling "AM I NOT MERCIFUL!" was adlibbed...made Connie Nielson almost jump out of her skin for real.

[@evrencagin]

Joaquin Phoenix was great with acting as the evil emperor. Most actors can be anticipated to act as a good character, but acting as evil takes a great artistry. As he did in Joker.

[@dgillphotos]

"We will see you again, but not yet." - One of the best closing lines ever! Joaquin Phoenix - out of his mind amazing - so crazy, so scary. He went from this to make his own experimental film "I'm not there". The early 2000's had this and Ocean's 11, Monster's Inc. and so many other amazing films. Joaquin Phoenix is one of my favorite actors - he completely disappears into his roles. "Busy little bees" - one of the scariest lines ever. So good! A good cry every time. "We will see you again, but not yet."

[@PiraticalBob]

Speaking of the cast, it was Oliver Reed's last movie - - he died during the filming. Derek Jacobi played the Senator - - and Jacobi was made famous for playing the emperor Claudius (who Commodus spoke of in the movie) in the BBC TV version of Robert Graves's novel *I, Claudius.* Whenever I re-watch this movie I always choke up whenever Maximus is walking through the wheatfield, his hand running over the wheat stalks. Wonderful image. Commodus really was a horrible emperor, especially in comparison to his father and grandfather, Marcus Aurelius and Antoninus Pius, who were two of the best emperors that Rome ever produced.

[@gerstelb]

Derek Jacobi is amazing no matter what he’s in. He’s done Shakespeare, Good Omens, Doctor Who, and The Secret of NIMH.

[@jimphimister3351]

I, Claudius - full of brilliant actors. And the box set worth having.

[@PiraticalBob]

@@gerstelb And Brother Cadfael.

[@zedwpd]

I loved him in Oliver

[@PiraticalBob]

@@zedwpd He did a good job as Billy Bones in the Charlton Heston version of *Treasure Island.* And he will never be forgotten for playing Athos in the Richard Lester Three Musketeers movies.

[@MrDevintcoleman]

The mention of acoustics made me remember a story about the insane engineering of the Mayan Empire. Still, today, at some sites, if someone whispers from the place the priests would have stood, you can hear it everywhere below. It’s an ancient version of that room in the Capitol of the US.

[@ianb7505]

This is maybe my favourite movie from my childhood, I remember watching it over and over, I've seen it hundreds of times and every single time I enjoy it so much, this movie is one of the best movies eeeeeveeeeer

[@Flastew]

This is one of those movies that you can watch many times. Most of the main characters were real even though this story isn't but still a great story. Very cool reaction young lady.

[@stevenkies802]

Thumbs up actually comes from the Gladiatorial games. Caesar gave thumps up to spare a defeated gladiator who'd fought well. There was no thumbs down though. Death was actually indicated by a horizontal thumb.

[@bossfan49]

"I HATE HIM SO MUCH!!" That's the idea. Can't have a great hero without a great villain.

[@johnanthony2333]

I know this will sound extremely silly, but Joaquin Pheonix did such an amazing job portraying Commodus and made me hate his character so much that it took me years to watch another one of his movies. That's a true story hahaha

[@Billinois78]

You've seen Alien, Blade Runner [EDIT: you haven't seen that one but I'm sure you will because how can you not] and now Gladiator. Another Ridley Scott movie you might like is a fantasy called Legend, starring Tom Cruise in an early role, around the same time as Top Gun. It also stars Mia Sara (Ferris Bueller's girlfriend) and Tim Curry.

[@alextan1478]

Addie hasn't seen Blade Runner (1982) yet, the last Ridley Scott movie that she reacted to was The Martian (2015).

[@Elurin]

I agree, the ending does hit hard. I needed a good cry after that movie. Usually the climax of the story isn't at the end, but in this one, I think it is. And that music! Incredible!

[@MusicalJackknife]

Yes, they used the "thumbs up" sign in Roman gladiator fights, because that's where it actually originated! The emperor (or official in charge maybe) would give thumbs up or down to determine whether someone should be killed or spared.

[@Zorkey]

Gladiator, one of my favorite movies. a true classic by now.

[@magicbrownie1357]

Maximus' death scene is one of my all time favorites. I love how it envisioned his last moments of life. Beautiful.

[@orko714]

The mark of a good actor is how much they can make you hate them.

[@_Some_Guy_]

Awesome reaction! This is definitely a great movie. Winner of 5 Academy awards including best picture and best actor (Russell Crowe).

[@Ccarnage8]

Another Ridley Scott movie is the 2010 Robin hood. Starting Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchette, Oscar isaac, Mark Strong, and a few recognizable others. It was so good! Extended edition obviously.

[@jasongarcia1886]

I really liked that version of Robinhood with Russell Crowe

[@Bjjbhcoa86]

People really dislike that film and I don't understand why... Yeah it is inaccurate but so what? Gladiator is also wildly inaccurate, Robin Hood is not as good as Gladiator as a film of course, but still, I think it is a very good watch.

[@michaelwebster6566]

Last year I got to rewatch this at the cinema and what a thrill it was! Still cry at the end every time 😂

[@jinchoung]

it's really hard to make a character that you hate that much... but joaquin pulled it off. he did an amazing job.

[@TedRader]

My girlfriend, 23 years ago, wasn't thrilled when I picked Gladiator as the movie to go see. She walked out of the theater with tears, happiness, and appreciation

[@Bill-en7kw]

Cute little trivia about this one. When maximus is telling Lucius about his horses, he uses the latin for silver and scout. Those are names of the horses for the Lone ranger and Tonto

[@WarlordX7]

ive seen this movie a dozen times over the years and every time i cant help but tear up. its a masterpiece, a true classic.

[@dizpatcher01]

I think this was one of your best reaction videos. You were SO invested in the characters. Your hate for Commodus so real. Very cool. Gladiator is a classic and you made it a lot of fun.

[@TheToscanaMan]

Yeah Addie... the ending hits hard. I've watched this a lot and I am always a wreck at the end. A visually stunning movie, well directed with a great cast.. I like it so much that I even have the soundtrack haha. Nice reaction ❤☮🙏 We mortals are but shadows and dust. Shadows and dust, Maximus.

[@nathanwilliams2152]

Derek Jacobi as Gracchus, and Samuel West as Gaius were brilliant additions - and the great Oliver Reed as Proximo was the icing on the cake. The line "I did not pay good money for you for your COMPANY!! I paid it so I could profit from your death!" was beautifully delivered. It was such a shame he died before the filming was complete.

[@albertaguy4817]

Russel Crowe said that one of his first scenes was at the starting battlefield, where Ridley tells him the scene has him spot a little bird, that flys off to the side, then you return your gaze to the battlefield where stuff is about to go down. We all know this scene and the look on his face as his smile at the bird, turns to determination. Russel says to Ridley... " what do you think of that take...", Ridley says " We are going to do fucking great together mate..." Oscar for Best Picture says Ridley was right!

[@4302arod]

Hi Addie! I'm glad to see you finally watched Gladiator. It is definitely an amazing movie. Other epic movies like Gladiator are Braveheart with Mel Gibson, The Patriot with Mel Gibson, The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise and The Last of the Mohicans with Daniel Day Lewis. You will love all of them.

[@Eidlones]

Gladiators were basically the celebrities of the time. Around half of all gladiators were free men who willingly signed up. Usually fights would go to first blood, since a high ranking gladiator was more useful alive than dead, but many went to the death They did many things, from straight 1-on-1 combat, to recreating battles (whether fair or not, the worse/less noteworthy gladiators put on the losing side since they're expendable), fights with animals, killing prisoners who were scheduled to be executed, etc.

[@Nimbus1701]

This movie is in my top 10 all time. Not sure if you watch many television series, either on your own time, or on your channel; but there is a certain character in Game of Thrones who modeled his character greatly off of Joaquin Phoenix's character of Emperor Commodus from this film. He was a child actor at the time and let me tell you...... everyone felt the same way about him as you did about Commodus' character in this film.

[@totomomo18]

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

[@TheSYPHERIA]

Addie, this is the PERFECT segway into the movie "BRAVEHEART" -- Please react to BRAVEHEART next, it's just like this but a little better and I say that begrudgingly because I love this movie.

[@cjleach3442]

Addie: "This isn't a movie I would typically choose to watch myself" Me: "Oh she's going to be in tears at the end of this movie!!" Is my prediction correct???

[@Gazer75]

One of the best movies ever made IMO. And its aging extremely well.

[@martinklaus2203]

One of my top 5 favorite movies. The scene where Maximus rides back to Spain, and camps out in the rocky out cropping is one of my favorite camping spots in California called Alabama Hills. Countless movies and commercials (Transformers is but one) have been filmed there because of its rocky unique landscape.

[@Crazy_Diamond_75]

"Now We Are Free" always just, ugggh. Rips my heart out. It hits right in the bittersweet/nostalgic core of my emotions. You ever get that awful feeling after reading a good book, where you wish you could go back to the beginning not knowing the end? That song is like the perfect encapsulation of that feeling.

[@TheTudorPrincess]

It is stunning in it sounds like what you imagine Heaven to sound and by having it sung in an otherworldly language it’s relatable to anyone who believes in an afterlife. The film is an old school epic and despite been over 2 decades old holds up so stunningly.

[@Steve_Hickman]

*Fun Fact:* The scene where Commodus asks, "Am I not merciful?", he was only meant to say it once. Joaquin Phoenix then improvised, leaned down and shouted it in Connie Nielsen's face, who was in shock as he did this, which is why she looks genuinely scared.

[@indica0nz]

The old Emperor at the start was based on Marcus Aurelius Antoninus the last of the 5 great Romans Emperors. He wrote some books we call "Mediations" personal dairies of self improvement and moral action, they are a real testament to the man who, as the Emperor of the largest empire in the world, spent his much free time trying to be a more just, fair and wise man and ruler. Russel Crows character is in many way a personification of the lessons in "mediations" and some of his lines are quotes from the book.

[@tarzapopohead]

Watching this in the theater on opening day was an experience in itself.

[@nathancline4000]

One of the few movies I saw multiple times in the theater. That opening battle is incredible on the big screen, and then the movie just gets better from there.

[@steves2241]

This is one of the best movies ever made. The acting was unreal, they were so good you thought they were real people. And it did win best picture, Russell Crowe also won best actor. I am a 63 year old man and very few movies touch me they way this one did. I rarely ever shed a tear for anything, when my Father and Mother passed away is about all I can remember crying about. But at the end of this movie I had some tears in my eyes, it was that good. I have watched it 2 or 3 times, and I still cry a little at the end of the movie, and believe me, that is rare. I used to make fun of people who cry over a movie, and then I do it for this movie, go figure.

[@johnthorsson1515]

While not the most historically accurate movie ever, one thing this movie nails is Comidus. He really did fancy himself as a would-be gladiator. And when he would fight, he would always rig the contest.

[@drgee1120]

One detail many don't notice about Maximus stating that the danger to the cavalry was acceptable was that he was part of the cavalry. He was not willing to make the cavalry take any risk he wasn't willing to make himself.

[@thejamppa]

Richard Harris is so good as Marcus Aureulius. This movie inpisred me to actually go read Marcus Aurelius' book: Medidations as soon as I finished the movie. That was mindblowing book for 13 year old. But the movie is just awesome. Actors giving some of the spine chilling moments, the music... one of the greatest films ever done.

[@erichebert5824]

What do you want to talk about? VIbrant music? Captivating cinematography? Dashing action? Passionate romance? This movie has it all. Can't think of many better movies than this one. A true classic.

[@leosarmiento4823]

There's a reason that this film won 5 of 12 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects. Great reaction to a great film.

[@HelloThere.GeneralKenobi]

Happy to see you enjoying all of your experiences with new movies, new genres, etc. It's fun sharing all of this with you. Besides Saving Private Ryan, Squid Game, you get a taste of a different battle and with a different kind of brutality. You took it in stride like a veteran of these kinds of movies. Blood you handle well. Snakes.... that's tough to get past!! You are not alone in hating and despising Commodus. The script only goes so far, the personal performance is what makes you cheer against the villain! Someone is likely to have mentioned this but another actor you have already come across... here he was the slave trader and in The Mummy he was the first victim of the scarab, the actor is named Omid Djalili Looking forward to whatever you have coming next. Take care, Addie.

[@alextan1478]

She's ophidiophobic (afraid of snakes). If you watch her reaction to the Indiana Jones movies, The Empire Strikes Back, T2, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, you'll know what I'm referring to.

[@3dbadboy1]

Want another Ridley Scott period piece? Watch Kingdom of Heaven with Orlando Bloom ... extended edition of course (I think there's an extended edition, lol).

[@aaronburdon221]

Yes, there is and it's SO MUCH better than the regular edition. Gives you quite a bit of context into decisions made.

[@noone1704]

I love that movie and Eva Green is amazing

[@Citizen88020120820]

Yes if the Extended edition was the only edition it would have gotten more praise. The cut down version is messy

[@thewarriorallday4013]

Great film!

[@russellward4624]

I think its the directors cut. definitely better.

[@BobLeach_DarkWolf]

"They like him". Well yeah. As should every person in the world. He's the epitomy of strength and honor.

[@sword_of_light]

I always forget what heavy hitters this movie brings to its supporting cast. Derek Jacobi, Richard Harris, Oliver Reed. And you should recognize Djimon Hounsou - the African gladiator Juba - as Korath the Pursuer in Guardians of the Galaxy ("Star Lord" "...who?") and Captain Marvel.

[@BobLeach_DarkWolf]

Only 3 minutes in and this is one of the best edits. Hitting all the right points. :)

[@krashd]

25:14 The "thumbs up" thing actually started in Rome, specifically for gladiator games in the Colloseum. When the last standing gladiator had to decide whether to kill his final defeated opponent the crowd would use thumbs up or thumbs down to signal whether they wanted the defeated opponent to live or die. Similarly the last gladiator's fate would be decided by the emperor doing a thumbs up or thumbs down as to whether the successful gladiator lived to fight another day or was killed by a flurry of arrows.

[@quoniam426]

Ancient amphitheatres HAD very good acoustics, they were designed for that very purpose. Epidoras was so good wth its acoustics that the top rows could here someone flipping a coin in the center as if they were beside it. As for Rome, the Coliseum could accomodate 50 000 spectators, that is as much as an average football stadium nowadays, the way the exists and staircases were placed has nothing to envy to our own stadium designs now. The great arena had a network of rooms and corridors beneath the sage to accomodate special effects, animals. The stage was enclosed in a tub shape space that could be filled with water for fake naval combat !

[@alonzocoyethea6148]

Gladiator is in my DVD collection..It's just a great movie, outstanding acting, sets, and battles...Won the Oscar hands down at the awards..Maximus kickimus buttimus!!

[@redsnorlax1945]

Ive seen this movie hundreds of times and it still gives me chills like 3 times per watch

[@coppercrow5840]

Alright boys, let's have her watch Black Hawk Down

[@JustLiesNOR]

This is the movie I went out and bought a DVD player for back in the day.

[@xXTheVigilantXx]

Addie: "If anything happens to his wife and kid, I'm going to be so mad" Me: "Oh boy......"

[@joshuawells835]

For context, Marcus Aurelius is regarded one of the greatest emperors in the history of Rome. He was the last of the Five Good Emperors (AD 96-180) and the last emperor of the Pax Romana. He gained a legacy as a philosopher king. In comparison, the reign of Emperor Commodus is marked as the end of the Pax Romana. While there were less military conflicts than during his father's reign, Commodus' reign was full of political strife, masked by his gladiatorial games.

[@Blackflame24]

I absolutely love Gladiator. As a 33 year old man, I have no shame in saying this is the movie that makes men cry.

[@aaditkhan728]

I mean I know Russell Crowe got an Oscar for his performance in this masterpiece but I really enjoyed Joaquin's character as well.

[@smily4]

We appreciate you branching out from your usual genres and films to watch these classics, and all the movies you have watched and will watch! Gladiator is one where even men usually cry at the end (I know I do!). Hans Zimmer (with Lisa Gerrard) getting it absolutely 1000% right with the music again, as he always does, and Djimon Honsou with a great, heartfelt role as well... Gladiator won the Oscar for Best Picture and Russel Crowe won one as well, I believe. Joaquin Phoenix I think unanimously played a great, hateable villian that everyone hates with a passion. Most villians will have some fans here and there, but I haven't seen anyone who likes Commodus. Great reaction! We will see each other again.... But not yet! P.S. Another good historical war movie that is similar to Gladiator, and a good one to watch (though it is also bloody) is "300". Gerard Butler in 300 looks almost exactly the same as Russel Crowe does in this one, ironically.

[@shinmopi]

Totally agree. You're absolutely right on everything :)

[@vordt4139]

I adore this movie. I find something new every time I watch it. Yes the coliseums had incredible acoustics. Its partially why every major sports stadium is in some way, shape, or form a modern coliseum. Just go read up on Michigan States stadium. It was LITERALLY modeled after the Roman Coliseum.

[@shainewhite2781]

Winner of 5 Oscars including Best Picture. Before Russell Crowe was cast as Maximus, Antonio Banderas, Mel Gibson, Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, and Tom Sizemore were considered. Hugh Jackman was even considered for the role but was an unknown actor and had been cast as Wolverine in the live action X MEN movie which Crowe was considered but turned it down a year earlier. The opening battle scene was filmed in Surrey England, the gladiator training school was filmed in Morocco and finally the scenes involving Ancient Rome were filmed in Malta which 19 weeks to film. Filming began in January 1999 and wrapped in May of that year. Oliver Reed, who played Proximo, died of a heart attack on May 2, 1999. The film was dedicated in his memory. Russell Crowe had sustained several injuries during filming and almost died as a result and nearly got himself killed by the tiger while he was fighting Tigris Of Gaul.

[@seanwallace89]

This is my favorite film. I saw it for the first time when I was 10 w my older sister, and Maximus epitomizes the type of man I have always admired. Great reaction. I enjoyed it very much!

[@big2033]

LOOOOL what Joaquin Phoenix's performance brings out of the kindest people ...

[@Wezt334]

The Caesar of Rome, The Head of Hogwarts, The Priest of Chateau d’If, I loved Richard Harris as an actor

[@monygemini88]

"I hate him so much!" -Addie Relatable lol

[@nigeldonaldson1647]

The first time I saw this at the cinema, I wasnt sure about many things (having grown up on the old roman epics- QUO VADIS BEN HUR,SPARTACUS etc) because it had been so long since the last film in...1960, the many changes here took a lot of getting used to- very different music, (very Anya/African) instead of the old marching military sound, different armour & general wardrobe, BUT when I did, and understood the changes it was awesome and more believable in some ways than the old films. This version of ancient Rome felt very...worrior like, nearer CONAN THE BARBARIAN, the sense of wonder, & vastness of ancient Rome as an empire (especially in the lingering ariel shots) and beautiful Mediteranian cinematography with sun rises & sets, profound heroism plus great dramatic acting. everything you could want from a film.

[@sanho1988]

I remember how used to watch gladiator battles with my grandpa, good old days. One time when we were sitting in first row i even got splash of blood on my white shirt, its sad that they banned it

[@azawilson1]

Alot of people hating Joaquin Phoenix, but he did a perfect job as playing Commodus he's one of my favorite actors

39:15 Lol, this film is a good introduction to Joaquin Phoenix the actor who played Commodus. You should react to him in _Her_ (2013) with Scarlett Johansson, in _Joker_ (2019) playing Batman's Joker which got him the Academy Award, and _Ladder 49_ (2004) with John Travolta.

[@antarfodoh]

"It's wild to me that this is entertainment" Well.... Are you not entertained? 🤣😂

[@johnwillis4706]

The Princess actually loved Maximus more than anyone save her son. Which is implied was actually Maximus' son. Her releasing him to go to his family, you can by her face, nearly killed her.

[@Rock-n-Rolla369]

“The Last Duel” is fantastic Ridley Scott film. Worth a watch.

[@StinkyGreenBud]

Nah, it really isn't. Drawn out dribble.

[@peterbridges5781]

Great movie, Ridley Scott always makes excellent movies - this, Alien, Blade Runner, 1492 Conquest of paradise, etc etc etc. Great performances by Joaquin Phoenix as Comodus, and by Russell Crowe. Good showing from Richard Harris and Oliver Reed (who died during the filming). because Oliver died, most of what was used with him, was from walk throughs, and rehersals. So his final performances would have been even better. Both the great Oliver Reed and Richard Harris will be much missed. As an aside, my fav Oliver Reed films are the Musketeer movies made in the early 70s. The 3 Musketeers and the 4 Musketeers featured an amazing cast - Oliver Reed, Richard Chambalin, Charlton Heston, Christopher Lee, Michael Yorke, Raquel Welch, Faye Dunaway etc etc etc. Very fun, lots of laughs, great fights, very much worth a watch.

[@MrRyguy2112]

Yup. Onions every time I see the reunion with his wife and son. A certified classic.

[@zhorenlogg]

District 9, demolition man, dredd 2012 are some of other movies you should consider react to

[@fatty1040]

"He has to get some revenge first" Yeah the enjoyment of death is a slippery slope especially when its justice 😂 We are still entertained by it although not real anymore, the infatuation still remains. Great video reaction btw

[@DavidB-2268]

They did use the "thumbs up/down" in the arena, although their meaning were reversed from what they mean now. Thumbs down meant life, and thumbs up meant death. The movie reversed them to avoid confusing modern audiences.

[@BlackieNuff]

"Am I not merciful?" I would agree with that, yes... he is NOT merciful.