Gladiator - The Birth of the Modern Epic

A Matter of film discusses the themes, characters and influence of Ridley Scott's Gladiator in this analysis/review/essay.
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There was a time when Hollywood made movies as big as the Roman Empire: Monumental in scope, the types of films that would swallow an entire afternoon. The era of the Hollywood period epic was indeed out of style for about 40 years. This was the time that came before the birth of the modern blockbuster, and the imminent age of Spielberg, the blazing skyscrapers and sunken ships that ruled movie theaters from the 70’s to the early 2000’s. The “sword and sandal” genre disappeared to favour the sci-fi and visual effects revolution of modern cinema.
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[@AMatterofFilm]

Hey guys, sorry for uploading this video late, we had some technical difficulties while uploading. Anyway we hope you really enjoyed this one. Do you like Gladiator? Tell us, what's your favorite Ridley Scott movie? What about your favorite early 2000's movies?

[@emiliovanilla6833]

A Matter of Film I know it's an unoriginal choice, but Alien is my favorite movie from him by far. It's nostalgic, but is one of those rare movies that has a sci-fi setting that feels real. The Alien is iconic, more than even the Predator.

[@TheLoneChemist]

Hey! Favorite Ridley Scott movie is Alien (basic choice I know). Also, I love your commentary on film. I just started my own channel and I’d love the input of someone who is already great at this. Here’s my first video on American Psycho. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4KwZ5qnibh_qK8

[@nikolakirichev]

A Matter of Film I personally like The kingdom of heaven much more than Gladiator

[@lawrencedockery9032]

+A Matter of Film My favorite Ridley Scott movie and also my favorite movie of the early 2000's is Black Hawk Down. Masterful movie. Intense, brutal, non-stop, great cast, fantastic score from Hans Zimmer and a true story to boot.

[@plumeater1]

Are you not entertained?

[@bradebronson8835]

Gladiator > Every Marvel/DC film ever made and ever will make.

[@bobthejamsandwich5335]

idk about that one chief

[@23pyromaniac]

Easy

[@Ash_Hudson]

@@bobthejamsandwich5335 You don't know much then...

[@blackeesh463]

One is a competently made film,the other two are brands first,movies second.

[@broaddusmarines]

Brade Bronson Gladiator is an absolute classic, but let’s not get crazy.

[@kentvandervelden]

How was my Saturday afternoon spent? I started this video, then watched Gladiator for the first time, and finally watched the remainder of this video. It's been a good day.

[@denachtconducteur7070]

Kent VanderVelden i salute you

[@VRichardsn]

Glad you liked it. It was movie none should miss.

[@NinjaSushi2]

Good you didn't spoil yourself!

[@MeatyGorak]

my god the Now We Are Free song, by Hans Zimmer, that played at the end makes me tear up every time

[@jasmine7744]

Meaty Gorak Me too! Hans Zimmer has made some amazing soundtracks!

[@markomcub820]

Just remember that he didn't get an oscar for that. One more example of oscars being a joke.

[@paolovallejo8022]

don't forget Lisa Gerrard

[@shwetank49]

Me too man I cry like a baby

[@stevenrodriguez9371]

I miss epics like theses :(

[@paxton9892]

Good ones at least. After Gladiator the market was flooded and now we have none

[@Sneakyturtle18]

paxton989 Nowadays Maximus would be a black, trans, gay woman

[@express184]

Gladiator is one of my favorite films of all time. An amazing orchestra, amazing acting, amazing cinematics, amazing story telling, inspirational speeches, a true underdog tale with a perfect blend of love, revenge, struggles and triumphs

[@yetanotheryoutuber4271]

One of the greatest films ever made.

[@Metaphix]

The greatest imo

[@mck7646]

It's up there for me.

[@NinjaSushi2]

It always moves me. I get sad the the Emperor gets murdered by his own son and then betrays Maximus. Atlas the ending is bittersweet when he finally takes his revenge but the people's champion is taken away from them.

[@Metaphix]

my friends after seeing Joker: Dude Joaquin Phoenix is such a good actor! Me, an intellectual: Yeah dude...... i know.

[@ruby.s7509]

😂😂😂

[@kyyy8821]

Yeah I'm so glad I knew him from this rather than with everyone from Joker.

[@krousstille]

@@kyyy8821 Man I watched Gladiator wayy back then and I watched Joker and I didn't even know they were the same actor lol

[@kyyy8821]

@@krousstille yeah he's a great actor

[@chandrakantshinde9999]

In Vence film festival people clapped about 8 minutes for Jaokin Finix for his unbelievable rol in film JOKER Also he won the oscar award for that

[@raeaugustus586]

7:20 - 9:27 Brought a tear to my eye....

[@TheSeriousAnalysist]

the soundtrack is just AMAZING

[@blindlobster]

I love the character of Commodus because his desires are acceptance and love (from Marcus Aurelis/the roman people/Lucilla), while Maximus receives it all without really wanting it (except perhaps with Lucilla for a time) and that acceptance and love are seen as good desires by modern society. Maximus doesn't want these things but Maximus in Commodus's eyes at least, steals all of these things from him. A father's love, the peoples' approval after Commodus set up the gladiator games in the first place and a desired woman's "closeness." Once Commodus is Emperor, whatever Commodus does for love, Maximus receives the love instead... "Okay audience, if you want it, we can kill Tigris, wait what? Maximus is merciful for not killing him? I was doing what you wanted." It is Commodus's desire for acceptance and love (from the roman people) which drives Commodus to fight the most lethal/successful gladiator in the arena for the conclusion. It is extremely dangerous when the alternative method (safely & privately killing) is so much safer and easier. Commodus's logic here is that the people love Maximus because he is the best gladiator, if Commodus beats/kills the best gladiator then the people's love will fall upon him. Commodus's genuine love of Lucius is because Lucius is the only person in Rome who doesn't prefer Maximus to him and that Lucius likes/loves him (even if half-heartedly). The only other person who enjoys his company is Senator Falco, and Falco is a politician. Lucilla says the line "Commodus hates the world," I can't really blame him considering that the world hates him back. His own sister assisted a plot to kill him. Honestly, a person could easily recreate the Gladiator movie where Commodus is the protagonist and Maximus is the antagonist.

[@denachtconducteur7070]

Gladiator favorite movie since 2000. At that time i was 9 and bought Winnie the Pooh and Gladiator on video from my birthday money. Still every year at least one time i watch Gladiator and i try to spread the word of the best movie in the world. That movie never gets old, if anything it gives new insights

[@AMatterofFilm]

Vladimir, it's a great movie! The ending scene with the Hans Zimmer's music. Boy, it gets me every time.

[@zodiac909]

You and I are the same age, and I'll have you know that I spread the word about Winnie The Pooh & Gladiator EQUALLY today in 2020, because EVERYONE needs to know of the existence of these 2 ICONIC HEROS!

[@wcsdiaries]

@@AMatterofFilm how did you make this video without copyright of the soundtracks?

[@anonymousperson3433]

@@wcsdiaries Maybe he payed for it

[@wcsdiaries]

@@anonymousperson3433 that would cost a fortune

[@HILAL19564]

The frost... Sometimes it makes the blade stick. I fucking love that scene

[@McAuley2442]

The music in this movie makes my hair stand on end. Amazing.

[@thegrandadmiral6185]

You should mention the legendary soundtracks created by hans zimmer ! Even after 18 years i still hear "now we are free" and "honor him" for my peace of mind

[@oksraisk8848]

This movie is a masterpiece, everyone must watch

[@AMatterofFilm]

Agree!! Welcome to the Channel :)

[@psychedelian9889]

Stellar performance from Russel Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix

[@AlfredAmeneyro21]

Definitely one hell of a movie. I know some follow ups did not lived to the expectations, but both directors cut of KINGDOM OF HEAVEN and ALEXANDER are quite good (KOH is my personal favorite of the genre). And TROY was good enough to be enojoyable.

[@Justin-ee3im]

Kingdom of Heaven is a great movie, Directors Cut required though

[@stefanchernev4996]

The screenwriter of the film says in the Making of, that this is NOT a film for a revenge, but for coming home...

[@alexusnag]

I think there is something 'archetypal' in the manner of how Maximus lives and struggles in the film. That makes the film to be equal to the notion of epics itself. Anyway, your analysis is very profound! Made my evening.

[@xboxisbetta]

The soundtrack is amazing

[@brndmullin]

Hans Zimmer man. He's unbelievably creative.

[@batshapedheart]

Beautiful video, moving and informative

[@inkno701]

Wow, amazing editing! That ending bit is like the best trailer for anyone who hasn't seen it. Some of my favorite early 2000's movies: Snatch, Shawn of the Dead, The Incredibles, Ocean's Eleven, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Catch Me If You Can, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Old School, Super Troopers, Wedding Crashers, White Chicks, Team America: World Police, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (funny how most of them are comedies)

[@bigz4302]

Gladiator:perhaps the greatest film of our time

[@gelul12]

When Movies were great Joaquin Phoenix was amazing

[@taroman7100]

he was robbed of an Oscar which went to the piss poor nobody actor hispanic brad pitt Benecio del Toro

[@DS-Pakaemon]

@@taroman7100 Phoenix deserved one.

[@blindlobster]

Joaquin Phoenix was a great actor. It was crazy of him to stop acting, to become a rapper instead.

[@gb8243]

blindlobster I don’t get it. Is that a joke?

[@blindlobster]

@@gb8243 No, I'm not joking. Joaquin Phoenix stopped acting to begin a career as a rapper around 2010. He grew the beard, wore the sunglasses etc. You can even see him rapping on KZbin. It sounds crazy, I know but it happened. Joaquin may have started acted again recently but he was a professional rapper in the past.

[@harrisonebertlee]

I like your ending scenes the tie everything together very nicely and makes the person viewing it go through all the waves of emotions of the film.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thanks a lot Dan!

[@OrionP4]

Whew made me tear up buddy.

[@chaddelong998]

still gives me chills. the "i can do anything" feeling. like a proper epic should do.

[@balloonedraccoon2503]

I'm 34, I've seen this movie quite a few times but I just watched it and it's probably been 10 years since I'd seen it last. I was looking for a well thought out review of this movie and boy did I find it! Very good review! Such a great movie and you got yourself a new subscriber!

[@SpecialK234]

So much hate for this film, I've seen around KZbin. Glad to see some appreciation and rememberance for what made us plebs love the swords and sandals epic again, just like the crowds in the colliseum 🙂

[@eodyn7]

huh, I've never seen hate for this film.

[@WildMike]

I know this is 2 years old but just now seeing it. You managed to do something that this film does to me every time I see it. It brought a tear to my eye. This is my favorite film of all time and the most meaningful I've ever seen. It's sad that no other film captures so much like this one. Although I applaud those who truly try and put real effort and passion into their work. Good job on this sir. You've truly brought out the strongest and best points of this film in a very well put together documentary. My hat's off to you.

[@criztu]

it may be that you can't receive what other films have to offer. Apocalypse Now, Unforgiven, The Talented Mr.Ripley, Che?, About Schmidt, Malena, Silent Hill, The Last Samurai, good stuff

[@tenshitv6816]

Just came across your channel and I must say the production value and commentary is so well balanced. It evokes emotion in me as a viewer. Looking forward to more content! All the best~

[@AMatterofFilm]

Hey Lucas! Welcome to the channel and thank you!

[@JoshBortolotti]

The Prestige: Deception. Ambition, Revenge.

[@Shawnspencestar]

Wow this was a great video. Great editing as well.

[@aamiabdulla]

When this movie came out in 2000, I was 10 and I watched it with my brother because he badly wanted to. I loved it then and 18 years later this movie is still one of my all time fav's.

[@insane8]

Beautiful! I really enjoyed this video. I like Gladiator, it's my favorite Ridley Scott movie. It's been almost twenty years now, but people never stopped talking about Gladiator since the movie came out and will never stop because it's truly unique thanks to the wonderful soundtrack by Hans Zimmer, the magnificent performance by Russell Crowe and the inspired direction by Ridley Scott.

[@seangen]

Wow! Your video editing is excellent. Well done!

[@DinnerBells]

Remember seeing it in theatres...an awesome experience.

[@filipefernandes870]

this is my favorite film of all time ever, and I love Star Wars, Alien, Saving Private Ryan, Arnold films, Sylvester films etc. But The Gladiator is nr 1. Masterpiece!

[@LedCepelin]

Wow! Love your channel, and your perspective on movies! Subscribed!

[@KarySR47]

Excellent analysis, but also SO WELL EDITED!

[@hungsolo28]

So glad your channel is getting bigger man !

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thanks man :)

[@alfredpardoe3795]

Amazing movie. Too bad hollywood barely makes these anymore. Its all about big explosions and pretty scenes. No one cares about the art of plot, themes and character. I miss things like this, LOTR, Gladiator, Godfather. :(

[@dmrc43]

This film puts the class in classic. What a gem.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Yes! Have you seen our tribute to the movie? kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZLWfJePgL9ssJo

[@stevenserial4080]

I watched this when it first came out at the cinemas and loved it. Just pure escapism.

[@consolaciongomezbarreiro6030]

Excelente análisis!... creo que es una buena herramienta para ver bajo nuevas perspectivas las historias de las películas, así como motivar a la audiencia para conocer otras películas que ya son parte de la historia del cine. Adelante !!... muchas felicidades!

[@tavish4699]

i really loved the dark setting of germania it sets the tone in all the ways you described and it is also pretty realistic since it gets pretty dark here in winter time

[@nikhilekar]

'My name is Maximum......' will go down as the best dialogues in cinematic history.

[@MrHaloman95]

Maximus Decimus Meridis, the greatest Roman hero who never existed yet his epic will echo in eternity.

[@tyvernoverlord5363]

My name is Maximus Decimus Meridis, commander of the Armies of the North, father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife; and in this life or the next I will have my revenge...

[@lianahall4029]

Your editing is incredible. Great video.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Hey there again :) Glad you found the channel!

[@dandynoble19]

Brothers, what we do in life echoes in eternity! - Maximus

[@Tootswilligers]

As many other music composers have admitted, "We are now in the time of Hans Zimmer." Like Mozart. We should just appreciate his mastery

[@sksksk2940]

Immediately subscribed after watching the video, one of the best review and well regarding to one of the best movie as well. 👏🏼

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thank you and welcome to the channel Sophia!

[@donaldsachse4817]

Gladiator and V for Vendeta are my favorites for movies of early 2000

[@koenma932]

Great video, the ending got me teary :'(

[@Trinity1223]

I love your film assays ...thank you ..well edited 😍😍 U should have more Subs ....ppl lets support people that put some effort in their content

[@AMatterofFilm]

Hey, thank you!

[@johnweber4577]

I think “Braveheart” should share at least some credit for helping to pave the way for “Gladiator”, but I do agree with your sentiments concerning the value of this film. Definitely one of my favorites!

[@marccosta7376]

It's sad and unfair not to mention Hans Zimmer at any moment of the video. Ridley Scott and the cast did a superb job but Zimmer's soundtrack is simply astonishing and timeless.

[@victorbergman9169]

Excellent analysis you must have put a lot of effort!

[@mrholiday13]

I would argue Braveheart was the first film to herald the comeback of the “epic” genre...and I would argue that respectfully, of course.

[@joshd270]

True

[@Sam-lm8gi]

My thoughts exactly. Gladiator is a fantastic film -- one of my favorites -- but Braveheart was really the big one to bring back these blockbuster historical epics. Gladiator even "stole" one of Braveheart's actors (Tommy Flanagan) and I believe Ridley wanted Mel Gibson to play Maximus's role originally... The Conan the Barbarian films, and other sword-and-sandal/sorcery films were big in the 80's, too.

[@mck7646]

Yes Braveheart came first and depending on how I'm feeling day to day I could pick either one as my favorite. Having come after it Gladiator is just more "modern" feeling, it's still an amazing looking movie with a more epic and grand feel to it. Braveheart was groundbreaking but every time I watch it it just feels so 90's to me, in a good way. And there's also more lighter humorous moments in it as well. Both are very brutal and epic movies but right now I'm feeling Gladiator as it's the more recent and best epic film of it's type.

[@theafricanamericanpodcasts5244]

Done it again man, Liked and Subscribed. Well deserved

[@lameguitarguy8489]

My favorite childhood movie. Subbed.

[@LordofDarknessX]

A very specific breakdown... GJ!

[@UmbrellaWatch]

Well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! loved it!!!!!

[@NikhilMenonNayar]

My favorite film of all time!

[@joshgaston7839]

The true theme of Gladiator is that it perfectly displays what it is to be a man. I've always said this movie is my all time favorite but could never pinpoint why exactly. It wasn't until my most recent viewing that I saw it. As I watched and listened to the iconic lines of the film, my wife kept interrupting me to show me funny videos of full grown "men" making dance lip sync videos to Disney songs on TikTok. It was then I realized that this movie is all about what a man is and should be. Maximus exudes all the qualities of proper masculinity and every character serves as a foil to him. Commodus most of all who is a boy in a man's body. Afraid all his life. Believes Maximus is fearless when in reality bravery is the mastering of fear not the absence of it. The one and only time Maximus bows to Commodus and acknowledges he is Emperor is the most powerful. It shows that power and authority do not make you a man, which is what Commodus believes. Quality of character, stoicism, and doing what is right makes you a man and causes others to follow you. Which is why Commodus' own Pratorian guard allow Maximus to leave.

[@MaquiladoraIII]

I've only just discovered this quite excellent channel but noticed there's been nothing uploaded in four years. 😕

[@tomlion0116]

Great Movie, Great Review!!! Greetings from Hungary. ;)

[@ModalRanger94]

Great Video !!!!! You got a brazilian fan !!!

[@Mandolindo]

Excellent work!

[@taroman7100]

I think what stands out about Gladiator is almost ethereal maybe it's because we are of the West with Mother Rome, maybe its the excellent cast, plausible story line and incredible score. ( I often wonder how the score would have sounded had the late Miklos Rozsa gotten his hands on it) however, this is first epic to come along rejuvenating the genre just prior to 911 using in its dialogue words such as strength and honor. We were leaning on such foundations after that fateful day. The affect of Gladiator is still ongoing with series Spartacus, the 300, HBO's Rome, generating great interest in Pompei and the life of gladiators. BUT especially the Italians! We had the good fortune to visit Rome not long after Gladiator's release. I have never seen the Italians so off their butts and all in on the success of the movie. It was something to see. Fast forward to Oscar time--I was on pins when they announced nominees for best actor and picture--this time they got it right. But that cast was robbed especially Joaquin Phoenix and to give best score to Crouching Tiger was a rig. I think because the Douglas Clan was up with Traffic some back door "decisions" had to be made therefore robbing Gladiator of a clean sweep. Awesome job Ridley, your created a classic. And like Ridley said in an interview with 60 Minutes, "f..k 'em."

[@dattarajhiremath6152]

Character of maximus is what to admire in this epic

[@deus_ex_machina_]

6:03 The focus in these otherwise identical scenes is interesting. In the opening, the characters hand is focus, so as to bring the viewers attention to the protagonist. In the other version, the focus on both the wheat and Maximus, so as to signify his connection to the earth. It is also wider the second time 'round, seemingly to amplify his bond.

[@Jakeeey92]

Absolutely amazing historical epic that will only continue to be highly regarded in cinema for years to come

[@tetongerardjaihoffman9645]

This is my all time favorite movie... it broke my heart

[@augustopoliche8908]

Your work is great. Happy to suscribe.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thanks a lot! welcome to the Channel!

[@blakebogstie6020]

Favorite 2000's movie? O' Brother Where Art Thou. People forget that it brought niche genres like Bluegrass and folk gospel music to the mainstream view for years.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll put it on my watch list :)

[@geminivision_films]

Shout out to the camera man in the upper left corner at 5:50

[@chaddelong998]

good eye! that's brilliant.

[@dearmrfrodo]

The idea around 6:00 proposes an interesting idea where Maximus belives he'd live in an afterlife when he dies in the real world; hence, he'd fight with unreserved aggression. It's actually a Celtic idea of death according to Caesar's recording when he tried to explain why Celtic warriors in ancient Gual were ferocious in battles.

[@HailToTheVictor503]

I just saw this movie for the first time today and I loved it!

[@jimnosnow4484]

THIS IS SPARTA!!!!!

[@tiger832]

Well done. Classic.

[@andrewforte3852]

'What we do in life echoes an eternity.' Maximus Decimus Meridius

[@kameronbasseri1953]

VERY well done !

[@arjunbhoomraddi2235]

My favourite film of the early 2000s is Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. Could you also express your thoughts about it please?

[@hungsolo28]

This is so good .

[@Blubiman]

Awesome video!

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thanks Blubman!

[@Andrewtatesrealworld523]

These movie should be in a museum ❤️

[@nolsonjeudy6849]

THEME SONG ALWAYS GIVES ME CHILL

[@jrw3349]

Back to the good days of huge sets and breathtaking soundtracks

[@samthespy98]

I really enjoyed watching this - a fitting tribute to a true epic

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thanks Sam!

[@cs512tr]

well constructed nice video

[@kia2065]

One of the greatest films I have ever seen!

[@vegetasapologetics3214]

Great vid!

[@BrunoDECOURCY]

A Masterpiece revisited. Great video!!! I’d love to watch two other masterpieces (since you’ve already done Sicario:)): Saving Private Ryan Good Will Hunting

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thank you!!! We already made a video on Good Will Hunting, hope you enjoy it!

[@BrunoDECOURCY]

A Matter of Film No kidding, I didn’t watch yet!!!! I’m checking this now:) Awesome work done!!!

[@stormchaser419]

My favorite movie of all time! It's so well done in many ways.

[@tommyross7529]

This channel is turbo baller! I’m so FRICKEN impressed!!!! Where do you guys live!?!? I want to come work for you!!!

[@AMatterofFilm]

Hey Tommy! Unfortunately we're not hiring right now, but maybe sometime in the future :) Thank you and glad you enjoy our content!

[@tommyross7529]

Yeah for reals! This channels guna be huge! So pumped for it!

[@jeffb-c]

Good ass video, man

[@AMatterofFilm]

Jeff B-c Thank you, man :)

[@_ANGST]

Another outstanding performance by Vin Diesel.

[@maxx1mus1041]

On my top 5 all time favorite movies

[@paradox555666]

I'm just pitching one right now ..... The Road To Eldorado 🙌 nobody has really done an analysis on it yet and I don't know why.

[@luxeternity]

Top 10 movie must watch in my list Strength and Honor