Gladiator II is poised to be one of the biggest movies of the year as it aims to close out 2024 with the same kind of epic action the Best Picture winning first film did almost a quarter of a century ago.

And now you can watch that first film on Prime Video before heading to the theaters for the sequel.

Indeed, the first film stars Russell Crowe as Maximus, a general of the Roman Empire, who is betrayed by his army after Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix in what I still believe to be one of his best roles) murders his father. Crowe survives an assassination attempt only to be sold as a slave to compete as a gladiator in the coliseum. He then begins to win over the hearts of the people while he attempts to avenge his murdered wife and son.

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Ridley Scott was on top of his game here. And the action in the arena is the kind that still plays strongly with audiences today. It’s not so much a fight as it is a circus of violence, all well done for the viewers. Crowe and Phoenix play off each other as well as any enemies we’ve seen in the modern era.

It’s not a short film by any means. But the meat is good and there isn’t a lot of time wasted. Everything is visually stunning and the drama is very poignant.

Of course, I’m going to recommend Gladiator before Denzel Washington takes the reigns in a couple of months. It’s still a fine film.

Gladiator:

2000 Grade: B+

2024 Grade: A-

Do you plan on seeing Gladiator II. Let me know in the comments.

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