Common Sense Media Review
Masterful but really violent Oscar winner.
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Gladiator
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 46 parent reviews
Parents say this is a highly engaging film that showcases a blend of intense action and emotional storytelling, primarily revolving around violence and its consequences. While many reviewers recommend it for teens aged 12 and up, they caution against younger viewers due to its graphic depictions of gore and mature themes, emphasizing the need for parental discretion.
- engaging story
- intense violence
- suitable for teens
- parental discretion
- emotionally impactful
- strong themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 138 kid reviews
Kids say the film is an action-packed historical drama that combines intense violence with a compelling story about a Roman general turned gladiator seeking revenge. While many appreciate the engaging plot, stunning visuals, and strong messages about courage and loyalty, the graphic content, including bloodshed, graphic battles, and mature themes, leads to mixed opinions about its appropriateness for younger audiences.
- intense violence
- compelling story
- strong visuals
- mixed appropriateness
- mature themes
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In GLADIATOR, it's 180 AD and the aging Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) watches as Maximus (Russell Crowe), his most trusted general, leads Rome in a fight with the Germanians in a terrible, bloody battle. The emperor's son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), wants to succeed his father, but Caesar doesn't think he has what it takes. When Aurelius chooses Maximus to lead the people back to democracy, Commodus kills his father before the Senate hears about Maximus, then orders the execution of Maximus and his family. Maximus escapes, is captured, is sold into slavery, and becomes a gladiator. To confront Commodus, he must win enough fights to be called to Rome. Meanwhile, Commodus finds ways to distract the populace while he disables the Senate. The only one he trusts is his sister, Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), who pretends to support him to protect her young son.
Is It Any Good?
This is a movie of such astounding scope and sweep, and such masterful storytelling, that it makes its core plot seem classic rather than cliched. Impressive visuals in Gladiator imagine Ancient Rome as a world with enormous reach and power. Fictionalizing parts of history, director Ridley Scott stages the fight scenes brilliantly, each more inventive and gripping than the last. The results are something like an intense computer game, with new perils coming from all sides. The movie portrays Rome as a bloodthirsty culture, and Maximus' fellow gladiator Juba (Djimon Hounsou) reflects on ethical contradictions, saying that fear and wonder are a powerful combination.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why some people are drawn to watch other people battle, as they do in Gladiator. What's the appeal of movies like this?
There are many historical inaccuracies in this movie. Why do you think the filmmakers decided to tell a fictional account of the Roman Empire instead of sticking to the facts? Does it change your viewing experience at all?
What do you think would be the challenges in bringing to life the Roman Empire circa 180 AD? The production sets, costumes, language? What area interests you most?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 5, 2000
- On DVD or streaming : August 19, 2003
- Cast : Russell Crowe , Joaquin Phoenix , Connie Nielsen
- Director : Ridley Scott
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Run time : 155 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and some sexual references
- Awards : BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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