Russell Crowe plays Maximus, a Roman general who leads the troops in conquering Germania for the empire.
When an aging Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) tells Maximus that he'd like him to rule Rome once he's gone, a classic confrontation ensues between the brave and charming soldier--who wants to return home to his wife, son, and farm--and the jealous and conniving Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the emperor's only son, who is thirsty for power.
Bought as a slave by the profiteering Proximo (Oliver Reed, in his last role), Maximus must kill or be killed in the ring, battling to save not only himself but the future of the very empire that he loves and honours.
The film was one of epic scope with its intense battle scenes being the highlight of the movie which was received well critically, in particular Crowe's performance.
The film grossed over $457 million at the global box office and was nominated for twelve Academy Awards.
It went on to win five including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe.
1. - Saving Private Ryan
Director Steven Spielberg's World War II tour de force chronicles the journey of a GI squad on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines.
Led by Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks), the unit is under orders to track down a soldier, Private Ryan (Matt Damon), so he might return home to his mother in America, where she is grieving the unimaginable loss of her three other sons to the war.
The first unforgettable 20 minutes of Saving Private Ryan realistically and horrifically depicts the Normandy invasion as Miller. his second-in-command, Sergeant Horvath (Tom Sizemore), and the others in the unit land at Omaha Beach.
Both a critical and commercial success Saving Private Ryan, directed by Spielberg, sparked a resurgence in America’s interest in World War II.
The film grossed $480 million at the global box office, taking $216.5 million at the American box office alone.
The film was later nominated for eleven Academy Awards, with wins for Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, Best Editing and Best Director for Spielberg, but lost the Best Picture award to Shakespeare in Love.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
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