Gladiator

Years later, I still think about Gladiator, the Oscar winning movie starring Russell Crowe who also won the Oscar for his amazing performance. It wasn’t just an action movie, even though there was plenty of that for sure. What stays with me are all of the powerful moments such as the scenes when Maximus walks through a field while feeling the wheat with his fingertips as that haunting music plays in the background. Other chilling scenes are when he survives certain death in the arena for the first time and the anguish of discovering his murdered wife and child, which in essence is the moment his will to live vanquishes and propels him to accomplish all that does. His courage and bravery born out of the tragic death of his family. I liked how he would kneel down and grab a handful of dirt and smell it and feel it before a big battle. The ending is also incredibly moving and memorable. His visions of walking through the field towards his wife and child to re-unite is unforgettable.

There are tons of great lines as in every great film. Some of my favorites are all from Maximus:
“What we do in life echoes in eternity.”
”Strength and honor.”
“At my signal, unleash hell!”

I think a critical element to any great movie is the music and soundtrack. Gladiator has an magnificent soundtrack scored by the great Hans Zimmer (Lion King). The woman that sings the chilling vocals is perfect. My favorite track is the one called Elysium, the music played whenever Maximus walks through the fields.

I know we don’t live in Roman times and I am not a gladiator, but I’m inspired by this movie and its music. I feel somehow more motivated to combat whatever foes that get in my way and feel confident that I can overcome any obstacles that I encounter. I know it’s silly but that’s how I feel. Maybe it’s because I’m Italian and I feel some sort of connection to the story….I don’t know what it is. I just love it.

Here’s Elysium