Has The About to Die series about the origins of Roman gladiators made you want to discover other plays set in that time? Want to learn more about the history of Rome and Ancient Greece, but don’t know which books to turn to?
Here are four movies and series you should discover on streaming platforms right now to maximize your viewing pleasure. And in particular, Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator”, which is particularly inspired by the same book from which “The About to Die” is exactly adapted…
Gladiator
What is it about?
The Roman general Maximus is the most loyal support of the emperor Marcus Aurelius, whom he led from victory to victory with exemplary courage and dedication. Jealous of Maximus’ prestige and even more of the emperor’s love for him, Marcus Aurelius’ son Commodus brutally seized power, and then ordered the general’s arrest and execution. Maximus escapes his killers, but is unable to prevent the massacre of his family. Captured by a slave trader, he becomes a gladiator and plots revenge.
What does it look like ?
What Internet users think about it (4.5 out of 5):
According to The Cinephile World (5/5):
“This epic is definitely the best I’ve seen, the action, the fight scenes are well done and the music by Hans Zimmer who is one of my favorite composers, this movie is Ridley Scott’s best movie, Russell Crowe does a great job as Maxime, I would say that This is her best role and one of my favorite movies.
According to Loskof (5/5):
“It’s impossible to describe the richness of this film in a review. This film is simply the greatest film of all time in my opinion. It will take more than one viewing for the film to reveal all its richness and depth. The best description would be to say that ‘it’s all in Gladiator’ Russell Crowe plays his In the role of life, he was born Maximus!
According to MaCultureGeek (5/5):
“An epic, spectacular mural, but unfortunately marred by too many anachronisms. The script, the actors and the originality of the film make up for all its shortcomings. Ridley Scott at the top of his art and Russell Crowe in the role. His career makes this gladiator a must-see.”
Available on Netflix and Prime Video.
Trojan
What is it about?
In ancient Greece, the kidnapping of Helen, queen of Sparta, by Helen, the prince of Troy, is an affront that King Menelaus cannot bear. Out of respect for the family, Agamemnon, Menelaus’ brother and the powerful king of Mycenae, unites all the Greek forces to take Helen out of Troy.
But in reality, preserving the honor of the family is just an excuse used by Agamemnon to hide his terrible greed. He is actually trying to control Troy and expand his vast empire. No army has been able to penetrate the fortified city, which is watched by King Priam and Prince Hector.
The outcome of the Trojan War will depend on one man in particular, Achilles, who is known as the greatest warrior of his time. Arrogant, rebellious and called invincible, he has no attachment to anything or anyone except his own glory…
What does it look like ?
What Internet users think (3.6 out of 5):
According to Romain C. (5/5):
“The story of Paris, Achilles and Troy in a film that is faithful to the story. It’s very long, but it goes by very quickly thanks to the script, the surprise and actors like Brad Pitt, Eric Bana or Orlando Bloom. The best butterfly.”
According to Chuck Kerr (4.5/5):
“Probably one of the best epics of recent years. The sets, the costumes, the soundtrack, everything is cleverly designed to immerse us in ancient Greece and its legends. The battles are very well choreographed, the casting is prestigious and the result is epic. .”
According to tony-76 (4/5):
“A good epic for a new generation, the battles are very well filmed and we enjoy discovering the story of Achilles, Helen and everyone else. The tragic, epic and mythical fate of this city (Troy). It was able to hold off the greatest army of this century, but it would have received a catastrophic gift: staging well It’s set up, as is its casting, which is absolutely amazing.
Available on Netflix and Max.
Spartacus
What is it about?
It is in the blood and sand of the arenas that the legend of Spartacus is written. A powerful Thracian warrior betrayed by an ambitious Roman legate, Spartacus is enslaved and forced to become a gladiator if he ever wants to see his wife.
At the gladiatorial school of the Machiavellian Batiatus and his wife Lucretia, Spartacus will receive training from the ruthless doctor to become the strongest fighter. But between the enmity of the other gladiators and Lucretia’s shenanigans, Spartacus will have to sacrifice everything to survive…
What does it look like ?
What Internet users think (4.2 out of 5):
According to Stephen D (5/5):
“Simply a great series not to be missed, the actors are all very good and charismatic, even if we know the outcome of the Spartacus story, the end of season 3 is very exciting, I have never felt anything like this for a series! And thanks.”
Clement D. (5/5):
“Pure joy! The previous seasons were already spectacular, but this is something else again… Surprising, stunning, realistic as can be, commendable interpretation, mastery of special effects; in short, this series ends in the best way. We could have hoped for more, the last The episode will live up to our expectations!!
According to Tendercrisp (4.5/5):
“All said. An exceptionally well done series. Apart from the fact that the actors are more muscular than each other, they are still amazingly good. Then the fight scenes are well done and sometimes taken to extremes.
The story, on the other hand, follows its own path in a well-managed way and sometimes allows us to enjoy beautiful scenery. In short, everything is staged in such a way that the end of each episode raises the apotheosis and makes us want to spend the season with great speed.”
Available on myCANAL.
300
What is it about?
Adapted from Frank Miller’s graphic novel, 300 is the epic tale of the Battle of Thermopylae, in which King Leonidas and 300 Spartan soldiers faced off against Xerxes and a massive Persian army in 480 AD. In the face of an invincible enemy, the 300 displayed superhuman courage to the last breath; Their bravery and heroic sacrifice inspired all of Greece to rise up against Persia, thus laying the first stones of democracy.
What does it look like ?
What Internet users think (3.9 out of 5):
According to MyCultureGeek (5/5):
“This 300 shows uncensored and incredibly talented fight scenes, both violent and well-shot, highlighted by brilliant apocalyptic settings, true graphic homage to the comics of the same name. Zack Snyder shows all his mastery with this spectacular work. The seventh art must-see. “
According to Alex Yager (5/5):
“300 mighty warriors fighting the greatest army of all time to defend their country and their freedoms… all with unparalleled graphic style, fun, action, blood, epic music and titanic battles! An iconic film that celebrated an entire generation. !”
According to Mark L (4/5):
“Peplum, which deals with the Battle of Thermopylae in -480 AD, pitting the Persians against the Spartans, from a completely striking and unique angle. A film that is worth above all for its aesthetic performance; superb, stylized, careful, it reproduces perfectly. Frank Miller’s comic images are impressive and the violence and Barbarism boasts multiple and perfect slow motions.
Available for max.
Ben-Hur
What is it about?
Judah Ben-Hur, prince of Judah, finds his childhood friend Messala, who has come to lead the garrison of Jerusalem. But their friendship cannot withstand their different characters. When a rock falls from the balcony of the Ben-Hur family home, nearly killing the governor who is on parade below, Messala betrays his friend, whom he knows is innocent, by sending him to the galleries and throwing his mother and sister. Ben-Hur then vows to regain his freedom and prepares his revenge.
What does it look like ?
What Internet users think (4.1 out of 5):
According to Anton (5/5):
“Words are at a loss to describe ‘Ben-Hur’, but very few films in fifty years have achieved this level of drama. Yes, there is music, but that’s not all. An absolute masterpiece by Cinema Chef D’, I want to get up every morning for another ‘Ben- With the idea of watching Hurri, it is clear that unfortunately this ode stopped at the studios exactly fifty years ago.
According to Redzing (5/5):
“The measure of the peplum, Ben-Hur” is one of the most impressive blockbusters of all time. Set against the backdrop of the beginning of Christianity, this fresco about the Judean Odysseus, who is betrayed by his friend Romanus, has not lost its strength and contains many impressive anthology works: the famous chariot race, galleries , naval battle, etc.
And all thanks to William Wyler’s inspired staging, which makes excellent use of the grand sets, the thousands of extras at his disposal and, of course, the wonderful Charlton Heston. Engaging from start to finish, despite its 3.5 hour length, this film ultimately remains an undisputed must-see and re-watch.”
According to ManoCornuta (5/5):
“A huge Hollywood spectacle in the purest sense of the word, Ben-Hur is a sequence of epic scenes and bravura productions, with Charlton Heston at the helm of his art. Each scene unleashes a visual power that is frankly impressive for its time. , and the film remains incredibly fascinating, despite its length, With a grand musical moment.
Available for max.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
