Firstly, the introduction of the characters. In the beginning of the movie (before and after battle), the main characters are perfectly introduced and it is already clear who is who or what. Then how the story builds up step by step. The finest general of the roman empire who is respected by all and afterwards betrayed/framed and sent away immediately for execution. So basically the same as Ben-hur. Maximus is already lives up to his title by escaping the execution. I dont need to mention that these maximus scenes are goosebump level scenes since the beginning in gladiator :D Ben-hur basically escapes by chance after 5 years taking advantage of the battle. After his escape, before we know it, it is already the chariot race scene. Oh, and some little training scene before that :) whereas maximus was bought as a slave, turnes into a gladiator by force starting from the lowliest arenas and fighting to the top making a name for himself as a spaniard as expected from the finest general of the roman empire and fights and kills even the emperor himself after being severely wounded. We all know the story. You can now reimagine it and compare it to what you have seen in ben-hur. As for the fighting scenes, although gladiator was made more than 15 years ago, fighting choregraphy is way better. Consider this also. Maximus was directly up against the emperor whereas ben-hur against his adopted brother who had men under his command. In ben-hur, as he soon as ben-hur took the blame on himself for that NOBODY who was the cause of ben-hurs struggle, it was basically for a gtfoh movie :) and at the end, everything is settled with a chariot race game.
I give you credit, Alucard, for backing up your opinion with actual reasons for preferring "Gladiator" to the new "Ben-Hur." Thank you.
And this movie is better than gladiator you say? It is possible that you are a comedian...
Nope, I'm totally serious. I saw both films at the theater and I've seen "Gladiator" two more times on DVD since. I can honestly tell you that, in my opinion, "Ben-Hur" is the better movie in terms of story and characters, but also action and message (and the aforementioned CGI).
I find it funny that you deem it so incredulous that someone thinks "Ben-Hur" is superior to "Gladiator." Such an attitude is just arrogant, even condescending, like "Gladiator" is this incredible masterpiece by the great auteur Ridley Scott; and "Ben-Hur" is just rubbish by comparison.
Why sure! So I did a little test: I asked my wife which film she honestly thought was a better movie, as far as all-around sword & sandal entertainment goes. Like me, she saw both films at the theater (with me), and also viewed "Gladiator" at least one other time on DVD. I should add that she's the polar opposite of me. Without hesitation she said "Ben-Hur."
So quit acting like it's so unfathomable to prefer "Ben-Hur" over the overrated "Gladiator." You're probably just a Ridley Scott aficionado who can't bear anyone saying your idol isn't all that. Don't get me wrong, I generally like Scott's filmography (like, don't love), but his screenwriters are typically weak; such was the case with "Gladiator," "Kingdom of Heaven" and "Robin Hood." Which isn't to say I don't like these movies, particularly their awesome look & gritty feel, but they're no where close to having the kinetic storytelling of "Ben-Hur" or, say, "Troy" and "Last of the Mohicans."
You just said its more compelling and moving but didnt explain why and also just mentioned the arena scenes with a sentence
The story's more engaging and the characters are more intriguing. Crowe's character in "Gladiator" is a quality protagonist, but he's a grim bore by comparison; in fact, most of the main characters are glum wet blankets, although the ones played by Oliver Reed, Djimon Hounsou and Ralf Moeller are memorable, but their roles aren't that big. The action scenes in "Ben-Hur" are also more dynamic & captivating, e.g. the stunning galley sequence and, of course, the thrilling chariot race. No action scenes in "Gladiator" compare. Furthermore, "Ben-Hur" has the more potent moral. For more details, see my reviews of both movies.
You obviously disagree and feel "Gladiator" is a vastly superior movie. That's great; more power to you. But quit acting like your opinion is law and that it's so incredulous that informed cinephiles with taste would prefer the new "Ben-Hur." It's for this very snobbery that I started this thread.
My 175 (or so) Favorite Movies: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070122364/
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