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It rams in the point that the ancient Rome was oppressive by modern standards. The character Spartacus is initially a slave worker out in the desertand then he is conveyed to Italy where he is trained to be a gladiator. The movie Spartacus takes place during the time of the Roman Republic. It also has a scene where you see two gladiators walk into the arena and only one walks out. Spartacus and the other gladiators rebel and start a slave revolt with him as the leader. They liberate slaves left and right and the Roman Republic sends Crassus with a large force to deal with him.The movie conveys a strong message about the evils of slavery and gladiatorial combat. You get to see how the combatants can't get to friendly to each other since they have to fight each other and only one will survive. The battle scene is well done and Spartacus's love relationship is very romantic so I would highly recommend this film.
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They added nothing really to the story except maybe as convenient padding to a storyline that really didn't need them.The battle scene towards the end was too brief and without much in the way of realism, but I suppose these days we're used to the more realistic in-close and brutal fighting as portrayed in Gladiator, Alexander and the like. The main opposition comes in the form of the fantastic and much missed Laurence Olivier, who plays the ambitious and ruthless Crassus to the hilt, as one would expect from a character actor of his calibre.The supporting cast are somewhat hit and miss; Peter Ustinov is good as the cowardly and sycophantic owner of the school where Spartacus breaks out from, and the guy who plays Gracchus, the senator in opposition to Crassus, for me steals the show as the epitome of a corrupt and morally bankrupt politician, something we see too much of in our own time.
this is one of the so-called 'classic' films of the genre that were made in this period, along with others such as Ben Hur, Lawrence of Arabia and El Cid. Made in the same year I was born (so it can't be bad, can it).
Very thoughtful.Kirk Douglas plays the title character role and acts the surly, rebellious gladiator very well; its almost a perfect role for him to play. To those who haven't seen this film - and surely there can't be that many - it portrays the events based on actual incidents of a slave revolt against the Romans in the century before Christ.Its a long film, over 3 hours, and the version I have oddly has an intermission at around 1 hour 37 minutes.
Very strange indeed, but it gave my partner and I ample opportunity for comfort breaks and to make a cuppa. Herbert Lom, too, as the pirates' emissary was amusing and convincing.But Tony Curtis as Antoninus and Jean Simmons as Spartacus' love interest.
Also I felt the ending, where Hollywood sacrificed historical accuracy (Spartacus died on the battlefield) for the gut turning reunion while he was dying with his woman and child.
The contrast level is somewhat harsh and there is an unpleasant grainy texture throughout. A great motion picture. The dramatic music of Alex North paired with duelling gladiators was unforgettable to this (at the time) ten year old. A timeless story that touches the heart and excites the mind.I won't delve into the plot as other reviewers have given ample time to this. Technically, the film colour displays a sepia or brownish bias, paticularly on the interior scenes. A cast of supreme stars- Kirk Douglas, Lawrence Olivier, Charles Laughton, Jean Simmons and Tony Curtis. A film budgeted at twelve million dollars in 1960 (easily one-hundred and twenty million in 2009 dollars).
A supporting cast of ten thousand human beings. I first viewed this film in the early 1960's and was entirely engrossed by it. SPARTACUS. Indeed, this epic rates as one of my all time favourite films because of it's huge scope and emotional appeal. There's passion, politics, betrayal. What I wish to say, however, is that this Universal Studios version, while the sound quality is superb, the visuals could have been better. The CRITERION version is superior for it's technical pains and special bonus material. The Universal version is a cheap discounted version-they have cut corners galour and it shows.
A film whose message is man must live free or die. Not the way I remember watching this film years ago. I remember, too, the very touching love scenes between Douglas and Simmons. Their love was magnificent, real and precious. Granted the film is vintage, but the restorations of LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, NORTH BY NORTHWEST and VERTIGO are of a much higher standard. Universal SHAME ON YOU.
Kirk Douglas at his best in this period film. Lots of name actors, and lots of action. I recommend to any fan of Douglas. (Like me)
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