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Gladiator
1992 101 min United States of America R 16+
★6.2
Drama
Director: Rowdy Herrington
Trailers
Description
Tommy Riley has moved with his dad to Chicago from a 'nice place'. He keeps to himself, goes to school. However, after a street fight, he's noticed and quickly falls into the world of illegal underground boxing — where punches can kill.
Budget:
$20M
US Gross:
$9.22M
Worldwide:
$9.22M
Starring
James Marshall
Actor
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Actor
Brian Dennehy
Actor
Key opinion
Gladiator (1992) is widely regarded as a soulful, grounded boxing drama that prioritizes character-driven storytelling over flashy Hollywood spectacle. While some critics find its plot formulaic or overly schematic, many viewers maintain a deep, nostalgic connection to its themes of perseverance, friendship, and moral integrity.
| Acting | James Marshall's understated, naturalistic performance provides a grounded anchor for the film's emotional arc. | |
| Cinematography | The fight choreography is praised for its realism and technical precision, avoiding the over-the-top CGI spectacles of modern genre entries. | |
| Screenplay | The film succeeds as an intimate, character-focused drama, even if the underlying plot adheres to predictable sports-movie tropes. | |
| Theme | The film's impact is highly subjective; long-time fans feel a deep, resonant connection to its themes of resilience and moral growth, while others perceive the narrative as melodramatic and schematic. |