There is one profound moment at the beginning of this film that I wish had set the tone for the remainder of the movie. A group of gladiators who are lifelong friends and some even family are forced to fight to the death with only one to be left standing. One of the gladiators comments that he doesn't mind dying in battle, but to be forced to kill his friends and possibly his own father is something he is truly against. I wish the remainder of the film had been as thoughtful because outside of the actual gladiator battles, the film becomes very chatty and any attempt at a strong story is destroyed by efforts to add romance and comedy into the proceedings.
Rather than Nero or Caligula to hits out here, or any other evil Roman emperor that followed the Claudians, there is an evil senator who thrives on torture and the more gruesome for him the better. There is ahis seemingly equally sinister daughter who desires one of the gladiators who only loves one of her slaves. Where does Spartacus fit into all of this? He is leading a rebellion that the gladiators must find to join up so they can and the evil senators cruelty, and as the senator's torture gets more aggressive, Spartacus's soldiers prepare to attack. While there are some tense moments and gruesome torture scenes, much of the film is tedious and pondering, making it frustrating to try and remain interested. The dubbing is predictably bland to the point where you might find yourself listening for turning pages.
Rather than Nero or Caligula to hits out here, or any other evil Roman emperor that followed the Claudians, there is an evil senator who thrives on torture and the more gruesome for him the better. There is ahis seemingly equally sinister daughter who desires one of the gladiators who only loves one of her slaves. Where does Spartacus fit into all of this? He is leading a rebellion that the gladiators must find to join up so they can and the evil senators cruelty, and as the senator's torture gets more aggressive, Spartacus's soldiers prepare to attack. While there are some tense moments and gruesome torture scenes, much of the film is tedious and pondering, making it frustrating to try and remain interested. The dubbing is predictably bland to the point where you might find yourself listening for turning pages.