Director Stanley Kubrick'sSpartacus is a film for all ages. Starring Kirk Douglas, in the title role, it concerns the slave revolt that turned Rome on its ear. Superb supporting cast, including Laurence Olivier, as Spartacus' evil nemesis, Marcus Licinius Crassus;, Tony Curtis as the Greek slave Antoninus, and stunning Jean Simmons as Spartacus' love interest Virinia.
Based on (sorta) true events, taking place in the first century B.C., the story opens showing the hard lot of slaves under the Romans. This mistreatment created a tremendous desire for liberation by the slaves, who outnumbered their Roman masters by a goodly sum. All they lacked was a leader, which was the role Spartacus was destined to play.
Sentenced to be starved to death for attacking a Roman guard, he is instead bought by Lentulus Batiatus, a trainer of gladiators from Capua, masterfully played by veteran scene-stealer Peter Ustinov.
Spartacus adapts well to the gladiator life but balks when asked to fight against Drabba (Woody Strode) to the death for the benefit of Crassus and his entourage, who happen to be visiting. This unpleasantness soon leads to open rebellion on the part of the slaves and led by Spartacus, they escape into the open country. Thus begins the what are now known as the Servile Wars, a beginning of the fall of the Roman Republic.
The slaves prevail for a time, destroying several professional Roman legions and Rome is on the brink of insanity. Veteran politicians Gracchus (Charles Laughton) and Crassus square off. Crassus, supported by the masses, wins. He is declared dictator, with full powers to command the state. “I don’t want to defeat Spartacus. I want to destroy the legend of Spartacus,” he says.
The ending comes soon as the slave army, defeated, and those that are captured are treated with horrifying brutality. Crassus tries to woo Virinia as a further victory over the memory of Spartacus. But Batiatus and Gracchus have other plans…
Brilliant direction, camera work, and acting, complemented by a superb Alex North score, Spartacus is absolutely top quality entertainment -- five stars!
Also recommended for those who enjoy epic entertainment like Spartacus
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