Spartacus

1960 • 197 minutes
4.6
165 reviews
94%
Tomatometer
PG-13
Rating
Eligible
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About this movie

Director Stanley Kubrick tells the tale of Spartacus (Kirk Douglas), the bold gladiator slave and Varinia (Jean Simmons), the woman who believed in his cause. Challenged by the power-hungry General Crassus (Laurence Olivier), Spartacus is forced to face his convictions and the power of Imperial Rome at its glorious height. The inspirational true account of man's eternal struggle for freedom, Spartacus combines history with spectacle to create a moving drama of love and commitment.
Rating
PG-13

Ratings and reviews

4.6
165 reviews
Oliver Emmett Knox
January 28, 2021
"Spartacus" is masterpiece and very influential movie directed by Stanley Kubrick. The movie plot is based on a true story of a slave revolt lead by the Thracian gladiator, Spartacus, in 73 B.C. An adventurous drama in which an idea about freedom has resisted to strength of a glorious Roman Empire. A very moving and compelling story of epic proportions. The scenery and the cinematography are very impressive. The final battle is still breathtaking and epic. The cast crew are almost flawless in their roles. Kirk Douglas gives an outstanding performance as Spartacus. Laurence Olivier gives a wonderful portray as the tension in Kirk Douglas' face is a strong reflection of the seriousness of his character. Laurence Olivier is wonderful in his role as Roman General Crassus, the main antagonist. Tony Curtis was very good as Antoninus, Crassus' personal slave, who joins the revolt. Charles Laughton is wise and witty in his role as the elder senator, Peter Ustinov. Jean Simmons is excellent in her role as Varinia, a very strong woman, who shows her pride, love and character in every scene. The characterization is reflected in a sort of rivalry in love and politics. The soundtrack is outstanding with very good music scores. An exciting epic adventure in combination with the political drama of Ancient Rome. This is still one of the greatest of all the historical movie epics ever made by Hollywood. The lessons about a man's desire for freedom and to control his own destiny are eternal and valid.
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A Google user
November 14, 2018
I know Kubrick hated this film and didn't want it considered part of his ouvre, but this may be my favorite of all his films. With Kirk Douglas' physical style of acting and a wonderful cast, everything just works right.
9 people found this review helpful
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peter leone
December 24, 2015
Kirk Douglas leads a slave revolt against the Roman empire Laurence Oliver played crassus the Roman general and villain Jean Simmons played verrina and at the end Spartacus is crucified by the Romans as he is diying on the cross Verrnia tells him your son is free and I will tell him about the sacrifice of Spartacus
13 people found this review helpful
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