Release Date: Oct 21, 1971 Wide
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Average Rating: 3.5/5
User Ratings: 249
Director Peter Watkins raises the global obsession with professional sports to a fever pitch in this biting political satire, set in a futuristic world where tournaments are often fought to the death. As part of a series of televised military games, a team of gladiators must overcome obstacles to reach a predetermined goal. But when the human spirit exceeds the game's boundaries, officials must resort to extreme measures to keep it in check.
Unrated, 1 hr. 42 min.
Oct 21, 1971 Wide
Mar 28, 2006
All Critics (3) | Fresh (4) | Rotten (0) | DVD (1)
Here, Watkins employs a type of absurdist humor - one might retrospectively call it a Pythonesque element - that would for the most part drop out of his subsequent work.
Plays as if it were current reality TV fare.
Rent Punishment Park first if you're new to Peter Watkins, then follow it up with The Gladiators to see another uncompromised take on the front lines of a media war.
Watkins was reacting against Vietnam, but his assessment can easily be translated into today's hotbed political climate.
Peter Watkins' "The Gladiators" may be obscure, but its plot has become most relevant in today's reality-show landscape. Its satirical take on lethal, nationalized sports also fits nicely alongside cult classics such as "Death Race 2000" and "Rollerball."An alternate present finds the world's countries agreeing to vent
March 19, 2011Super Reviewer
way ahead of its time...very strong themeatically and is a timeless metaphor. Be sure to watch the commentary included on the dvd. An intellectual masterpiece played out sometimes in absurdist fashion, but does hold your interest and may require a second viewing. Simple yet acidic and highly effective story!
April 24, 2010
Super Reviewer
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