Opening

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—— Populaire May 17
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—— The Hangover Part III May 23
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—— Epic May 24
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Spartacus (1960)

tomatometer

96

Average Rating: 8.2/10
Reviews Counted: 49
Fresh: 47 | Rotten: 2

Featuring terrific performances and epic action, Kubrick's restored swords-and-sandals epic is a true classic.

83

Average Rating: 7.7/10
Critic Reviews: 6
Fresh: 5 | Rotten: 1

Featuring terrific performances and epic action, Kubrick's restored swords-and-sandals epic is a true classic.

audience

79

liked it
Average Rating: 3.7/5
User Ratings: 75,398

My Rating

Movie Info

Spartacus (Kirk Douglas) is a rebellious slave purchased by Lentulus Batiatus (Peter Ustinov), owner of a school for gladiators. For the entertainment of corrupt Roman senator Marcus Licinius Crassus (Laurence Olivier), Batiatus' gladiators are to stage a fight to the death. On the night before the event, the enslaved trainees are "rewarded" with female companionship. Spartacus' companion for the evening is Varinia (Jean Simmons), a slave from Brittania. When Spartacus later learns that Varinia

PG-13,

Drama, Action & Adventure, Classics

Dalton Trumbo

Apr 24, 2001

Universal Pictures

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Cast

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All Critics (49) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (56) | Rotten (2) | DVD (31)

This may be the most literate of all the spectacles set in antiquity.

May 8, 2007 Full Review Source: Chicago Reader
Chicago Reader
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Asurprisingly apt companion piece to Paths of Glory in its consideration of the mechanisms of power.

February 9, 2006 Full Review Source: Time Out | Comments (8)
Time Out
Top Critic IconTop Critic

It is a spotty, uneven drama.

May 9, 2002 | Comments (12)
New York Times
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The most courageous thing about it, from today's standards, is that it closes without an obligatory happy ending, and an audience that has watched for 187 minutes doesn't get a tidy, mindless conclusion.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | Comment (1)
Chicago Sun-Times
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Kirk Douglas, while a little old in the role, makes a fine action hero, and Stanley Kubrick's still-accessible directing made the movie click.

July 30, 2012 Full Review Source: 7M Pictures
7M Pictures

Thrilling epic is too intense for the youngest.

December 28, 2010 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media

While it suffers from some of the flaws of epics of this era-such as an overly sanitized portrait of life at the time, and anachronistic visions of fashion and lifestyle-Spartacus also boasts some stirring action and intelligent dialogue

August 1, 2010 Full Review Source: Cinemania

Douglas is terrific as the iron-jawed slave fuelled by righteous fury.

June 12, 2009 Full Review Source: Times [UK]
Times [UK]

The great-granddaddy of Ridley Scott's Gladiator hasn't lost any muscle tone after nearly half a century, and Kirk Douglas's direct, unpretentious performance as the great slave-rebel Spartacus is more engaging than ever.

June 12, 2009 Full Review Source: Guardian [UK]
Guardian [UK]

One of the greatest Hollywood epics.

June 12, 2009 Full Review Source: Observer [UK]
Observer [UK]

It is in the observation of human detail, and in many memorable little scenes that the film scores most heavily over other epics, and in which it finds an inner strength.

June 12, 2009 Full Review Source: Sky Movies
Sky Movies

One of the last truly great Roman epics.

June 12, 2009 Full Review Source: Total Film
Total Film

Arguably the greatest sword 'n' sandal movie of them all.

October 3, 2007 Full Review Source: Film4
Film4

More than a standard good vs. evil drama, the movie is about a hero's inner struggle to persevere in carrying out an ideal that's almost certain to lead to his demise.

July 22, 2007 Full Review Source: Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Daily Star

...a story of both inward and outward conflicts, common territory for director Kubrick and screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. (HD-DVD Edition)

November 8, 2006 Full Review Source: Movie Metropolis
Movie Metropolis

...notable not only for its expected sword play and scenery, but for the genuine complexity of its characters, their relationships, and their political intrigues.

November 8, 2006 Full Review Source: Movie Metropolis
Movie Metropolis

Audience Reviews for Spartacus

Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus is a defining classic that has withstood the test of time. Brilliantly acted and directed, this is one of the best epics that combines action, drama and romance. This is a stunning work of cinematic genius that is a must see for cinema fans of all ages looking for a terrific, well acted and brilliantly directed film with rousing action, thrills and a compelling story. This is among Kubrick's greatest works. This is a majestic piece of cinema, and remains one of the standout classics along with such works as Ben- Hur and Lawrence of Arabia. This is an epic film that is grand in scale and scope. This is a picture that only Stanley Kubrick could have directed. With a terrific cast of outstanding talent, this is a powerful work that delivers exciting visuals, great battles and memorable performances. Kirk Douglas delivers on-screen and his role is among the most famous roles in the long history of cinema. This is a wonderful film that is sure to please cinema buffs everywhere and it is among the greatest films ever made as well. The film is truly entertaining from start to finish right up to the unforgettable climax. This epic has had a profound impact on genre films for years to come, and though no film has surpassed the greatness of Spartacus, many pictures have been influenced by Kubrick's classic. A brilliant, compelling and unforgettable film that is among the greatest films ever made. A must see for serious film fans. This film is worth watching for Kirk Douglas performance alone, and there's plenty of aspects that stand out about this work. Stanley Kubrick would aim bigger and better with this film, and it set the stage for future films in Kubrick's long and legendary career.
August 30, 2011
TheDudeLebowski65
Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski

Super Reviewer

A seminal classic of sorts. One that is of true, simple story about injustice, the absurd and of freedom. Quite the riveting movie with the fitting mood and atmosphere and elegant drama to drive its archetypal hero. It's both tragic and triumphant, and bravely courageous.
August 11, 2011
Adriel Denzel Lim

Super Reviewer

    1. Julius Caesar: I thought you had no reservations about the gods.
    2. Sempronius Gracchus: Privately I believe in none. Neither do you. Publicly I believe in them all.
    – Submitted by The Vinh H (46 days ago)
    1. Spartacus: He'll be back, he'll back and he'll be millions.
    – Submitted by Jesse K (2 months ago)
    1. Varinia: And neither am I!
    – Submitted by Jesse K (2 months ago)
    1. Spartacus: I'm not an animal!
    – Submitted by Jesse K (2 months ago)
    1. Marcus Licinius Crassus: I shall not violate Rome at the moment of possessing her.
    – Submitted by Thomas Y (20 months ago)
    1. Marcus Licinius Crassus (some scenes 1991 restoratio: Sneak out.
    2. Glabrus: As you wish.
    3. Marcus Licinius Crassus: And for heaven's sake, my young friend, try and see to it that you don't have to sneak back again.
    – Submitted by Thomas Y (20 months ago)

Discussion Forum

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The music of Spartacus 4 months ago 0

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Foreign Titles

  • Espartaco (ES)
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