I'd like to thank the academy...

Rating: Null/10 (8 May 2000)

This is a serious piece of cinema on the kind of grand scale that makes its ancestors like Spartacus and Ben Hur mighty proud. Let's not waste any time with the other summer (winter, or fall for that matter) dreck and hand out the 2001 academy awards now. Yes, it's that good.
Best Screenplay - Sure. Riveting plot, well executed. A heroic fable in every sense of the word. Acting - Hell yes. Russell Crowe perhaps for Best Actor, but particularly Joaquin Phoenix for his unnerving portrayal of the mad Commodus. Truly an inspired piece of casting. Best Set Design - How can you beat the glory of 'Rome' at it's height. Best Costumes - By far the most beautiful works of art I've seen in a long while. The general's chest piece has got this amazing wolf fur attached to the shoulder pads. The Emperor is absolutely stunning in his intricate vestments. Best Director - Sure, Ridley Scott deserves it, not only for this but also for his early works like Blade Runner, etc. Best Visual Effects - Yep. Best Sound - You will be in the Coliseum. Don't dare see it at any theater but a THX venue. (Sounds a bit silly, but you know what? If you are shelling out 10 bucks a ticket then you should at least get the best sound for your money.) Best Cinematography - This is where the film really shines. Ancient Rome, The Coliseum, thousands of extra's clashing in classic epic battle sequences. Lions and Tigers, ohh My! The gladiator combat sequences make WWF 'matches' look like minor disagreements. It isn't all Gladiator battles though. Long sweeping shots of breathtaking panorama's pervade this incredible film. Best Editing - No one really cares about this award anyway, but since we are in a giving mood. Best Picture - Nothing will be its equal this year.