Cool and Epic

Rating: Null/10 (4 August 2000)

The Basic plot: Maximus, a powerful general is loved by the aging Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who appoints maximus to be the next emperor, but his jealous son Commodus murders his father so he can be emperor and keep Maximus off power. He then kills Maximus's family and sells maxi to Africa as a gladiator, where he is taken by Proximo to Rome,where he becomes popular and vows revenge on the corrupt Commodus.
The praise:Very well-made. The battle scenes are exciting ,outrageous , exotic and gloriously action-packed , and a feast for the eye. Actually the entire movie is a great eye feast ,with classic sets and cinematography. It also has great suspense ,deviously larger than life dialogue,plot and acting, all leading to a climax that will make you cry.Russel Crowe is an icon, brilliant in a good role, he, in his armor out on the battlefield, under the sun ,with the crowd cheering. A larger than life movie.
The flaws: A few slow sections along the way.