Excellent

Rating: 10/10 (4 June 2008)

A masterpiece in its own right. Very few movies come along that blend action and drama so seamlessly, such as "Children of Men" and "Saving Private Ryan". The story is very strong and holds onto you until the stunning ending. The main protagonist can easily be related to, you root for him and want him to win. A true movie hero, and Russel Crowe's renown range of expressions and emotions make it a solid performance. Also, Joaquin Pheonix's role as the delusional and insane emperor is a perfect foil to Crowe's good-natured Maximus. As for the action, brutal and smooth throughout the movie, it never overstays its welcome. This is not a movie, its cinema. An art form.
Note: This is one of the very very very few movies that made me cry.
Well worth seeing, then buying the 2-disc DVD.