A big-screen must-see.

Rating: 10/10 (19 June 2000)

In a nutshell: I loved it! Russell Crowe turns in a phenomenal performance as Maximus, and Joaquin Phoenix does likewise as the tormented Commodus. While the cinematography itself is quite dark and brooding, it mitigates the feel of the movie. The battles are well choreographed, and the story moves quickly. I've always been a big fan of Ridley Scott, and he hits one out of the park with Gladiator. Also, the musical score, written by Hans Zimmer, deserves a mountain of praise. You've got to see this one, folks!