Gripping tale of honor, betrayal, and vengeance.

Rating: 10/10 (6 January 2001)

Stunning visuals, CGI, and wonderful performances by Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Oliver Reed, and Richard Harrison combine to make this film a delight to experience. My only complaint is that Crowe's "General Maximus" comes off as a bit too much of an innocent for his lofty position as a commander of legions of men. Crowe manages, in spite of this, to make you believe Maximus is a commanding man, a true leader. Ridley Scott certainly cast the best man for the job. Joaquin Phoenix made me emotionally squirm in my seat every time he came on the screen. His depiction of the nearly sociopathic son of the Emperor is a role he is clearly well capable of playing. Richard Harrison is always a delight to see, as is Oliver Reed.