Lions, and Romans, and Gladiators, Oh my!

Rating: 8/10 (8 May 2000)

I have to admit that I was one of the few who were not totally anticipating this release. I am a die-hard Braveheart fan and have been disappointed by all epics since it's release. Although this movie is still no Braveheart in my opinion, it is definitely a movie to see. The beginning fight scene along with some of the shots of Rome shows why this movie is truly an epic. The total grandeur of the picture along with some excellent acting help make this movie one of the top 100 of all time despite some obvious slow points in the plot. This movie clearly could have been 3+ hours had they fully developed the main characters and the plot. The special effects are blended in nicely without taking away from the movie and it's realism. One of Russell Crowe's best works if not the best of his career. I highly suggest viewing this movie on the big screen.