Good epic film...overall grade: 8 (out of 10).

Rating: Null/10 (15 June 2001)

The best way to analyze this film is to compare it to another famous gladiator film, Spartacus (1960).
Kirk Douglas (Spartacus) vs. Russell Crowe (Maximus Decimus Meridius)

The winner is: Russell Crowe (by a long shot). I liked Russell Crowe in this film. His performance is what keeps the movie generated with electricity from start to finish. Although Douglas was good as Spartacus, I found Crowe's performance much better.
Laurence Olivier (Crassus) vs. Joaquin Phoenix (Commodus)
The winner is: Laurence Olivier. No actor could steal a screen performance like Olivier. Phoenix goes overboard with his character in some scenes.
Peter Ustinov (Lentulus Batiatus) vs. Oliver Reed (Proximo)

The winner is: a draw.
I liked both characters from each film. Ustinov won an Oscar for his Supporting role, but Reed was equally impressive, too.
Direction: Stanley Kubrick vs. Ridley Scott
The winner is: Kubrick (by a long shot).
Special Effects: The winner is Spartacus. One example is the mammoth battle scene towards the end of the film. Gladiator is littered with computerized special effects.
I feel Spartacus still holds my interest as best gladiator film ever made. The only thing that holds Gladiator together is Crowe's performance.
Spartacus: 8.5 (out of 10). Gladiator: 8 (out of 10).