One of the all time greatest

Rating: 10/10 (21 January 2007)

I remember going to the theater the first time with tempered hopes. I ended up seeing it fives times in the theater alone. Then I burned a hole in my DVD afterward. Ridley Scott proved himself once again to be one of the greatest directors of all time, and this movie helped me to discover Hans Zimmer as well. I also think this is Russel Crowe's definitive role, and Joaquin Phoenix's performance absolutely floored me and turned me into a huge fan of his. Just a fantastic movie, with an absolute heart break ending. The recreation of Rome gives you the feeling that you are really there. Some of the cinematography, such as the scene where Commodus is looking out over Rome, just before screaming to his sister "Am I not merciful?!" is just unforgettable. Hans Zimmer's score is absolutely unbelievable and I've basically burned a hole in the soundtrack CD as well.