Best movie of the year

Rating: Null/10 (4 October 2000)

This movie was excellent. I went to the theater expecting a movie more in the line of "The Patriot". In other words, a good popcorn action/war flick, nothing special but still not a bad movie. What I found was a masterpiece. This movie blew me off my feet. The actors were perfectly casted. The storyline was excellent. The acting was some of the most memorable in many years. The special effects were amazing. The Cinematography was perfect. The battles were incredibly realistic and beleivable. Russell Crowe(Maximus) was perfect at playing his role; a Sad Hero. Throughout the movie you are made to believe that all he is trying to do is win his freedom. He has no "save Rome" attitude as I thought he would before I saw the movie. I thought he was going to be a "Rebel" trying to save the people. But what he is, is a man trying to win freedom and revenge against the man(who is the King's Son i.e. the Prince) who slaughtered his family and the king(who happened to be his best friend and the father he never had). By the end he finally wins his freedom.I wont ruin the surprise ending for you. I will say that it is deliciously ironic though. All in all, this movie is flawless and "Awesome" in the true sense of the word! this movie deserves "Best Picture" at the academy awards! And Russell Crowe deserves "Best Actor"!