A mighty tale from ancient Rome

Rating: 9/10 (22 November 2000)

The Gladiator undeniably on of the most powerful and emotional movies to come out in a long time. The plot in itself is simple, but powerful one and colored by complex personalities and political struggles of Rome. While not attempting to be historically exact, characters for example are taken from actual persons. General Maximus is based on modest Cinccinati of Rome who just wanted to be family man after winning the war. Commodus was a real Roman Emperor actually strangled to death on Colosseum by a gladiator (he liked to fight against gladiators, but gave his opponents swords made of soft lead so he could always win).
Acting is excellent, Russel Crowe especially unforgettable as Maximus and Joaquin Phoenix is well cast as dreadful but unfortunate Emperor. Good camerawork and warm colors really pump life into Ancient Roman Empire. There are also computer-generated special effects, but they are not used excessively as in some movies (SW: Phantom Menace for example) and merely support storytelling and image of believeable Roman world.
On the blood and gore department, Gladiator shows everything that is necessary to the story and doesn't go to extremes like some historical movies.
Overall, Gladiator is much more than just a return to spectacles-it's a whole new perspective into an era. A Warm, touching movie with powerful plot and at the same time excellent historical spectacle made with good taste. Highly recommended.
My Rating 9/10