If this were a novel, it would be terrible

Rating: 1/10 (24 November 2012)

Historical inaccuracy aside, the movie features a reactive protagonist who only wins because the antagonist is a total idiot. Fights come his way and the protagonist fights because he has to. He is a fighter from the beginning, he doesn't learn anything new. The only character development to be seen is probably his depression.
Major SPOILER:
The antagonist is stupid and miserable and nobody on earth likes him. He has neither brains nor charisma. He is insane and hopeless from the beginning. And then he, the emperor, challenges the best gladiator to a fight.