Absolutely fantastic

Rating: Null/10 (28 March 2003)

****MAY BE SPOILERS***** This is one amazing film. The only word i can think to describe it is powerful. Everything about this film is powerful, from the acting to the imagery to the storyline to the emotional and unexpected ending. When i think of the best performance, the exceptional Joaquin Phoenix comes to mind. He plays the twisted, corrupt Commodus who **SPOILERS** kills his father Marcus Aureilius (played by the late great Richard Harris) to become emperor. So far, so evil. But Phoenix turns this seemingly evil character into something sympathetic. i for one was far more moved when Phoenix was asking his father why he didnt love him than when ***SPOILERS*** Maximus finds his dead wife and child. The stand-offs between Crowe and Phoenix are the most thrilling parts of this film, and the contrasts between the two actors are superb- Crowe, quietly understated, dignified yet unable to contain his undeniable screen presence and power, and Phoenix- troubled, sulky, voice trembling yet dangerous and cruel. The "They say your son squealed like a girl when they nailed him to the cross" line is mesmerising and terrifying. The images in this film are beautiful- when Maximus is rushing home to his family, with the clouds storming and the sun rising and falling. The ending brings such an emotional impact, especailly Juba's (in a striking performance by Djimou Hounsou) final line- "I will see you again-but not yet". This line really makes me cry. This is a film the likes of which i haven't seen for years. See it and be amazed.