Maximus Rules...

Rating: 10/10 (5 August 2004)

I love this movie. It's what cinema was made for. Everything about it...the acting, Ridley Scott's directing, the screenplay, the score...is wonderful. Russell Crowe gives a magnificent portrayal of Maximus, the Roman Army General who is betrayed by the jealous Emperor and who becomes a gladiator to avenge the murder of his wife and child.
Russell Crowe deservedly won an Oscar for his performance! The swarthy, sexy, manly Maximus...has there ever been a more charismatic character on screen? Maximus is the kind of man that you would follow to the end of the earth. The personal journey that he goes through, from proud general to defeated slave to celebrity gladiator, is extremely moving...and the film's strong spiritual subtext made me extremely emotional. This film has one of the most moving endings ever.
There is great acting from all the cast...Joaquin Phoenix makes a fantastic boo-hiss villain, and there is also excellent support from Connie Nielsen and the late Oliver Reed and Richard Harris.
In short...Yes, I Am Entertained!