Brilliant cinematography and storytelling

Rating: 10/10 (3 September 2000)

Ridley Scott has done it again - he is the master of the light! Blade Runner had that wonderful atmosphere with rays of light slanting through windows, and in Gladiator he manages to do the same with outside scenes! My favorites: the initial battle scene in the German forests and the short sunrise scene in Rome. Absolutely brilliant settings and just powerful images.
However, the cinematography is not all that stands out in this movie. The story is well-told, the acting great, everything comes together just so. The counterpoint of the stoic, down-to-earth Maximus Decimus Berilius (Russell Crowe) vs. the corrupt, slimy Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) trying so hard to out-do the image of his father is perfect.
I have to give this one: two thumbs up! ;]