et tu Ridley?

Rating: 9/10 (6 February 2005)

I love Gladiator, but remember being disappointed on first viewing in the theatre. Repeat viewing on VCR and especially DVD have confirmed its place as a classic. Gladiator isn't perfect. A fifteen minute trim could do it a lot of favours, and Joachim Phoenix is too much in certain scenes. On the other hand, its Crowe's finest hour, with good support from Oliver Reed and Richard Harris.
Scott's recreation of the second century Roman world is outstanding and ambitious. Battle scenes feel like a Vietnam movie, gladiatorial combat is fast and bloody. What really makes Gladiator work is Scott's commitment to a brutal world. People die, and life is unfair. This darker tone combined with outstanding effects work offers the viewer an epic tale, well told.
outstanding.