The cinematic highlight of 2000

Rating: 8/10 (13 May 2000)

In Gladiator, Ridley Scott has most probably fashioned devised the cinematic highlight of the year and revived the beloved genre of Biblical/Roman epics in hi-tech, '90's style. However, there is no Biblical references in this one and it is much darker than the classics (in particularly Spartacus) which it has been moulded around. Like those films it is truly spectacular (special effects are at their best when you can hardly notice them) and has perfect actors playing memorable actors. There are some truly touching scenes (especially the last one) and others are fast, furious and blood-wrenched. All in all, Gladiator is a hugely impressive film which brings an old genre back to life and gives it an added dimension. It will probably spawn a few imitators but this original will end up a classic.