This is a truly great epic film in the vein of Spartacus.

Rating: 9/10 (3 May 2004)

Russell Crowe plays a general in the Roman army who through a series of treacherous actions finds himself a gladiator. In the same genre as Spartacus, this movie is far more spectacular...and I loved Spartacus. Despondent at the loss of his wife and child, Maximus (Crowe) has refused to fight as a gladiator and wants nothing more than to be reunited with his family. Of course, he does fight, and looks forward to revenge for his misfortune.
Crowe plays the part of a loyal Roman general (of Spanish descent) very well. The king looks at Maximus as a son...and there is where the problems begin. Joaquin Phoenix plays Commodus, the king's real son, who is nothing short of a spoiled brat.
The fight scenes in the movie are spectacular, but the plot will satisfy even the ladies who go more for the romantic films.