Enters the arena with a bang !

Rating: 8/10 (14 July 2000)

This movie is going to make you feel something; whether it is repulsion or excitement is a matter of taste, but it will, trust me. Personally, I tend towards the latter emotion, though some of the violence is repugnant, but most of the times more insinuated than truly depicted. The story of Maximus, the Roman army general who loses all but his life and fights his way up in the arena is fascinating though not highly original and the dialogue is not particularly strong as well.
But the cinematography is excellent. The opening-scene wherein a Roman battalion take on a Barbarian army is breathtaking and most of the fighting-scenes are really well done also. The moment when the gladiators are waiting in the tunnel to enter the stadium where an armored giant is swinging a huge metal ball around gives you the feeling you are there yourself. Some of the acting is good, as is the music.
Powerful stuff on the whole, and surely will fire up your adrenaline-level. Gladiator reminds me a bit of Braveheart, but I prefer this one for its atmosphere.