Incredible

Rating: 10/10 (4 May 2000)

The first time I saw the preview for Gladiator I thought that it would be nothing more than an excellent summer action film in the vein of Men In Black or Die Hard or something like that. But after seeing this movie I realized I was completely wrong. This movie is near-epic. It's actually smart. The directing is nearly flawless and the dialogue is amazing too. I just can't believe this is the same guy who did "1492". That is amazing. Scott uses some excellent time-lapse photography and surreal dream shots that seem out of place for a time but in the end fit right into place. The action sequences just add to the film. Scott puts you right into the battle at the beginning as well as in the Roman Coliseum for the gladiator fights. The characters are rich and colorful and the ending is incredible. I would compare it to Braveheart and also add that it is almost as perfect. See this movie. It will be the best of the summer.