A great, graphic epic...

Rating: 9/10 (22 May 2000)

...and easily one of the best films of the year so far. Intense and moving in the same vein as 'Saving Private Ryan,' just a bit less gut-wrenching. I got the sense that something was left on the editing room floor in the relationship between Russell Crowe's Maximus and Djimon Hounsou's fellow gladiator--a little more development, maybe just one additional scene between the two men, would have been nice. The only other flaw I noticed was when the film lapses dangerously close to self-parody in just a scant few spots, only to successfully pull back. I didn't think much of either 'L.A. Confidential' or 'The Insider,' but Russell Crowe has won me over. Ridley Scott should be nominated for an Academy Award. A knockout film that definitely gives you your money's worth and an instant purchase for me once it hits DVD. This one is an across-the-board success.