Great movie, despite what others say.

Rating: Null/10 (16 December 2001)

The acting in this fim was in my opinion very good. Russell Crowe's performance was outstanding. You get the sense that his men respected him, you get to see how proficient he is at fighting, you get to see a tender side. The one thing that I never hear or read is the fact that for quite a lengthy period of time Crowe doesn't speak. He gets his emotions across without words. And it works. Ridley Scott is a great director. Some may say the first battle is full of fast cuts, but to me it gives you the feeling of being in battle. There are lots of things going on and you have to try and get it all in. The rest of the cast is fantastic. Joaquin Phoenix did a marvelous job. Finally the score. As with many great films the music just enhances the enjoyment of the film. Hans Zimmer gets high marks for the music in the both the first battle & its reprise in the Barbarian Horde scene. All in all was it the best film of 2000? I won't say outright yes, but considering what else was out it had to be right up there.