Proof of Hollywood's value to society

Rating: 8/10 (11 May 2003)

This is what movie-making is all about! No pc soapbox, no one trying to convince you to follow some socialist utopian agenda, just pure, undilluted storytelling! And, Ridley Scott (screwed at the oscars) delivers with this cinematic masterpiece!
Crowe is phenomenal as Maximus, the hero of the story. Maximus is driven by an insatiable thirst for revenge, yet beneath that burns the love for the dream of Rome, shared by the former emperor (Harris). But, Joaquin Phoenix (also screwed at the oscars) turned in one of the most disturbing portrayals of evil in moviedom. Commodus (played by Phoenix) can't be purely hated--look at his upbringing. But, his actions can ONLY be hated. And, the threat he poses to his own people cannot be settled through talk or appeasement. One cannot reason with insanity. They are, by nature, unequivocable, and Maximus/Commodus portray these elements beautifully.
The characters are believable, played perfectly, and the story is impeccably blended with action, drama, and even romance. This is easily the greatest movie produced in the modern era!