A Perfect 10, a fabulous epic, off the charts...**POSS SPOILERS**

Rating: 10/10 (24 October 2004)

After seeing this movie countless times (I've owned two DVD copies, lost the first, bought another) I've finally gotten around to comment on it. This is one of the best epic movies I've seen to date. You'll see the "glamour" of the Roman empire, one mans quest for revenge, and fantastic filmaking at it's best, with an awesome score to accompany it all (Hanz Zimmer). Even the soundtrack is great. When I first sat down to watch this film, I was taken aback by the brutality of the opening sequence, but I hung in there and I am so glad I did. If it was Ridley Scott who cast Russell Crowe in this, he should have won best director...(well he should have won anyway). First, the bloody scenes were fearfully realistic, the costumes elaborate and detailed, and the special effects astounding. The Colosseum crowd CGI created yet unknowing to the naked eye. This movie has all the elements of a great epic, war, battles, love stories, tragedy, "strength and honor", integrity, beauty, and it deserved every Oscar it received. Russell Crowe's acting was and remains some of the best I've seen on the screen so far. His response to his loss was heartbreaking, and his quest for vengeance, intense and heart pounding. With his change in status, he never changed his "character" and his performance shows it. Russell Crowe deserved that Oscar, and I applaud him. Connie Nielson was an unusual choice, but she got it and deserves honorable mention. This was also one of Richard Harris' greatest choices, he was made for the role of an emperor, we lost a great actor with his death, as we did with Oliver Reed as Proximo, the slave owner and former Gladiator. Another "newcomer" Djimon Hounsou as Maximus' friend and fellow slave/gladiator was a wonderful surprise, he was enjoyable to watch and likable...it would be nice to see him again on the silver screen. Joaquin Phoenix was another wise pick for the young emperor, we see what a fine actor he is in this film and his great potential. We know that because we hate him in it...and kudos to him for eliciting that emotion from the viewer. If you watch this film, you'd be hard pressed to find fault with it. It's so spectacular, emotionally charged, and full of talent. I still find myself listening to and loving the song "Now we are free" by Enya (played during the final scene in the Colosseum with the sad yet triumphant ending) When asked or discussing movies, I usually mention this one as my all time favorites, as "new" as it is. My only regret is that with the ending as it was, there is no room for a sequel (however although a sequel would unlikely be as great, it would have been interesting at least) This is a movie you've got to see, people will be talking about it and viewing it for years to come...don't miss it..10/10!!!