great

Rating: 9/10 (13 July 2004)

Russell Crowe deserved the Oscar for this film. Yes, I know he got it ahead of some other worthy winners, but is portrayal is faultless. Despite its historical inaccuracies, the film has the look and feel of Ancient Rome- the greatness is conveyed through beautiful music and scenery (the gladiatorial arenas are amazingly well constructed and the fights themselves brilliantly choreographed)
Crowe is one of my favourite actors of all time- his versatility often overlooked, his presence on screen (and stage) incredibly powerful. This film also served as a vehicle for Joaquin Pheonix- he is also a brilliant actor (saw him in Quills, he's very good in that).
I really like this movie, and it deserved it accolades- a true epic. That opening scene is the most realistic depiction of an ancient battle on screen to date.