"Veni, Vidi, Vici."

Rating: 10/10 (14 May 2000)

Gaius Julius Caesar said this famous quote after conquering all opposing civilizations. And indeed the movie opens with a excellent battle scene depicting the organized Roman Legions versus the Barbaric Germans. A battle scene which will take its place next to other great movie battle scenes (i.e. - Braveheart, Private Ryan, Glory, etc...) The movie follows the rise and fall of Marcus Aurelius' (Caesar-Richard Harris) Greatest General Maximus Meridas (Russell Crowe) and then his rerise to power as not a general but a Gladiator fighting for his life in the Brutally Violent Colliseums of Rome. While the movie is not historically accurate as far as story goes (the film never states its factual anyhow) its still a great piece of work by director Ridley Scott (Blade Runner). Great musical score, cinematography, battle scenes and supporting cast. Djimon Hounsou and Ralph Moeller are fun to watch as Gladiators and Joaquin Phoenix is fun to watch (and laugh at) as Marcus Aurelius' son. Highly recommended for all fans of Battle Epic Movies.