A return to epic film making

Rating: 9/10 (2 December 2006)

When I checked out the latest Top 250,I couldn't quite believe that 'Gladiator' was only ranked at No.138.It just had to be higher,especially when you consider some of the movies that are above it.I thought it would be top 20 at the very least.Why is it so low?Beats me,it truly does.
This is a film that scores in every department.Great cinematography,fine acting,excellent story and genuine emotion.It is a film that has gone on to influence several films since and I dare say that a few movies wouldn't have even got made if it hadn't been for the success of this stirring adventure movie.As stated,the acting is fine throughout with Joaquin Phoenix,Connie Nielsen,Oliver Reed and Richard Harris all impressive.But this film belongs to Russell Crowe who gives a powerful performance full of compassion and turmoil.I saw a recent poll that listed the most undeserved Oscar winners and Russell Crowe came top for this performance.Now that is totally pathetic and people obviously voted for the personality and not the actor.You know and I know that there have been many other performances in recent years that have won the coveted Oscar and shouldn't have.Crowe deserved his award without any shadow of a doubt and it his role of Maximus for which he will be remembered,a fact that would probably bug the hell out of him.
This film is gripping from start to finish and is one of the finest releases of recent years.No,it isn't perfect.There are too many gaffes for that.The guy wearing jeans,the gas cylinders on the chariots and the headrest for Maximus' death scene(just look at the long shot!!).But it is a cracking movie of a type so rarely seen recently.I know that it is in my top 10 movies of all time.