For the Glory of Rome!!

Rating: 9/10 (25 September 2019)

Where to start with this classic. Just rewatched this because seeing all the hype over Joaquin Phoenix playing the Joker and having recently viewed Wonder Woman with the still beautiful Connie Nielsen motivates me to watch it again.
I can't believe it's nearly 20 years ago since this was made. A true test of any piece of cinema is how does it hold up to repeat viewings and the passing of time. This succeeds in spades. It looks like it could still be released now and have the same thrilling impact it did on the initial release.
This as with all great movies is a perfect blend of script, location, set design, action, musical score and the casting.
The dialogue in this movie is so deep and memorable. It has a weight to it that hits hard.
Ridley Scott hit paydirt with the screenplay and the magical casting of this movie.
Russell Crowe has such a brooding vengeful presence but also a demeanour that engenders respect from his fellow slaves and soldiers. It's perfectly pitched and he doesn't over act at all.
Joaquin Phoenix on the other hand gets to go big here. He's controlled, charming, scheming, pathetic, angry, resourceful , murderous and psychotic all at the same time almost. Every scene he's in is made more memorable for his inclusion.
Not to mention all the supporting cast Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed every speech is magnificent. Djimon Honsou, Derek Jacobi, John Shrapnell give this whole film a gravitas and a seriousness that takes you into the world of the Roman Empire.
The action set pieces in this film are terrific before the MCU took over the world with it's CGI practical stunt work just feels more grounded and visceral.
For me it's those tiny little nuances in an action piece, a bit of choreography that lifts it above the norm. The part where Maximus gets a white horse in the Colosseum. He turns the horse through 360 degrees and then gallops down the middle against two chariots with a sword.
It just magnifies how dangerous and skilled Maximus is as a soldier.
Lastly the musical score in this is amazing. Hans Zimmer is a magician. He has done so many memorable scores for movies. Crimson Tide, Inception, The Last Samurai and The Dark Knight it's hard to pick my favourite.
Combining his talent with the absolutely beautiful and haunting vocal of Lisa Gerrard makes this a masterpiece. The music is an integral part to every scene in this film and adds so much to the tone of the movie and each individual acting beat.
Watch this as I have to say this movie is in my Top Ten movies of all time.