Its great, Scotts best

Rating: 10/10 (13 January 2006)

Ridley Scotts gladiator tells the story of Maximus a great roman general who Marcus Aurelius asks to take over the command of the empire. Meanwhile Caesars own blood his adopted son Commodus has other plans. Russell Crowe gives a performance which i never thought he would outclass his work in A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man and THe INsider. However Crowe is magnificent in this film. He is a legendary actor for his work in these 4 films alone, thats not counting other significant performances in Proof of Life and LA Confidential. Joaquin Phoenix was also great as the villain, Commodus. Connie NIelsen and Djimon Hounsaou were also great in their roles. This film is a great fictional epic, great direction and atmosphere, brilliant cast and a good screenplay from Franzoni (King Arthur, Amistad), John Logan (Aviator, Last samurai), and William Nicholson (Nell). This movie is perfect, Scotts best work although Kingdom of heaven and Matchstick Men are great too. 10/10