A Stunning Achievement by Ridley Scott and Russel Crowe

Rating: 9/10 (22 May 2000)

I wouldn't of thought that Russel Crowe could match his performance in the "Insider", but he does in stunning recreation of late 2nd Century Rome. This film has been called Ridley Scott's finest film since "Bladerunner". Wrong! It's his finest film, period. Mr. Scott has finally goven up trying to imitate his brother, Tony, and returned to more traditional story telling (forget G.I. Jane).
The story is compelling, with real meat to it (some of it cleaved!).
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this film. Even the minor historical inaccuracies work (stirrups on the horses, for example). The supporting cast are all given wonderfully realized characters to play. Watch for Oliver Reed to get a posthumous Oscar nomination next spring. Production design,a fantastic score, photography- it's a real repeater.
Which is why I've seen it four times so far, with more viewings to come.

Congratulations, Mr. Scott.