Watch it a second time for the acting

Rating: 9/10 (28 November 2009)

I recently watched Gladiator again.
On my first watching I was pulled along by the exciting story, thrilling action sequences and fabulous visuals.
This time I was able to appreciate the performances, particularly Joaquin Phoenix and Oliver Reed.
Commodus is not a sympathetic character, but he is a complex one. Phoenix brings great depth to him. You never like him, but you understand him. Phoenix' work is remarkable.
And Oliver Reed's performance reminds you of just how powerful he could be in the right part, how unfortunate it was that he was in so much rubbish, and what a loss his death was.