Gladiator is the last of the great Roman epics, superbly brought to life by an amazing cast, outstanding scenery and special effects, shrewd directing and Hans Zimmer's emotional score.

Rating: 10/10 (19 June 2000)

Gladiator is the last of the great Roman epics, superbly brought to life by an absolutely amazing cast and some outstanding special effects and scenery perfectly complimented by Ridley Scott's shrewd directing. It tells the story of Maximus, a General in the Roman army sent to Germania under the watchful eye of Emperor Marcus Arelius to conquer the last barbarian tribes holding out. Marcus is dying and after the battle, tells Maximus that he is to become Rome's new ruler. Having broken the bad news to Commodus, his evil son who responds by punishing dad, Maximus is accused of treason and sentenced to death. The rest of the film focuses on Maximus' rise as a gladiator having been discovered by Proximo, an ex-gladiator who has been granted his freedom. Maximus' career culmilates in a brathtaking finale in Rome and the Colosseum. We all know what that means, a final showdown with the newly self-elected Emperor Commodus, providing of course Maximus and his Gladiator friends survive the trials that the new Caesar throws at them. The film itself stands out from previous epics with its technically perfect fight scenes in the Colosseum and at the beginning with the German barbarians.Russel Crowe must be an Oscar winner for his superbly emotional performance as Maximus. The film is very emotional in places and this is perfectly multiplied by Hans Zimmer's score which must also be an Oscar nominee.Joaquin Phoenix portrays evil Emperor Commodus as the weasely snide Roman we all know he is. Oliver Reed's final performance as Gladiator trainer Proximo must also not be ignored. All in all, Gladiator is one of the greatest films i have ever seen and i would strongly urge everybody to go and see it regardless of what you have planned for that day. Purchase the soundtrack too and play it as loud as your player will allow.This film kicks and is easily one that will make you cry your eyes out come the end. 100% easily-and don't forget the Oscars.