Spectacular!

Rating: 10/10 (22 May 2000)

Spectacular is both a genre description and my personal opinion. I won't repeat raves about Russell Crowe or attempt to show my knowledge of Roman history by pointing out the inaccuracies. I'm sure Tacitus would be forgiving. I will simply say that the movie was vastly entertaining and left me slack jawed with it's depictions of ancient Rome. I am SO impressed with the state of computer graphics. The costuming was VERY accurate (not an "attic" helmet in sight). The combat scenes were convincing and engrossing and bloody. Also having seen "The Fall of the Roman Empire" it was interesting to compare the filmmakers' ideas and conceptions of the characters. What's more, my WIFE liked it, and cried at the end. How about THAT! "Gladiator" will definitely go on my list of favorite movies.