One of my all time favorite films

Rating: 10/10 (25 February 2003)

What more could you want? A powder keg of a performance from Russel Crowe as a scorned general turned gladiator seeking revenge for his family's execution, an expertly recreated view of ancient Rome, a darkly comic performance from Phoenix as the villainous and terribly vexed emperor, a "hey, look at me I'm hot and a great actress" turn from a virtually unknown Connie Nielson as the emperor's conniving sister and Crowe's love interest, taut direction from a seasoned director (Ridley Scott) who knows something about pacing and action and visuals, an amazing musical score from Hans Zimmer, awesome costumes and sets, and tons of blood and carnage, all make this one of my personal all time favorite movies. Some of the CGI make look dated in years to come, but I don't think I could ever get tired of this story oft-told, but not oft told this well.