Destined to be a classic

Rating: 10/10 (3 September 2004)

Gladiator is an underrated movie to say the least. It should be on the top 10, and in my book it's at position 1.
People tend to think it's bad because it's not 100% historically accurate. Guess what, it's not a documentary, it shouldn't be judged as one.
The dialogue is strong and the story is the one we all love, and it plays out without flaw in Gladiator. The movie sets a new standard for the definition of epic. If you watch Spartacus or Ben-Hur after Gladiator, you notice how plain and un-epic those movies are in comparison.
All the actors performed flawlessly, especially Joaquin Phoenix (should have won an Oscar) and Connie Nielsen, I love the "Am I not merciful" scene, so much emotion with so few words. No single actor could be replaced to make this a better movie, it was a perfect cast.
The musical score is magnificent, it's so in sync with the action and the emotions on the screen, and so majestically epic, it's in itself destined to become a classic. Too bad Hans Zimmer was robbed of the Oscar.
The scenery is phenomenal, the landscapes are perfect, the CGI is top notch. You can FEEL the grandness of Rome. Splendid use of light and color in every single scene. I especially like the scene where Commodus and Maximus are elevated on to the arena, protected by a tortus formation of praetorian guards.
Are you not entertained? ARE you not entertained? YES, yes we ARE. Maximus, Maximus, Maximus, Maximus...
10/10 - A classic.