Everything you could want, and more...

Rating: 10/10 (12 March 2003)

(some spoilers, not many)
Some people lament this films not-completely-accurate interpretation of ancient history, citing that though a good deal *is* accurate, other parts are not. Others deem this film unworthy due to the fact that it was too "Hollywood".
While both are valid points, I don't believe them to be at all damaging to what should be the central part of every great movie - not the cinematography, not the score, nor even the acting - but the story. A good story tells itself, as all of us should know, and a good story can overcome any other limitations.
Gladiator does just that.
Reminiscent at times of Spartacus, at others of the infamous "I, Claudius" series, Gladiator does a good job of introducing people (many who probably have only cursory knowledge of anything prior to when they were born unfortunately) to ancient times, with obvious emphasis on Rome.
The depictions of the Roman senate are correct. All of the soldier's equipment is also accurate, as are the tactics employed in the opening battle sequence. Yes, yes, yes - there was no such thing as a "thumbs up" at the true Gladitorial games, but there have to be some sacrifices to relate to the non-historically inclined.
Ultimately however, the story is what truly shines. And I'd say it's as non-Hollywood as they come in some essential ways. First of all, our hero and protagonist, Maximus, is not your typical hero, bursting with bravado and dropping one-liners like some bronze-age Swarzenegger. He is a capable man, thrust into a role he wants no part of. Right from the beginning, it is established that all he truly wants is to return home to his family, and nothing more. He dreams neither of glory, nor wealth, but peace after many years of war.
The terrible tragedy that befalls him is not of his own doing - he is a politically naiive man, defamed and stripped of rank by politicians, an entity he cannot comprehend. Embittered by the betrayal of the nation that he fought so hard to protect and expand, Maximus is a sullen, resigned character, who only shows brief spurts of contentment throughout the rest of the film - and after what happened to him and his family, he has every reason to feel this way.
Ultimately, as may (or may not) be a surprise, in VERY much anti-Hollywood fashion, our hero dies at the end. After all he has accomplished, all he suffered, he still dies anyway. This made me quite sad actually, but enhanced the emotional pull of the picture ten fold. As an almost unwritten rule, the hero does not die. Sure, he may get beaten, stabbed, shot up, and sworn at, but in the end, he still lives, gets the girl, and life goes on...
None of that happened here, and so we were fortunate to bear witness to one of the few great cinematic moments of the last decade.
9.5/10
On a purely "guy" note - wonderful combat. Enough blood and hacking and slashing to keep me properly entertained :0)