Thank you Ridley Scott.

Rating: 8/10 (8 June 2001)

Gladiator is a truly great depiction of an important part of early Roman Empire. Yes, Gladiator will probably win the Oscar of Best Picture of 2000, but should it? While I agree that watching it was a great pleasure, I am not convinced that it was the best movie made last year. In any other year, not containing a film named Cast Away', Gladiator would get my absolute vote, however in the interest of keeping this review to the movie at hand, I will not name which one I feel should win.
Viewing Gladiator was definitely a spectacle everyone should endure. It has everything any good movie should; an original story, great acting, and truly awe-inspiring direction. To be transported to a world that existed over 1800 years ago, and experience the very same excitement the Romans were able to enjoy is just incredible.
Ridley Scott struck did very well with his direction of Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Neilsen, and Oliver Reed (who unfortunately suffered a fatal heart attack during filming). Scotts' ability to `see' the action in his head, and create the effect for the cameras is wonderful. This is a far different epic than Alien', and far better than Hannibal'.

Russell Crowe is fabulous as Maximus Meridius, the great soldier planning to return to his home after fighting his last battle only to find himself thrust between the dead kings will for him to become the new king, and Commudus, the son of the former king wanting him to stay and fight for him. Crowe is perfect in this role, he is strong, rugged looking, and has become quite a good actor since his days in The Quick and the Dead' and the awful Virtuosity'.
Joaquin Phoenix is magnificent in his role as Commudus. Only recently have I noticed what great acting skills Phoenix possesses, and how well he transforms into such diverse characters, such the same can be said of Ewan McGregor and his diverse roles in Trainspotting', Little Voice' and Star Wars: Episode I'. Phoenix's ability to present himself in such a devious and hateful aspect is awe-inspiring.
As the sister of Commudus, Lucilla (Connie Neilsen) has to play both devoted to her brother, and sympathetic to Maximus. Neilsen pulls this off beautifully and she is very convincing in her role.
The story is beautifully written, and there is never a dull moment. After I viewed the film for the first time I felt that the gladiator fight scenes were too far apart, and not enough of them were in the movie. However, a very good friend of mine, we shall call him Michael DeZubiria (check out his reviews), felt it necessary to explain to me that Gladiator is not just a story about fighting, but a story about the life struggles of one man and his quest to avenge the brutal killing of his family.

Now, while I admit that I liked this film, I am not ready, nor will I ever be ready, to call it the best movie of 2000 (see my Cast Away review). I do not want to take anything away from Gladiator, it's just that there was a more original, creative film in 2000.