A man robbed of his name and his dignity strives to win them back.

Rating: 7/10 (27 June 2010)

A second-century Roman general (Russell Crowe) is condemned to death by the Emperor (Joaquin Phoenix) but escapes to become a slave and a gladiator before wreaking a spectacular revenge and restoring the moral compass of the Roman Empire.
Gladiator is an expensive, elaborate, action film that became the first bona fide sword-and-sandals epic in four decades. The pace never falters thanks to director Ridley Scott's attentive direction, buttressed by an astronomical budget. Crowe, alternating between hand-to-hand combat and grave contemplation, is hugely credible in the title role. A massive hit for wholly understandable reasons. The film was nominated for and won multiple awards; it won five Academy Awards in the 73rd Academy Awards including Best Picture.