Restless because of Maximus

Rating: 9/10 (14 May 2000)

I saw "Gladiator" at the late show and then went home and tried to get a good night's sleep. Forget it. First of all, this movie is an adrenaline pump for impressionable viewers. Maximus's world is full of danger through the whole film and the viewer shares those fears and thrills, the battles, the gladiator bouts, the secret conspirings. Secondly, this movie fills your heart with sadness and you are drained and upset when you walk out of there.
DON'T try tell anyone that this movie lacks emotion....give me a break! Not since "Braveheart" have I had such a love of a main character. This dude is a hero in the true sense of the word, totally fearless and driven to achieve his goals no matter what. Russell Crowe plays him with a modest, almost shy demeanor that is very engaging, considering the character's physical attributes and skills.
The photography is spectacular. The long sweeps of scenery (again reminiscent of the scenes of Scotland in "Braveheart") are breathtaking and the depiction of life during those times and especially what Rome was like was one of the best aspects of the movie.
I gave this a 9 out of 10, only because some of the dialogue was a little lame and the acting was OK across the board, but not brilliant. GO SEE IT!