Rumble in the Collosseum

Rating: Null/10 (7 September 2001)

With a cast that includes the late, great Oliver Reed, you know you are in for a treat. Add the direction of Ridley Scott, amazing sets and some of the most seamless CG seen thus far, you only need a decent plot to make a classic movie.
Thankfully, the plot is very good (if a little historically inaccurate), and in Russell Crowe, you have a physically believable gladiator.
The fall and rise of Crowe's character gathers momentum as the story moves on and along the way we are treated to some stunning visuals, accompanied by one of the most vibrant soundtracks I have ever heard.
The fight scenes too look real, I can bet a few bruises were collected along the way. It's a novelty to see such combat in modern movies - no ballet-like stuff here - all blood and guts and hard work.
The characters are also so believable - and the dirty, gritty images of pre-firearm combat really do make battles in other movies seem like a bit of a joke.
I have no hesitation at all recommending this one - especially on DVD where you get a plethora of extra features and commentery.
10 out of 10 for this one - a movie I have watched time and time again, and will continue to do so.