An historic film of love and revenge

Rating: 8/10 (31 August 2018)

This roman epic tells the tale of an aging emperor who wants his loyal general to succeed him instead of his own son.
This film has been widely credited for reigniting interest in historical films about ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. Russel Crowe plays the general "Maximus Decimus Meridius" with gusto and a powerful screen presence. Joaquin Phoenix plays an egomaniacal ruler "Commodus" who wants the general dead.
Oliver Reed who plays "Proximo" is supurb as the jaided slave dealer. This was his last role as he died during filming and several scenes had to be digitally created to finish the film. The film was dedicated to him and remains one of his best performances in later life.
The musical score written by Lisa Gerrard and Hans Zimmer is ethereal and adds another dimention to the spectacular battle scenes.
Riddley Scott "director" spares no expense recreating this Roman epic. With state of the art digital effects, the streets of Rome are recreated for the viewer. This film is not just about battle scenes and politics, it is also about a man who wants revenge on a false emperor.