"A film like they used to make"

Rating: 10/10 (10 August 2000)

I wasn't expecting the film that I actually saw when I went to see Gladiator. Yes there was lots of violence, yes there were big name stars and yes there was unrealistic dialogue. But what I hadn't anticipated was, plenty of atmosphere, an absorbing story and not over the top acting (well not a lot). I have read some of the negative reviews and they seem too heavily based on the story being unrealistic, "could not have possibly happened", too violent or not violent enough, "nothing like Spartacus". At least they are trying to make films like Spartacus which had more attention grabbing actors than you can shake a stick at. It would be difficult to say I enjoyed the film as it was a sad story in all where the happy ending was really not that happy. It started with violence and ended with violence. But I can honestly say, I was glued to the screen, thought the soundtrack was superb and believed I was there in every scene. Russell Crowe was made for Maximus although Oliver Reed seemed a bit lost in his part. I would recommend everyone to go and see it for themselves and enjoy it for what it is ....a STORY.