There have been much better films on this theme

Rating: 4/10 (6 June 2001)

Firstly, I was able to tell what was going to happen from one scene to the next. no suspense or real drama Next: The poorest use of CGI - I cant believe that I was able to spot all the computer effects (crowd scenes mainly & the entry to Rome. How this one any academy awards is beyond me.This is 2 years in a row that an an undeserving Dreamworks film won an oscar. I cant believe everyone is so in awe of Spielburg they honor anything he is associated with. For better movies of about a Gladiator Or this period of time see
SPARTACUS OR THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE OR EVE QUO VADIS Fall of the Roman Empire was not that great a film but it sure surpasses this mess. & believe or not was more truthful in the story of the Emperor Commodus & Marcus Aurelius. Commodus was a trained expert wrestler & fought many times in the games, obviously he always won, except the final time. Besides having a yen for his sister he liked the boys also & that was completely left out.
as always
jay harris