Brilliant, Russell Crowe has arrived...

Rating: Null/10 (17 May 2000)

Kevin Spacey said it when LA Confidential came out, Russell Crowe is poised to be a big star. And, boy! Is he!!! He is Maximus Decimus Meridias, Commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and servant of the one true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. The film is well acted, especially by Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix (great as the villainous Commodus), Richard Harris (Marcus Aurelius) and the late, great Oliver Reed (who died during production). The direction is plainly brilliant. This is one of Ridley Scott's best films. The summer is off to a great start.....