Great movie in all respects and if THIS film doesn't make the world sit up and take notice of Russell Crowe, nothing will.

Rating: 10/10 (8 May 2000)

This movie is a visual masterpiece, maybe Ridley Scott's best work (and that's saying a LOT). I must admit that I was not that impressed with Joaquin Phoenix at first, but on further review, I realized that he was actually very good... his character is a spoiled simpering evil dude, and he played it to the hilt, with a British accent (because we all know English was the language of Rome, and everyone who was anyone in the Roman empire spoke with a Royal Shakespearean accent). Oliver Reed, Derek Jacoby, and Richard Harris were wonderful of course, as was Djimon Honshou, and then there's Russell Crowe... He is definitely the heart and soul of this film, and if THIS film doesn't get him the respect he's due, then nothing will. And anyone who thought the light saber duel in Star Wars Episode I was impressive (as I did -- my favorite part of that movie) will be completely bowled over by the fight sequences in this film. Very bloody, but very well choreographed and incredibly filmed. AND -- this movie has a heart! The characters are well-developed and the plot (yes, there's a PLOT too!) hinges on the relationships between them, not just on the action. A great movie in all respects.