Beautifully made, an exquisite piece

Rating: 10/10 (22 November 2007)

This film is truly a masterpiece, a classic. My only regret is that I didn't get to see it on the big screen, I have only watched it on DVD. Technically it's as close to perfect as they come. I had never seen Russell Crowe in a leading role before this and I was blown away. Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Richard Harris and Oliver Reed also put in first class performances. It was also nice to see an all too rare appearance by David Hemmings in his rather comical role as Cassius.
The sets were awe inspiring. I find gore distasteful but the speed at which the action sequences take place allows insufficient time for it to become gratuitous. Besides, it's hard to depict the Roman arenas without showing a little blood, right?