An excellent spectacle and historical film.

Rating: Null/10 (24 May 2000)

I don't know where all this sarcasm about recent films is coming from(perhaps too many previews), but in this film it is completely undeserved. Russell Crowe is excellent as Maximus, and Joaquin Phoenix as his archenemy delivers a splendid if not disturbing (after his innocence in "Inventing the Abbotts") performance as well. The story may be old, but is not known to all. How true the film is to the true story I cannot say, but the performances and the excellent cast alone is worth seeing it for. Oliver Reed and Richard Harris are excellent as well as their young counterparts. But be warned~ I did not expect the violence and gore that was displayed in the battles. However, this film will move you and the ending is very touching. I talked two friends into seeing it with my husband and I, and they thoroughly enjoyed it.
Enjoy, Carmen :0)