Better than Braveheart

Rating: 9/10 (2 January 2001)

Seeing this film immediately brought back the feelings I had when I first saw Braveheart. On further examination I found this story much more compelling and complex. The gore content is tastefully done and while brutal it serves it's purpose and is not the focus but rather the motivation for the story.
The acting is excellent, Russell Crowe played the role of Gladiator with the necessary reserve, angst and passion needed. Joaquin Phoenix as the Emperor's son was truly distasteful. I loathed his character by the end of the movie more than most characters I can call to mind. Cinematically beautiful, musically enchanting. Would love to see this on DVD, because on VHS with surround sound it was fabulous.