wanted to love it...poor ending prevented it.

Rating: 6/10 (10 May 2000)

Boy,I wanted to love this film...it's been so long since the Roman Empire was the focus of a film...positives,Russell Crowe is terrific...tip of the helmet to the late Oliver Reed for a different role...negatives,30 minutes too long,( and without spoiling it) no way any caesar,any day, anyhow, does what this one does at the end of the film.....nearly ruined the movie for me....I'm sure to a Hollywood type this idea seemed logical but..no way..don't buy it for a minute!!!