spectacular film

Rating: 9/10 (6 May 2003)

I had seen this film four times because I was so excited about it, but never got around to reviewing it. This is the story of Maximus, played by Russel Crowe, who won that year's Academy Award. Before his death, the Emperor chooses Maximus to be his heir over his own son, the wicked Commodus, played by Joaguin Phoenix, and a power struggle leaves Maximus and his family condemned to death. The powerful general is unable to save his family, and his loss of will allows him to get captured and put into the Gladiator games until he dies. The only desire that fuels him now is the chance to rise to the top so that he will be able to look into the eyes of the man who will feel his revenge. 9/10