Welcome back Ridley Scott

Rating: 8/10 (4 November 2000)

After a decade in the wilderness Scott has made a triumphant return with the exciting "Gladiator". I did, admittedly, take a while to get into this but once I got caught up in it I was swept along with the spectacle. Terrifically cast with good, charismatic actors the powerful acting raises this above the level of many recent blockbusters. The battle scenes are exciting and gory (and, interestingly enough, put us in the same position as the blood-thirsty audiences in the colisseum)and counterbalance the film's quieter moments successfully. The storyline is nothing new and there are no hidden depths, but, it is made with such panache that it is hard not to like. Special mention for the touching dedication to Ollie Reed-a real character who brought a bit of colour to our screens and gives a good final performance here.