This is a pleasant fiction.

Rating: 10/10 (29 April 2018)

I guess this film could use another review.
This is still my number one after 1000+ films watched (alongside the LOTR trilogy). It simply has it all and is close to perfection in all the areas that count.
A solid revenge tale, with a larger than life hero to root for and a despicable villain to hate. Excellent pacing - at two and a half hours, it never begins to drag. Phenomenal acting across the board. A great script full of memorable quotes and rousing speeches (ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!). One of the greatest scores from one of the best film composers. Plenty of action, from the opening battle to the smaller scale (yet equally intense) gladiatorial combat. And possibly my favourite 10 minutes of any film to end it all.
10/10