Gladiator an instant classic

Rating: 10/10 (14 May 2000)

I went to see this movie last Friday and was absolutely blown away, walking out of the theater saying it is now one of my favorite movies. Not for the intense action from start to finish. Not for the intriguing storyline which accurately depicts roman life (as far as I know). Not for the special effects, video and audio which are breathtaking to say the least, leaving holding the arms of your chair for dear life almost screaming to you friend beside you THAT WAS INCREDIBLE, MORE, MORE!!! Not for the touching "can't be" love story which leaves a know in your heart. Not the incredible acting on the part of Rusell Crowe or his charming easily understood accent. Not for the bad guys who you just want to strangle to save the good guys the trouble. Not for the incredible soundtrack, a sort of Conan style big orchestra power music. Not for the originality of the movie itself, a sort of mix between BenHur and Braveheart. Not for the directing with huge scenes leaving you to wonder how they filmed it all. Not for the general casting, the production team, the little odds and ends that come together to add the finishing touches. BUT FOR A COMBINATION OF ALL OF THESE IN JUST THE RIGHT PROPORTIONS. It's so rare to see movies that don't have a little too much of something, be it melodramatic acting, abnormally large special effects or too harsh music, etc. This movie has just enough of everything. One of the first movies of the twenty-first century... it's an instant classic, even epic.