A window on the past

Rating: 9/10 (4 May 2000)

For the first time ever we have seen what it was really like to be among the Roman army as they do battle. The opening scenes of Gladiator are jaw-dropping, as we witness not the clean and clinical Roman war machine that history describes, but a rough, dirty and brutal killing force. Russell Crowe is perfect as Maximus (among his other names - The Spaniard, The General, or just plain Gladiator). Great performances too from the rest of the cast. The fight scenes are excellent, the gladiator costumes are brilliant. Ridley Scott has done it again, this film should do well at the next oscars. Hail Maximus!