The Gladiator Who Defied an Empire

Rating: Null/10 (16 August 2001)

This is an excellent movie. Russell Crowe is awesome as Maximus, the Roman General turned slave, who than becomes the Gladiator that defies an empire. It's tastefully violent, there are good action scenes, but the acting was why I liked this movie. Russell Crowe was convincing as a vengeful gladiator who wants revenge from the new emperor Commodus, who kills anyone who stands in his way of being Rome's greatest emperor.
Joaquin Phoenix was a good villain as Commodus, and Connie Nielsen was also good as Commodus' terrified sister, Lucilla. There are great special effects, great costumes, great acting, and a great story.
This is a good and exciting movie that you can watch for the action or drama. I found it was funner to watch it as an action/drama, which made it all the more enjoyable. This is one of my favorite movies, and I recommend it to anyone who like the above description, because I know I do. Besides, how many other award winning movies can you see a guy get his head cut off with a large sword (not including Braveheart, because that wasn't a sword)! 9/10