Every year, we look for a movie that enthralls us during every shot. This is that movie.

Rating: 10/10 (14 May 2002)

*SPOILERS*
Few movies are as breath-taking and exciting as GLADIATOR, a film that contains brilliant battle sequences and marvelous storytelling. After returning from a long, hard battle during the time of the Punic Wars, Maximus (Russel Crowe) is coming home. Greeted by the Caeser (Richard Harris) and his son Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), Maximus is expecting gratitude for the work that he has served during the war. But, when the Caeser is murdered by Commodus after learning that he shall not be Emperor, Maximus is ordered to be executed. Escaping his executors, Maximus is sold off as a slave and must fight in the arena as a gladiator. Commodus then orders for Maximus' wife and son to be killed. When Commodus finds him, Maximus will do anything to exact his revenge.
Russel Crowe gives a spotty performance, but it wasn't anything special. Joaquin Phoenix (THE YARDS) was the person who I was most impressed by. He does a good job as the creepy emperor. And it really sucks to learn that Oliver Reed passed away during filming. He did a really good job too. And look for Djimon Honsou (DEEP RISING) as Juba the hunter.

I like the atmosphere of the film. I like the way Rome was recreated as it was back in 180 AD. The opening battle sequence was one of my favorite parts. It has a slight ring of SLEEPY HOLLOW to it, with its cloudy and gloomily eerie sky. This film has everything, action, drama, a little romance, suspense, adventure, and even somewhat of a horror story to it. During the end, when Joaquin Phoenix is giving off his "Busy little Bee" story, I was getting a little spooked by his performance. It has something that relates to a royal conspiracy of some sort. When we get into the battles, you are enticed by an endless array of action. GLADIATOR is a great movie. While I don't feel that Crowe's performance should have garned him the Best Actor award, I still think that he should've gotten credit. This is a milestone in filmmaking....5/5.