The Very Definition of Epic

Rating: 9/10 (17 November 2006)

Gladiator is a great story told with energy and intensity. This is a well-told story of revenge and political machinations brewing beneath the surface of the Roman Empire. I won't spoil any surprises or any of the film here. But let me say this Gladiators cinematography is extraordinary. The film looks beautiful from shots of fields, to the shots of Rome from overhead, the Colosseum, and the sky. This is a great-looking movie. The battle scenes are terrific. The gladiatorial combats as staged by Ridley Scott and his collaborators are some of the best ever committed to a movie. Russell Crowe is brooding, smart and efficient as the titular hero, General Maximus. Joaquin Phoenix literally chews the scenery as Emperor Commodus, an almost deranged Caesar. Nielesen shows depth as his sister while Derek Jacobi and Richard Harris are good in their roles. Oliver Reed in his final farewell performance captures Proximo perfectly as an apolitical entertainer and former gladiator. Long live the General Maximus, and long live this movie!