The Story and the Acting

Rating: 10/10 (16 March 2009)

My thoughts tend to be similar to the rest. Great directing, scenery, musical score, and cinematography.
After watching Gladiator again though, it was the characters that transfixed me. Russell Crowe is simply amazing. His eyes tell the story in every take he's in. So many times he says something that everyone around him takes in a normal context. But the audience can tell through his eyes his every thought and motivation.
The only character who could possibly have been even better was Phoenix's Commodus. He is not like that in real life, but to become such whiny, bratty, & jealous character (to the level that Commodus is) and make it believable is incredible.
It was so interesting following every character's motivation and perspective. Proximo's speeches are truly amazing, and although he was addressing gladiators, his philosophy is universal.
The characters, story, and the culture of Rome is unforgettable and exceptionally well done.