Cinematography - good, Directing - OK, Writing - abominable

Rating: 2/10 (28 May 2001)

The truth, as always, is somewhere in the middle. The movie doesn't suffer because it's somewhat historically inaccurate or isn't morally/politically satisfying. These are wholly beside the point; it's a FICTIONAL Hollywood epic. But is it a good movie, i.e. good entertainment? Well, no.
It's beautifully, amazingly shot even if there are a few rather silly visual cliches and slo-mo drama. The battle sequences are very well done. The directing is fine, but not great. But the writing ruins it all. The dialogue is unbearably bad. The plot is convoluted and pointless -- exacerbated by the 3-hour running time and a syrupy, irritating score.
Best plan is to arrive an hour late and leave an hour early and see the skillful cinematography & effects in the middle. Bring headphones and listen to your favorite music thus preventing any stray dialogue from ruining the experience...or your dinner.