Wow!

Rating: Null/10 (28 January 2000)

A slave/gladiator starts a revolt against Rome and incredible odds. Watch the restored version!
This movie was astonishing. The score was excellent, as were the cinematography and acting. I wasn't sure what to expect of John Dall and John Gavin but I was pleasantly surprised by all. Laughton and Ustinov are very good and Olivier's Crassus drips with evil.
The drama is so compelling - you empathize with the characters so much! I cried during the "I am Spartacus" scene. And at times, Tony Curtis seems like this little boy who needs to be loved and wants so badly to help Spartacus that you just can't help but feel for him. And I don't blame him for running away from his master. If Olivier's Crassus came on to me, and told me to serve Rome (an analogy for himself?), I'd flee too.
The supporting actors are great too. Charles McGraw was very hatable, and the Roman "nymphs" (Nina Foch and Joanna Barnes) are such a fine example of the vain, idle rich.
Although this isn't the most Kubrick-ian of Kubrick's films, probably due to Kirk Douglas' and Anthony Mann's influences, it is one of the best historical epics ever, and is a total treat to watch!