Entertaining, glorious film

Rating: Null/10 (21 April 2004)

"Spartacus" is no doubt the "Gladiator" of its time. Starring Kirk Douglas as the skillful gladiator who escapes from his owner Lentulus Batiatus (Peter Ustinov) and organizes a massive slave revolt. Meanwhile Crassus (Laurence Olivier) and Grachus (Charles Laughton) try to manipulate the situation to their own benefit.
With a movie starring Douglas and Olivier (among others) and directed by Stanley Kubrick there's really nothing to dislike about it. The direction, action, performances, script are all admirable, an example of great, classic filmmaking.
Mostly the acting though. It would seem that Douglas is rigid as Spartacus, but it's just how his character reacts to the situations he's put in, and as the movie progresses he gets more relaxed in the role. Olivier's bisexual Crassus is well acted as well, you sense his pride and love for Rome in his presence on screen.
What's surprising here is Ustinov...well, not so much Ustinov but his Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor. I'm not saying he did a bad job - it was a great and often hilarious performance, but it's also the kind of performance where you would think it should've won an Oscar, but it would never actually win. I'm glad it did, though.
What surprises me also is how great this movie is for all ages. It isn't too bloody, or long for children, and it's of course wonderful for adults too.
Anyway, this is a great and entertaining film for people of all ages, 8/10.