Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
A moving epic
It shouldn't be necessary to say that Gladiator is a terrific epic movie. Sales continue to be high for one very good reason: it is a thrill to watch. Ridley Scott (who also directed Blade Runner, arguably the greatest science fiction movie in existance) remembers how effective a slow panning shot of a hundred flaming arrows streaking towards the enemy, or a close shot of a tiger's single swipe, can be. Crowds and long-shots of the Collesium are often computer generated, but Scott maintains a near-understatedness by focusing on a thousand extras chanting "Maximus!" or a recurring shot of a field of wheat for those moments of emotion. And he does it well.The acting is also above reproach. Russell crow is a powerhouse in every shot, and Joaquin Phoenix does well as an "evil" emporer whose faults seem at times motivated by such personal weakness (rather than cold malevolence) that we can almost sympathize with him.With a second disc of very entertaining extras, Gladiator is a must for anyone who genuinely enjoys movies. Watch it with the sound turned up.