Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
When In Rome...
Oddly enough when I first saw this movie I didn't know much about it, perhaps my memory is a little foggy from the time. I do remember though walking out of the theater and thinking to myself I have got to have this one on DVD.Well I have it now, and have probably watched it 15+ times. The acting is very good for an epic-action movie, and the special effects of Rome are surrealistic. You don't have to be a fan of Ancient Rome to enjoy this movie, in fact students of Med civilizations may chafe at the idea of a Roman General turning Slave to Gladiator to killing the Emperor. This movie makes that idea work though.The drama between characters is thick enough to cut with a knife. To my immense surprise Joachim Phoenix played the part of Commodus to perfection...His contribution to the movie surpassed any of the other actors/actresses in my opinion.I would recommend this movie to anyone, and if you have a good surround system it's all the better, the musical score blends very well with the action, and the drama. The cinematography has been very well done, especially the scene where Commodus is riding into Rome for the first time to the Senate building...the use of a slightly blue filter adds to the effect so well.Ok. I've got to stop raving about this movie...hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do.