Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Powerful and New
Despite the fact that this movie takes a lot of it's cues from movies like "Spartacus", "Ben Hur", "Fall of the Roman Empire", "Rocky", and other hero/war/Roman movies there's something about it that made it into the movie that it is, a completely captivating, intriguing, emotionally draining, and fun epic.The acting is superb, Crowe just eminates "suffering talented guy" and although he does nothing totally mindboggling he really does an overall fantastic job, better than any other this year. But the biggest surprise is Joaquin Phoenix. I'd never heard of him, as many people probably had never heard of him, till this movie. Then you leave saying "who IS that guy?". He's good everyone, and he makes you love him and really, really hate him. He emotes through entire movie, whether its hatred, lust, or this anonymous feeling that makes you pity him. Then there are the supporting characters that make this such an ensemble piece, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi, Richard Harris, they all do their part and make is superb.The cinematography is good; the score has some high points and low points; the plot twists in a way that would make Shakespeare proud.There are aspects of this movie that are new to the movie scene, such as some of the themes, acting styles, and plot twists, and overall it has this power to it that nearly blows you away. It sucks you in from the first scene and doesn't let go till the very last , very intense, scene of the movie . Bring a box of kleenex (honestly, seeing Russell Crowe WEEPING is enough to bring anyone to tears).Other than I'd say "Traffic" this movie is the best of the year!