Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
WHAT WE DO IN LIFE ECHOS IN ETERNITY
Well, Russell Crowe's echo will definitely be heard for a long time to come. This year marks his third consecutive Oscar nod. He's not only a terrific actor, but an all around cool guy. Regardless of what the tabloids say about him, he seems really funny and personable. Anyway, Gladiator is an amazing movie. In the tradition of Spartacus, a Roman general turned slave seeks vengeance on his family's brutal murder. Russell Crowe won a well deserved Oscar, but Joaquin Phoenix is the star of this movie. His portrayal as the coniving, evil, malicious, jealous, and downright nasty Commodus (he's the villian; could ya guess?!) is absolutely stunning. His innocent, deceitful, yet powerful, violent, yet tender and naive turn as the envious Commodus is extremely noteworthy. If there's anyone who hasn't seen this movie, you don't know what you're missing. With a haunting score by Hans Zimmer and beautiful cinematography, Gladiator is a truly remarkable film. Don't miss it....especially with this extra-packed DVD. For another compelling performance by Russell Crowe, check out Romper Stomper. In that Australian tale about a Nazi skinhead (and no, it's not even close to American History X's plot), Crowe proves that he most definitely is one of our finest actors to date. I highly reccommend both.