Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Gladiator
A spectacular, brilliant movie, Gladiator is certainly my favorite of the year. Surprisingly deep for a supposedly action movie, it can easily be put in the drama section as well as the action one. Russell Crowe puts in a fine performance as a Roman general out for revenge, and Joaquin Phoenix surprisingly brings a complicated and human side to his villain Commodus. Crowe may have given his role power and heroism, but Phoenix certainly gave his depth and charisma. Aside from the two leading actors, however, the movie itself was surprisingly close to history. Though an improbable story, it was certainly a possible one; and it certainly brings back memories of a by-gone movie era. The epic picture may not yet be gone from the movie industry. A job well done by Ridley Scott!