Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
ASTOUNDING!
Yes, when I first saw this movie, I thought, "Oh, another Ben Hur" or another "Spartacus 2000." Yet when I sat my behind down in that theater, I was nothing but wide-mouthed astounded and amazed at the picture that director Ridley Scott had in store for this summer. From the beginning I knew it wasn't like anything I had seen in a long time. Russell Crowe was just...superb in this very different role. Joaquin Phoenix was a great image of an evil character, although there were motives behind his behavior that made you feel just a little sorry for him. "Gladiator" made my eyes water not much with sadness, but at the beauty of this remarkable storyline of strength, honor, betrayal, and the fall of both the hero as well as the villain. I don't know how long they took to make a movie like this, but it doesn't look like the typical "eye candy" that was put together by computers in two days. This one's a keeper and a treasure in anyone's movie collection. This is clearly the best film Ridley Scott has ever directed, and I think in his heart, he knows this. Watch this one without expecting it to totally change your life, and you will see the reason for most of the good reviews.