Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 4.0
one heck of a battle!
We all know Russell Crowe rocks in this film, but let's give Joaquin Phoenix his dues! Without him as the antagonist you love to hate, this film wouldve had to survive solely on the merits of the fight scenes. I love a good villian I can't stand. This up and coming actor plays this character to the hilt, even calling up a few tears to make you want to slap him for being such a sissy cry-baby! The opening battle sequence I would have to liken to the opening of Saving Private Ryan (not quite as intense, but darn close and as bloody). Russel Crowe's intense emotional potrayal of Maximus is worthy of 5 stars alone! There was only one mistake in the whole film (which I won't give away here)but overall, it was the kind of movie that makes you want to rush out and buy as soon as it becomes available!