Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 4.0
So Many Flaws and Yet So Good.
There are two ways to be able to enjoy this move. The first, be completely ignorant of the history of the Roman Empire and enjoy it for the great heroic epic it is. The second (and way I chose) is to just ignore the errors, suspend disbelief, and enjoy it for the heroic epic it is. Either way, as action, Gladiator can't be beat. I even almost forgave that dog Crowe for messing around with a married woman (believe me Dennis, you're better off without her). Crowe is close to perfect in the title role (if a bit flabby - Arnold would have been too big). Richard Harris makes even over acting look good. And Oliver Reed is a joy to watch. Joaquin Phoenix . . . well, let's just say he was supposed to be unlikeable, not laughable. Still, I wouldn't be surprised if Gladiator ends up with a little bald gold man for both best picture and best director.