Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 4.0
Dedicated to a higher cause
This film is a magnificent performance by one of the most intense actors on the screen today. Russell Crowe easily solidifies his name as one of the top actors of the day. The film is grand and Ridley Scott has definitely created a masterpiece in the same vein as Braveheart, El Cid, or Ben-Hur. Joaquin Phoenix is incredible as Commodus, and shows a strong range of acting ability. Russell Crowe's character who is seeking only peace, must walk through a fire of life in order to gain it. Crowe portrays a Roman Soldier and gladiator with a sense of honor that one would find in a Marine. Crowe never loses faith in his purpose to do what he must do, and he honors his word, his family, and the former emperor Marcus Aurelius (Oliver Reed)in the film. Dijon Honshu (Amistad) plays a good friend and confidant to Maximus. It is truly a marvelous movie, and a masterpiece of a film. It is a great story from an incredible and epic time.