Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 4.0
Fits well into its own shoes
This movie has drawn many comparisons to Braveheart. The basic difference between the two besides taking place in different times and in different countries ... is that Braveheart is supposed to be based around, however loosely, the life of William Wallace whereas Gladiator is almost purely fiction.If one looks at "Gladiator" through the same lens through which they view Braveheart, they are not giving the movie a fair shake.Gladiator is a good old-fashioned hero movie. It doesn't matter if its characters dress like real romans did or speak like them, which they obviously don't.What is endearing about Gladiator is primarily embodied in the character of Maximus. He loves his family, he is loyal to the king, he fights for his ideals, he brings the smack down when necessary.I give Gladiator 4 stars because I feel that is accomplished all that it set out to but it could have set out to accomplish more.Just as a side note: The action is all first-rate, I was especially impressed with the "Battle of Carthage" scene.