Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 4.0
Great film
Astounding camera work, but the film is a hair too long for characters and story development that doesn't go further than time warrants.However, Russel Crowe is superb and Phoenix is just plain evil. It's easy to love and hate the right people here and the action sequences are pure eye candy.The opening battle sequence--especially the Romans' interlocking of shields--is a fairly accurate depiction of Roman battle strategy.It's not an ornate film, but it delves quite nicely into one man's love for home and family rising above else that he believes in.