Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
An instant classic
So far, I've never seen a more enthraling movie like "Gladiator." I saw it when it came out, and I bought it as soon as it came out on DVD.The plot of "Gladiator" centers around Maximus (Russell Crowe), a decorated Roman general who wants only to go home, but the Emperor (Richard Harris) names Maximus his successor. His immoral son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) gets jealous, kills his own father, and orders Maximus executed. However, the good general escapes, only to be captured by slave traders and bred as a gladiator--a killing machine with a single purpose: to entertain the crowds of the Colosseum."Gladiator" is blessed with fine acting, photography, sets, and costumes--not to mention the bold score by the always fabulous Hans Zimmer. Director Ridley Scott knows how to entertain, as he keeps the action scenes exciting but not too gory. Even the slower parts are showered with tension, a true sign of a great drama. Simply put, everyone should see this movie. It's the best movie of 2000, and certainly worth of its five Oscars including Best Picture.