Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Historical drama not to be missed
Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) names popular general Maximus (Russel Crowe)as his heir , thus inciting the jealousy of the Emperor's worthless son , Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix).Commodus murders the Emperor , and tries to have Maximus killed , before having Maximus' family murdered. Maximus is then enslaved , and eventually becomes Rome's most popular and undefeated gladiator.Russel Crowe gives a sterling performance as Maximus , and Joaquin Phoenix skilfully plays the evil Commodus.Connie Nielsen plays the Commidus' beautiful sister Lucillus.Panoramic historical imagery and rivetting action scenes , together with an involved plot and intrigue make this a historical drama not to be missed.