Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Bloody And Inspiring
An outstanding epic from director Ridley Scott following the fall and rise of a general who ends up a gladiator after the murder of the emperor. Russell Crowe is ideally cast as the lead, seeking revenge not only for the death of the emperor, but the murder of his wife and son. His Maximus is a man of determination, depth, and courage. Joaquin Phoenix is memorable as the vicious, cowardly new emperor, a sadistic sociopath. The rest of the cast are all well suited to their roles, and the world of Rome and beyond is well captured both by location shooting and special effects. A triumph for Ridley Scott, and a bloody and rousing film.