Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou
Directed by: Ridley Scott

Anyone who knows me can tell you how much I love this movie. I was promised a great film and it delivered better than I could possibly have imagined. I know some people haven't seen Gladiator, but I think it's the best movie of the year.

Crowe stars as Maximus, a great Roman general who is chosen to succeed the emperor when he dies. But the emperor's son has different plans. He kills his father before the news of Maximus's ascent is made public and assumes the role of emperor himself. Meanwhile, he orders Maximus and his family dead, but, being a great warrior and all, Maximus escapes and becomes enslaved in gladiatorial games. He vows to have to avenge his family's murder, but to kill the new emperor, he must work his way through the minor leagues of gladiators to the big show.

A few people didn't like this movie when it came out. They thought the plot was thin; they thought the special effects were cheesy. I completely disagree. There is such great action sequences that might distract your attention from the story, but there is a story. Simple, yes, but very entertaining. Meanwhile, I really liked the special effects. Never has such a great coliseum been recreated before and it was wonderful. Add that to the superb acting and rousing musical score, and we have a winner.

Every time I see the end of this movie, I'm moved this close to tears. The film makes you care for the characters, cheer for the good guys, hiss for the bad. Some had a problem with the anti-violence message being supported by some gruesome violence, but the entire package makes for a great spectacle of a movie that is rarely made, nowdays. The first time I saw Gladiator, I came away wowed. My only regret is that I had seen it, because I would never again experience it for the first time.

DroopyMcC
Ace

MastaCSG		Damn you DroopyMcC, I wanted to review this movie.
Queen

ASY		A fantastic film in many respects. Unfortunately, it lacked the killer climax to end an otherwise spectacular movie.
King