2000 - Rated R - 2 hr 35 min
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, David Schofield, John Shrapnel, Tommy Flanagan
Obviously, with a Latin teacher in the house, this is a favorite around here. What I like most about this movie -- aside from the realistic interpretation of the time period -- is its ability to appeal to different tastes. It's not just an action film, or a historical film, or a drama film. It has a unique blend of elements that allow you to get pulled into the story line, root for the main character, and escape to another world for a couple of hours.
It's long, for sure, but it doesn't drag. That's another bonus in my book. You really don't mind sitting through two and a half hours, because that's what you need for a thorough telling of this story.
One critique is the clear-cut bad guy vs. good guy. No one roots for Commodus. Maybe you shouldn't, but I always like a movie with a multi-dimensional rivalry and a little bit of gray area. But I guess there's something to be told for this movie's traditional standpoint. Stories from that time were indeed clear-cut, so it makes sense this one would be too.
A favorite, since my very first watch. A+
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