Synopsis: An aging Roman Emperor names one of his generals as heir to his throne rather than his son. Vengeful the son has the general’s family murdered and the general condemned to join the Gladiators.

Description: Ridley Scott’s Oscar Winner stars Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Richard Harris and Oliver Reed in this epic, historical tale of betrayal, grief and determination.

Review: Russell Crowe plays Maximus, a Roman Commander who seeks revenge after his entire family is murdered, his character is enigmatic, impressive and in many ways very dark. The tragedy for which he seeks revenge seems constantly etched on his face and it is no wonder that some of his lines have become  some of the most famous in recent cinema. Father to a murdered son aside, the film boasts a very impressive cast, including the late Oliver Reed who died before the film was completed.

The action is fabulous; from the huge battles to the intimate hand to hand combat the setting and storyline helping to bring it above the level of sheer competent composition and turning Gladiator into more than your run-of-the-mill action movie; the action sequences are undeniably the movies strongest point.

An epic film on every level the movie was a huge blockbuster upon its initial release; Gladiator is 155 minutes of immense desert landscapes, huge historical landmarks, deeply disturbing villains, thrilling sword fights and determined and desperate heroes.