Gladiator - (Scott;2000;UK/USA) - ****
A Roman general is betrayed by a Prince who kills the emperor to gain power and stop Rome from becoming a republic. The general is reduced to a slave and soon a gladiator who fights in Rome and seeks revenge.
What an epic should be. A simplistic plot is escalated with beautiful visuals, direction, acting, and music. Great fight scenes and strong performances. Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Oliver Reed are great. Richard Harris, while only in a small part of the film gives a wonderful performance.
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