I like gladiator for its fight scenes in the big arena, especially with tiger. But I didn't care much for the story. That is generally the case when the villian is a good-for-nothing guy and the main actor is full of great virtues, that he has to triumph at the end.

And regarding Conversation, even though I enjoyed it thoroughly, Coppola's other films like Apocalypse Now and Godfather affect me personally, especially Aplocalypse Now. Though I can empathise with the character in conversation, I cannot relate to him. Just a subtle difference.