Movie: Gladiator.
Released: 2000.
IMDB rank: 8.2.
IMDB link.

Notes: This is one of those rare majestic movies, winning 5 Oscars as well as 45 other awards. Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix give incredible performances. Crowe is Maximus, a general, chosen by sickly Emperor Marcus Aurelius to be his temporary successor. Phoenix is Aurelius’ son Commodus, who betrays Maximus, has his estate home burned, his family condemned. He becomes a slave, then a gladiator, and spends his time trying to fulfill the Emperor’s wish, to hand power to the senate. The cinematography is breathtaking, but the long movie is worth it for the graphically detailed arena battle scenes full of gladiators, chariots and even tigers. The last battle scene is of course the most memorable.

Director: Ridley Scott.
Categories: Action, Adventure, Drama.
Writers: David Franzoni (story and screenplay), John Logan, William Nicholson.
Cast: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Djimon Hounsou, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris.
Runtime: 155 min (171 extended).

Trailer: