Gladiator (2000)

Hails it as the first genuine Roman epic in decades with a fine script, excellent performances and staggering visuals of ancient Rome. Praises the synthesis of classic epics and Russell Crowe's convincing hero.

The review hails the film as a thrilling revival of the Hollywood period epic, brought to life by Ridley Scott's majestic vision and visceral set pieces. It singles out Russell Crowe's commanding, rock-solid performance as Maximus for particular praise.

The review calls Gladiator an awesome achievement and a glorious return to epic filmmaking, with visceral action and mythic storytelling that stands the test of time. It singles out Russell Crowe's brooding, indomitable central performance as the key to its success.

The review hails the film as a thrilling, visceral return to the Roman epic genre with a compelling revenge story and spectacular action. It singles out Russell Crowe's splendid lead performance, the production design, and the integrity of the storytelling for particular praise.

Praises the film's bloody spectacle mixed with political satire and calls it Ridley Scott's best yet. Singles out the strong performances, especially Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, and the smart subtext about empire and spectacle.

The critic gives a thumbs-up to Ridley Scott's camp but witty Roman empire epic, the first proper stab at the genre for 40 years. It is so entertaining and carried off with such dash and chutzpah that it makes you forgive the odd absurdity, with particular praise for the big Rome set-pieces and the central arena fight-sequence.

Calls it a bloody good yarn packed with epic pomp, dastardly plots and massed action. Notes the strong cast and impressive sets and pacing while acknowledging it sticks to peplum traditions and clichés.

The critic describes the film as insanely watchable and thrilling in its depiction of corruption and brutality, with vivid battle sequences and strong turns by Crowe and Phoenix. He singles out the unsettling power of the violence and the director's visual command for both praise and unease.

Notes Scott's visual sense and taste for spectacle in reviving the Roman epic. Highlights believable lead performances and the film's success in evoking a dark, frightening period despite being Saturday night entertainment.

The review calls the film grandiose and silly but acknowledges Russell Crowe's committed performance as a center amid the glossy, detached style. It criticizes the pandering violence and computer-generated spectacle while noting the director's fey approach.

The critic finds the film dreary and lacking joy, with muddy visuals and morose characters that fail to entertain despite the epic scope. He singles out the strong performances by Russell Crowe and Connie Nielsen for praise amid the overall disappointment.

Praises the visual sense, thrilling action sequences, Crowe's compelling lead, and impressive CGI, noting it satisfies as grand-scale entertainment despite being overdrawn and insubstantial.

The critic finds it an impressive spectacle recreating the brutality of the Roman Empire, anchored by Russell Crowe's compelling performance, though emphasizing brawn over brain.

The critic finds the film daft and lacking honour, criticizing the script and performances while noting the gladiatorial scenes are overly graphic and technically flawed.