In the height of the Roman conquest. A Loyal Roman Commander is betrayed and his family killed by the Prince who was rejected for the throne by the Emperor. He is sold as a slave/gladiator. Fate leads him close to the those who betrayed him to exact his revenge. Out of the Colosseum, a hero shall rise. His name is Maximus and this is his story.

 Directed by Ridley Scott
Story by David Franzoni
Starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris and others. Then I saw Music by Hans Zimmer (You just know the movie qualifies)

One of those movies that the villain’s death gives you joy but the hero dies too. A tragic but heroic death that just leaves you in applause. I just knew I would hate Commodus from the beginning.

I saw this movie when I was 7 years old at a neighbor’s. They called this “a masterpiece” and I agree.

Amazing movie, great acting and setting for its time. Russell Crowe has been a thespian since day one. Sequel drops in November after 24 years! I saw the trailer and I like what I see.