Gladiator (Ridley Scott, 2000)

Ridley Scott helms this historical epic. Russell Crowe is a scorned war hero turned gladiator (obviously) and Joaquin Phoenix is a brooding, mousy and power-hungry Emperor. The action is pleasant at times, but I thought it would be on a higher scale. Obviously, there is a softer side to this portrait. But I can't say it was fully received. Pacing is slow and the climax comes and goes. There is a spiritual aspect, but, again, it fails to resonate before the credits roll. It is a different tale, but I doubt the film sought to stand out. It certainly wowed many eyes and won awards. But from my perspective, it was only above average, overlong without much flavor and burdened by simplicity.