Gladiator

A beautiful movie that tells a story that could be set in any time period and still make complete sense. Russel Crowe gets a chance to stand out here and it's a critical moment in his career that makes him the actor he is today. Joaquin Phoneix, who was only 25, shows his talent for playing characters with mental problems such as in Her, Joker, Walk the Line, and Beau is Afraid. His role as Commodus sticks and is a villain that remains relevant, especially for the thumbs-up or down gesture that is constantly brought up in pop culture. Connie Nielsen's Lucilla was great for her part, but I wished she could've been used a bit better. Richard Harris was a surprise, rewatching this movie since I saw it as a kid nearly 10 years ago, I completely forgot that Dumbledore was in this. But for his short screen time, he was great. Overall it's a great movie that I enjoy because of the action and writing coming together. Is there gore? Yes. But there's is also a message in here about standing up to tyranny even if no one else is. Maximus' speech after taking off his helmet is so memorable and you can just feel the dread and pain he has gone through up to that scene. The opening battle is great and the final duel is still enjoyable to watch with a concussion I am glad that is solved but leaves a back door sequel to happen nearly 25 years later.