Top Ten Indications That You've Seen "Gladiator" Too Many Times by Linda Young 10. You can actually watch (and listen to, yuk!) that heartbreaking little scene where Maximus cuts off his legion tattoo. 9. You stop wondering how Maximus can go from Germania, to Spain, to North Africa in a slave caravan, without crossing a single body of water, like THE MEDITERRANEAN, for example, faster than Lucilla and Commodus can get to Rome. 8. You get what the maggots are. 7. You know when you can safely take a potty break, preferably whenever Lucilla and Commodus are alone with each other. 6. You don't duck when the blood gets splashed across the screen. 5. You know what happened to the dog. 4. You actually consider reading Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. 3.You can tell the tigers apart. 2. Your boss tells you to do something, and you say the time for honoring him is coming to an end. And the Number One Indication that you've seen Gladiator too many times is: 1. You tell someone that violence isn't really that big a part of the movie, AND YOU'RE SERIOUS!

(Photo: thanks to SammyG!)

It's amazing -- half the movie I was shielding my eyes, the other half I was drying them. Only a magnificent actor could bring out my tears in a movie otherwise filled with violence and malice.

I first saw Russell in "The Sum of Us." The same love and compassion he displayed in that film is also displayed in this one -- about a gladiator. This proves to me that the passion is definitely not just an act -- it is his life. (Lisa K.)

The true test of any film for me is how many times during the film I press the indigo light button on my watch. The fact is, like all good movies. . . . I forgot I was wearing a watch. (Irvine, Calif., fan)

I've never been in a movie where there was cheering at the end. Seldom are we entertained by virtue and high ideals. Kudos to the writers and thanks to the superb acting of every part great and small. So refreshing is the absence of foul language, bosoms and bed scenes! Gladiator is Spartacus, Braveheart and Ben Hur rolled into one. (Mireya)

Gladiator made me think about what's really important in life and what's worth fighting for. A sword's flame must come from the heart! Those things in life one feels passionate about are those that one must fight for. Everything else is just distraction. (Manou Seyfzadeh, Los Angeles, USA)

Mad Max-imus! He came, he saw, he conquered! How long will it be now before Russell Crowe appears on the cover of People magazine as "The Sexiest Man Alive"? With the release of GLADIATOR, a new mega-star blazes brightly in our heavens. Russell's monumental acting and screen presence dwarf even the mighty Colosseum. And the movie itself is so gargantuan, multiple viewings will be necessary to see it all. (Will Tunstill)

This was a great, kickass film that was fun to watch. The cinematography and visuals, both near and far, were excellent. And Crowe's acting made the story plausible. I would not have wanted to see Arnold in his place. Very refreshing movie. And for those of us old enough to have remembered the releases of earlier (50-60's) Roman epics, "Scenes we would like to see" were there. (Rick)

Would this movie be just as good without Russell Crowe's amazing performance? Maybe, but I am sure am glad that it was him in the part. His emotions were like a roller coaster, mellow, slow, fast, angry . . . What I really like about Mr. Crowe is that he is truly one of the most versatile actors around today. (L.R.)

If I have to sum it up, I'd say the film is a new temple, the actors are gods and Ridley Scott is the creator of it all.

It was everything in one, but without pandering to anyone. It was grand, but intimate. It's enthralling and makes a believer out of you. This was ART.

I'm not even going to bother telling you how great Russell is in the film because that's a given. All of the supporting actors are amazing. . . . they were more than just scenery or fillers, they all had vital parts and did justice to their roles, the story and ultimately the film. Connie Nielsen: Finally a woman who can hold her own with Russell. She's the best female co-star he's had thus far.

If the story wasn't centered around Maximus and the hype machine wasn't currently focused on Russell, Joaquin Phoenix would be the breakout star. He didn't seem at all intimated by Crowe and went all out, but not over the top. He was subtle and that made him even more evil. (Caterina)

This movie is a time machine . . . and Russell Crowe's depiction of a Roman general certainly gets me to suspend my disbelief. He seems so natural in his swordplay one forgets completely he is acting. The depth of his imagination here is overwhelming. This movie is a perfect symphony of the visual and emotional. Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe work well together. Yep this is a big 'ol thumbs up for Gladiator! (Anne Stirling)

Forget Saving Private Ryan, this movie has not only blood and guts, but a lot of heart. By that I mean you get to love the characters. Even the whining Emperor Commodus played perfectly by Joaquin Phoenix, is someone you can care for . . . you see his tears of frustration when his father Marcus Aurelius says he won't be Emperor. He plays a man who desperately wants to be loved. If he can't find love, he chooses power instead. Imagine if that happened to you, rejected by a father you loved and respected.

After the film ended there was a long silence before anyone moved. That was a homage to Ridley Scott, and his hero, Maximus, the multitalented actor, Russell Crowe. (Grace La Mell)

Russell Crowe's performance in "Gladiator" is one of his best. His portrayal of Maximus drove home the character's humbling reluctance to be a hero and his ever present desire to be one with his family. Crowe's performance lends gentle faith and amazing strength to a film where primitive violence rules, and where honor and doing the right thing ultimately prevail.

I disagree with opinions that "any body builder" could have played the role of Maximus. Arnold Schwarzenegger could never have radiated the controlled "quiet rage" which is a classic Russell Crowe talent. (D. Webber)

It's a great movie, with a lot of guts, blood and violence -- tons of it. With some guys in a toga that give a pretty entertaining show. (by Cris Ju‡rez, Mexico)

No matter how much you've read about it or no matter how much you have seen on TV about it, nothing prepares you for the trip Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe take you on. Scott is the master at transporting you to ancient Rome, scene after mind blowing scene, but its Russell that keeps you in this place that Scott has created, he is so magnetic up there on the screen that you can't help but be pulled into the story of the movie. The whole cast is fantastic. (CJ)

If it is a hard-core, blood thirsty action movie that you want, then Gladiator is your movie this year. . . . Gladiator quenches every theatre thirst there is. From fast-paced fight scenes, to an eye balling ending. The movie lacks a small portion of dialogue but makes up for it with great characters and great actors. It is the year's first summer blockbuster! (Chad Sherlock)

Every single cast member was marvelous in their role and came out successful with a touching, unforgettable tragedy that also tells the ancient Roman sacrifices that will always move the audience. Crowe plays a prodigious part in the acting, and keeps the scene from becoming boring. Maybe sorrowful, maybe gruesome, maybe even unbearable, but never boring. "Gladiator" was more than less then an epic, and is based on the depression of war and death.

Director Ridley Scott kept to the Colosseum for entertainment, just as the Romans did, but the film did not come out any less gory then the gladiators' fights did. It is to be hoped that the movie can stay as it is and nothing will have to be scratched from the cinema. Either way, bloody and depressing or not, "Gladiator" promises to stand out in the summer of 2000 for a long time. (by 'prieto')

I'm definitely not a blood & gore kind of moviegoer, but Gladiator really knocked me out of my seat. My intention was to take my two eldest sons to go see a movie, that yes contained lots of blood & gore, but also made the attempt to take the audience back to that time. I was impressed with the special effects and the portrayal of Rome was astonishing! You could feel its power!

Now, getting to Mr. Crowe. . . . His performance in this movie made the whole saga totally believable and worth sitting 2 hours and 45 minutes in a stationery position. Regardless of the great effects and the other great actors in the film, Russell definitely made this film the spectacular piece that it is! (Michelle Lopez & sons)

What struck me about the movie most was the character played by Russell Crowe. It is intense, emotional, and somewhat predictable in a Homeric kind of way. Maximus is a killer (regardless whether he is in charge of the Roman Army or fighting in the arena). I don't think he could be anything else. Oh, yes he is married and oh yes he has a child, but you can't really see Maximus staying at home plowing the corn field for too long. By nature he is a fighter there is not anything else that he knows how to do. Overall, the movie is excellent with Joaquin Phoenix giving an outstanding performance. Russell Crowe absolutely heavenly. (Ella)

Right now, all I can say is WOW. This Roman epic must be seen over and over. The story lent to Russell's very tough yet tender way of playing characters. I say that this at least gives him some critics awards.

The cinematography, costumes, just about every visual aspect of this movie is excellent. The opening battle scene, while having some odd camera work, is wonderful. Lots of tension, excitement, etc.

All the characters presented are great, and well drawn, although I was hoping for more interaction. Joaquin Phoenix nearly steals the show, he's just marvelous as the immoral, arrogant wretch Commodus. The scene where Maximus reveals himself was great! I was hoping the charade would last longer, though. Too bad. Russell's character needed more to him, and I'm disappointed to see more arguments with him and possibly senators or gladiators weren't shown.

I left the movie floating, with that haunting music in my ears and the vision of him rejoining his family leaving this beautiful, hopeful, happy tone. The visual of Maximus running his hands over the wheat fields was incredibly effective. Ridley Scott knew what he was about. (Susannah)

[Ridley] Scott has his distinctive signature on this film: Dreamy, unexpected twists, editing, camera work, tour-de-force, fantasy, entertainment, great casting, great actors, and story telling. This is why both Blade Runner and Aliens are a classic. For sure "Gladiator" will also be a cult classic. (Ron Marivic)

Great acting, beautiful pictures, lots of action -- Gladiator will certainly become a classic of this genre. (SGM)

Our boy did a FABULOUS job. Too bad he had all of 49 lines. (TobyGirl)

"Gladiator" is a compelling action film with some thoughtful dialogue and a touch of the psychological cleverness that made "I, Claudius" so excellent. (Needless to say, it was fun to see Derek Jacobi appear in a small role and looking actually younger than he did for much of "I, Claudius.") Russell Crowe is a fine, rather understated actor -- a refreshing change from all the broad, flashy portrayers who might have played his role. Joaquin Phoenix is becoming a truly great actor who seems capable of a wide range of characters. He can be likable and despicable and many nuances in between, as well. Connie Nielsen is an interesting fresh face who demonstrates maturity and depth beyond her years. She could have a great future as an actress.

One criticism: Some of the fight scenes have too many close-ups and too many editorial cuts. This makes them hard for the viewer to fit together. The general impact is still there, though. (Gil L.)

This is a sad story about good and evil, and how strong and powerful evil can be, yet how with a little bit of luck and the spirit to oppose evil, people can sometimes overcome it. But it also shows the destruction that evil lets loose on people, andthe sadness of a survivor. ('August')

This film was totally and utterly breathtaking. . . . The characters in Gladiator have so many levels you feel that you are almost intruding at times.

Halfway through the movie a woman beside me said something to her boyfriend and until that point I forgot where I was. I had to take a step back for a moment and realize that I was in a packed theatre with people all around me. Even though the movie was 2 and a half hours long the time seems like nothing. It's not like it flew by but the two and a half hours were just so good that I don't think anyone in the theatre even got up to go to the bathroom. (Sacha)

[Russell] has a way of acting, with his eyes, that speaks volumes and makes you feel for his plight. . . . I can only hope that he will get more acknowledgment for this performance than that he received for the Insider. (Lillyflower)

I've never been a HUGE fan of Mr. Crowe's although I did like his performance in Romper Stomper. Gladiator, however, I think has changed my mind. Russell is perfect in the role of Maximus -- very believable as a noble military leader and hero. His physical manifestation as Maximus and his performance in the combat and battle scenes were (despite the obvious violence) poetic to watch. (Esta K. in Sydney)

It's been a very long time that a movie has touched me as much as this movie has. I walked out of the theater, with tears in my eyes, chanting "Maximus, Maximus." I must see this movie again. (Karin A.)

Gladiator is the One. It has been too long since such a movie. I don't know how to describe such impact and emotional trance (exciting, tense, infuriating, that "Oh my God, oh my God," kind of feeling). So powerful that the only way I could release all the emotions involved was by crying. Not because of sadness, and not exactly joy, it's more like a way to help you breathe again, sort of speak, like an emotional overload. All I could do was cry. (Nicole)

Maximus might seem like a break with Crowe's admirable string of heroes who are essentially ordinary men reacting to extraordinary pressure (I may be paraphrasing "The Insider" here), but he is not. Check out his face, especially in the first Germania shot: Maximus is any one of us, beaten down by life and emerging victorious out of sheer will. Crowe reflects this without even speaking. (Saraswati)

The film is emotionally intense, violent, and visually magnificent. Ridley Scott has maintained his legacy with great applaud. Not only is this film worth watching, it is also worth enjoying for its cinematic artistry and acting worthy of academy notice. (Kim Perez)

I have never seen an entire theatre in tears before. I also have yet to hear a bad thing said about this movie. Sure some guys are saying more action would be nice, but I thought the action was good and the character development (that made it all believable) was better. Some said it was a little long, but it went by quite quickly really. Is this an Oscar contender? I think so. (Sarah S.)

Oliver Reed was grand and sly, Richard Harris was regal and ravished, Russell Crowe was intimidating and intimate, Connie Nielsen was strong yet restrained. But I would have to give the biggest acting kudos to Joaquin Phoenix. Playing a devious, jealous, power-mad, intuitive but not necessarily intelligent ruler, he managed to make me want to curse him and then cuddle him, sometimes in the same scene. I think he's a force to be reckoned with and I would love to see he and Russell Crowe in another movie together.

And yes, I wish Russell Crowe was better known for some of his earlier fine work (in quiet and quirky movies such as Proof and The Sum of Us). But if Gladiator is the movie that puts him at the top of the heap, giving him a chance for more Oscar nominations, more money, more prestige, well, I'm okay with that.

Although I wonder if, like Maximus, he ever dreams of his farm and just wants to leave all the glory behind and go home. (Annie Murphy)