Who payed the critics

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

I believe one of the greatest lines: My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.

I'm not a big fan of epic war movies. I didn't like LOTR trilogy as much as most people did. I just don't feel invested in such stories. But I found Gladiator way more engrossing and gripping than any movie in the LOTR franchise. It's masterfully directed, edited, and acted. It's beautifully shot. It has a fantastic score. It's very entertaining, and fast paced, Ridley Scott didn't waste any time, and I watched the extended version! It has very complex and compelling characters. And above all that, it has heart. This movie has a very moving and touching story, and that really surprised me. Russell Crowe gave an iconic performance as Maximus, and Joaquin Phoenix delivered a magnetic over-the-top performance as the villain, Commodus. This is a hammy performance that doesn't only fits the film's Shakespearean tale, but it also can easily be justified by the character's motives and persona. As for issues, the pacing of some series of events at the first act that lead to a turning point in the plot was a bit faster than it should be, and .... That's all!(9.5/10)

I guess this film could use another review.This is still my number one after 1000+ films watched (alongside the LOTR trilogy). It simply has it all and is close to perfection in all the areas that count.A solid revenge tale, with a larger than life hero to root for and a despicable villain to hate. Excellent pacing - at two and a half hours, it never begins to drag. Phenomenal acting across the board. A great script full of memorable quotes and rousing speeches (ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!). One of the greatest scores from one of the best film composers. Plenty of action, from the opening battle to the smaller scale (yet equally intense) gladiatorial combat. And possibly my favourite 10 minutes of any film to end it all.10/10

Russell did an amazing job playing as someone who cares for his family and Ridley did an magnificent job doing all the recreation and it shows that no one can ever hold the truth like Joaquin did in the movie that he killed his father instead of maximus