Gladiator (2000)

Yes, it's been 10 years since we were introduced to a classic Roman tragedy. If you skipped it back then, or since because it was too gory or violent, I recommend you watch it with the remote in hand. This movie is about way more than fights to the death. For those of us who have seen it many times, it might be time to see it again for new reasons. If you have not seen it because you were too young at the time - see this one for the pure entertainment values.

Russell Crowe has come a long way since then. Regardless of what you think about his work after this movie, it is good to see how wonderful this performance really is. He earned his Oscar.

Joaquin Phoenix gets my vote here for creepiest film villain, maybe ever. If you have see this movie before, one new reason to see this movie is to focus on Phoenix. Talk about nailing a character.

Richard Harris died just a couple years after this movie was made, but not before he created one of films best-loved wizards, Albus Dumbledore. Yup, same guy. His Caesar Marcus is brilliant and too short on the screen.

Connie Nielsen plays the much-tormented soul caught between love and survival - Lucilla. Her Danish ancestors are no doubt very proud.

Need more reasons to see it, or see it again? Watch for the goofs. The guy in the stable scene wearing blue jeans and a cell phone on his hip who can't walk backwards out of camera view fast enough is still in the movie on DVD. The list of geographic and historic boo-boos is long. Enjoy.

If however you just like to watch one of the top 100 movies made so far, enjoy. If you rent the DVD I highly recommend the "Treasure Chest" from the Special Features.

Watch this movie with someone who needs to learn to make the very best from every situation.