Russell - You Rock! Ridley Scott's latest visual feast is spectacular and the rugged Aussie of a thousand scowls is quite simply magnificent as General Maximus, ordered by a dying Caesar to protect the Roman empire until the Senate is together enough to govern a republic. Unfortunately Caesar's son is so cut up about not inheriting the top job that he spends the rest of the film trying to slaughter the dear General. And thus is the plot for Gladiator, a film with enough panoramic shots in it to make it seem like an ad for Contiki does Morocco.

I was hanging to go see this film, being a great fan of all the great classics like Spartacus, Ben Hur, Lawrence of Arabia etc. This film did not disappoint. In fact, it made Spartacus, one of my all time favourites, look like a pussy white boy interpretation of 'the gladiator' as gory artist. Scott's interpretation is a whole lot darker, dirtier and meaner. And bloodier. Boy is it bloodier - I was getting concerned for the three kids I saw file into the cinema earlier......until I heard a baby cry behind me....god only knows what trauma this film'll imprint in its tiny brain.

Gladiators showcased a very controlled, yet deeply affecting performance by the Crow, backed up by an equally strong performance by Joaquin Phoenix as the one-part camp, one-part menacing would-be Ceasar. The supporting roles were also perfectly cast, with quality actors seamlessly assisting the leads in carrying the story.

But this is Crowe's film. He was flawless. Apparently Mel was offered the part first but turned it down because of the sheer physicality involved. Russell is one of the few actors around that could have pulled this role off.

The only minor criticism I have was Maximus's relationship with Lucilla towards the end - I thought the dip into romantic affection was unnecessary and spoiled the good General's hitherto 'unsullied honour' towards his wife and son.

The two and a half hours flew by and apart for the bit where the guy next to me got to his feet and cheered when Maximus killed young Ceasar, I wouldn't have wished to have been anywhere else.

An epic film - A must see - all those superlatives and more. Triple A plus.

- Neriman Kemal

GLADIATOR is currently screening in cinemas worldwide.