2. It Showcases Career-Best Performances From Its Cast
Gladiator also often receives criticism for being the film that won Russell Crowe his first and only acting Oscar. For a time in the late 90's and through the 2000's, Crowe was one of the most consistent actors working in the industry, delivering a string of successful and resonant performances in a variety of films. Sure, his performances in L.A. Confidential, Master & Commander, Cinderella Man, The Insider and A Beautiful Mind (the latter two also landing him Academy Award nominations) are phenomenal. But so was his performance in Gladiator! And I would argue that, in agreement with the Academy, I believe it is his finest performance to date, demonstrating more charisma, passion, emotion, as well as technical and physical skill than he has ever shown before or since. Although not his
best performance, Joaquin Phoenix's villainous turn as Commodus certainly ranks among his best and most memorable. And fellow cast mates Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, Oliver Reed, and more have never been better. Rounded out by classical players including Derek Jacobi and Richard Harris, Gladiator features an impressive ensemble of familiar and less-familiar faces, all of whom do a phenomenal job of delivering both the emotional and physical content of the story.