Muscular peplum!

If the scenario remains conventional (motor of history is revenge), Ridley Scott used brilliantly by the interesting finds: the introduction in Germany in snow, training Maximus in Africa etc ... More the director handles his camera address, which, combined with a well-paced editing, does nothing to spoil our enjoyment. Battle and fight scenes are well shot ... attention to sensitive souls is sometimes violent!
He had an actor with broad shoulders to carry this fim Action: The choice of Russell Crowe, in great shape, in the role of Maximus is a must ... no complaints about his performance as an actor.
If you are looking to regain the kitsch atmosphere of yesteryear epics, you may be disappointed, as found in "Gladiator" a way to turn and treat very current image. But do not spoil our fun, it's a very good film, well controlled that keeps the viewer in suspense until the end!